As much as we feel for the plight of the victims, we are not the ones burdened with the loss of a loved one or the destruction of our homes.

What is glaringly evident from these two calamities and Hurricane Katrina in 2005, that flooded and destroyed New Orleans in the United States, is the response of the governments of each of these nations to those specific events.

The failure of the Bush administration was broadcast for all to see and it became clear that as much as the US professes to be a democratic society, differing sets of rules apply to its citizens.

Despite claiming to have the world's greatest army, it could not see to the needs of its own people. So one must ask the question: Are the Americans better in their vision of democracy and a system of government they seek to stamp on the rest of the globe?

In so far as the response of their 'freely elected government' to the plight of the residents of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina is concerned, I would say no.

Cyclone Nargis has wrought untold damage and continues to wreak unimaginable suffering on the Myanmarese who are still waiting for basic help. The ruling junta's response has been shameful and the lack of any significant pressure by Asean on it is a blight on the association.

To sit back and simply say we cannot interfere in the internal affairs of another nation is unacceptable. Asean should step in to offer aid and assistance for the common good.

What the devastating earthquake in China has shown is that despite being branded as a government that does not offer its citizens the freedoms so dearly espoused in the US, the Chinese government has shown the world through its actions that it is connected with its citizens and that they can count on it.

It has wasted no time to mobilise its massive army to aid its citizens. Prime Minister Wen Jiabao has spent time on the ground with the people and feels their plight.

The Chinese army is leaving no stone unturned to help end the suffering in Sichuan.

Beijing has shown itself to be a worthy government of the people. To those in government, I say, the proof is in the pudding.

Masood Mohajer