Radical Avenue

An angry cyclone pounded Burma last week and left a bitter cloud of despair in its wake. As entire villages now battle to survive, thousands of aid workers sit just over the borders waiting for the call to go in and help. By refusing to allow relief agencies into their country, the murderous Burmese military has once again demonstrated a complete disregard for the welfare of the Burmese people.

The United Nations is full of professionals with extensive experience in responding to exactly this type of emergency. Too often American politicians beat up on the UN as a way of scoring cheap political points at home. While some UN guests do criticize America, how many other nations have enough confidence in their government to invite hostile foreign leaders into their political forums?

If not for the unfortunate political situation in Burma, the United Nations would now be airlifting massive shipments of relief supplies into the most remote corners of that country. This should be a tremendous source of pride for the United States, which has always been closely associated with the UN.

In 1945, President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill led the effort to establish the United Nations. They specifically wanted to prevent a repeat of the horrific series of events which spawned World War II. Prior to that, President Woodrow Wilson worked tirelessly to promote the League of Nations, which went out of business but served as a model for the United Nations. Today the United Nations has 192 members. By now those other countries know that UNICEF and UNESCO did not just spring forth from thin air.

The United Nation’s ability to provide emergency humanitarian aid is unparalleled in the history of the world. Let’s hope the Burmese military will get out of the way soon so that the UN can do its job.

Burma, United Nations, UNICEF, UNESCO

Christmas Day has arrived in Burma but the Grinch is still in charge. We’ll celebrate the holiday on this side of the world. But it’ll be another Blue Christmas in Rangoon.

The Burmese junta government continues to incarcerate citizens it suspects of having participated in pro-democracy demonstrations. The Democratic Voice of Burma recently reported that three people were sentenced to over two years in prison after giving water to protesting monks in September.

“Ko Shwe Thway, Ko Zaw Gyi and Ko Yazar were charged with incitement of offences against the state or public tranquility under section 505 (b) of the penal code, and also with defamation, according to Monywa residents.”

The report continues, “Local residents said that none of the men were political activists or affiliated with any political groups.”

The government forces villagers to supply recruits to the Burmese army. “Local troops from government brigade (66) in Nattalin, Zeegone, and Kyopin Kout townships are demanding that local villagers contribute one recruit from each village group or 1500 kyat per household to hire mercenaries.”

The Burmese military also amuses itself by pillaging from local merchants. “Leh Pyin village, located on a railway line half way between Thar Si and Kalaw township in Shan state, is well known among people in the gold business for its mines and is populated by informal gold diggers.”

“Village residents said that around 70 soldiers from the government’s Defence Services Command and General Staff College in Kalaw township, led by major Myat Htun, raided the village on 14 December and seized items from several gold shops.”
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Laura Bush has been pretty rough on the Burmese military junta recently. She threatened additional sanctions if things don’t improve there in the next couple of days. She has also called for the removal of Burmese General Than Shwe and his regime. You go girl. I rather hoped that her husband would have more to say about the pro-democracy Saffron Revolution. Maybe Mr. Bush could go back to New Orleans and make another speech from Jackson Square. He could throw a saffron robe over the statue of Andrew Jackson. It would make a great photo-op. Oh well, I guess as Americans we have to take leadership wherever we can get it.

Perhaps Laura is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Hillary Clinton. She may be looking to enhance her foreign policy credentials in anticipation of a run for the US Senate. Then she could run for president in 2016. We should all be sick of Hillary by then. We’ll be longing for the good ol’ days, but Jen and Barbara won’t be ready yet. Someone will need to maintain the Clinton/Bush dynasty. When Laura’s done she can hand the keys to the kingdom over to Chelsea.

It’s more likely that George Bush just doesn’t care much about Burma. The CEO of Exxon probably told him that it would take too long to get enough oil wells built there before he’d see a solid return on his investment. Besides, the whole mess is a distraction from the President’s battle against his true sworn enemy, the Democratic Party, or the Democrat Party as he likes to call them. Mr. Bush is likely in the midst of scheduling a massive terrorism alert around the time of next summer’s Democratic convention, or should I say the Democrat convention.

Of course the ever vigilant Congress has certainly done its part to recognize the plight of repressed people around the world. This week they introduced a resolution condemning the genocide of Armenians… in 1915. The Burmese generals must be shaking in their boots over the likelihood that 92 years from now the US Congress will pass a non-binding resolution scolding them. What’s next, a resolution condemning the Thuggees of 19th century India? At least that would be the correct continent, and, after all, those Thuggees were seriously nasty people.

Burma, Myanmar, Burmese military, democracy, Burmese revolution, Laura Bush, Burmese junta, General Than Shwe, Congress, Democrats, Thuggees

One thing is certain about the Saffron Revolution. The word is out. The terrorist Burmese generals don’t want the world to know about their brutal repression of freedom loving citizens in their country. But hard as they may try, they can’t stop the flood of information flowing from their country. I have previously listed a number of organizations covering the massacre of innocent civilians in Burma. The whole world knows about this historical uprising.

Words matter, but nothing tells a story like a photograph. Some of the pictures coming out of Burma are difficult to look at, but one particularly haunting photo says it all. Here is a link to a dead Buddhist monk floating in the water. Indeed the Burmese military are beating monks to death and dumping their bodies in the river. Their savagery knows no bounds.

The Burmese junta leaders have offered to have a “liaison” meet with Aung San Suu Kyi, the rightful leader of Burma. This is a pathetic stalling tactic, hardly worth mentioning. The Burmese generals should be on trial for murder. They are not people to be bargained with. It’s disappointing to realize that the current leaders of the free world are far too timid and disorganized to drive these villains from power.

Lately Laura Bush has been speaking out about the massacre in Burma. Good for her. But as I read her bold statements I can’t help but experience cognitive dissonance. Would Franklin Roosevelt have sent Eleanor to meet with Churchill and Stalin in Yalta? If President Bush is too busy, then where is our Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice? We’re living in strange times.

Burma, Myanmar, Burmese military, democracy, Saffron Revolution, Buddhist monks, terrorism, Laura Bush

India likes to call itself the world’s largest democracy. They are also one of the largest enablers of the Burmese general’s terrorist campaign against its own people. I hope the voters of India throw the bums out in the next election. India has no problem exploiting Burmese natural resources, but takes a “hands off” approach when it comes to the slaughter of innocent Burmese civilians.

Plainly stated, the Indian government is in it for the money. Burma has large natural gas deposits but no infrastructure to extract it. So India has graciously helped build the infrastructure so that it can extract this resource and transport it back to their country. Burma’s other neighbors, including Thailand and China; also exploit Burmese natural resources, thereby enabling the carnage in Burma. And of course the bloodthirsty Burmese generals are more than happy to sell out their country to the highest bidder.

When the Burmese people gain their independence, they will no doubt remember who supported their oppressors. The United States has learned this lesson many times over. Our country supported the Shah of Iran for years despite the Shah’s dismal human rights record. This led to the Iranian hostage crisis of the 1970’s. We have had poor relations with that country ever since.

India may realize some short term gains from its support of the Burmese junta, but they’ll pay for it in the long run. Democracies should not support brutal totalitarian regimes. It is hypocritical to allow freedom at home while actively supporting dictators in other countries. As the old saying goes: Lie down with dogs, wake up with fleas.

Here is a list of businesses currently doing business with the terrorist military regime in Burma.

Burma, Myanmar, Burmese military, democracy, Burmese revolution, India

The world’s religious leaders haven’t had much to say about the persecution of Buddhist monks in Burma. It’s difficult to imagine a more benign group than these young men in saffron robes. They stand for peace, personal sacrifice and spiritual enlightenment. Lately they have chosen to stand with Aung San Suu Kyi and the pro-democracy demonstrators in their home country. But the leaders of other religions will not stand with them.

If our government disagreed with the political ideals of Christians and decided to ransack churches and beat up ministers, Americans would be outraged. The backlash would undoubtedly be intense. But this is exactly what’s happening in Burma today and it is no less outrageous. By showing the world that they have no respect for the peaceful spiritual leaders of their country, the Burmese military has made it clear that they will do anything to stay in power. And the world has responded by looking the other way.

Everyone’s spiritual journey is little different. Many follow in the footsteps of their parents. Others seek their own path. Some people don’t believe in any religion. Regardless of the contours of the journey, everyone deserves the chance to make sense of their life. When government stops citizens from worshiping peacefully according to their own beliefs, it strips them of an essential human dignity. By attacking and humiliating Buddhist monks, the Burmese military has insulted all religions. It would be nice to hear spiritual leaders around the world speaking out in favor of protecting the sanctity of religious institutions.

Burma, Myanmar, Buddhists, Buddhist monks, Saffron revolution, Burmese military, democracy, Burmese revolution, Aung San Suu Kyi,

On June 12, 1987, Ronald Reagan went to the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin and uttered these famous words: “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.” The phrase cemented Reagan’s reputation as a strong world leader and helped bring an end to the Cold War. It became a defining moment of his presidency. President Reagan used that speech to apply political pressure to the old Soviet Union and its leader, Mikhail Gorbachev.

Mr. Reagan’s speech reminded many of when John F. Kennedy went to Berlin on June 26, 1963. President Kennedy wanted to express American solidarity with the free citizens of Western Europe. His speech included these words: “Ich bin ein Berliner.” In English this means “I am a Berliner.” By making US resolve clear in the face of ongoing communist threats, President Kennedy showed the world that America would not be intimidated by Soviet imperialism. Reagan and Kennedy both understood the power of political persuasion. When the US President speaks clearly and forcefully about world events, people listen.

In contrast, President Bush has been timid and disinterested when it comes to the ongoing genocide in Burma. He speaks incessantly about the “global war on terror”, but says nothing about the terrorist Burmese military junta. We’ve all heard Mr. Bush drone on and on about spreading democracy around the world, but he won’t lift a finger in support of the pro-democracy movement in Burma.

President Reagan and President Kennedy were world leaders. George W. Bush is the leader of the US Republican party. He treats Democrats as the enemy rather than as fellow Americans. He has an opportunity to lead this country in a cause that we can all rally around, but it’s clear that he’s not up to the task. Perhaps someone should tell Bush that the Burmese military supports John Kerry and MoveOn.org. Maybe that will wake him from his slumber.

Burma, Myanmar, Burmese military, democracy, Burmese revolution, global war on terror, President Bush, George W. Bush, President Reagan, President Kennedy, Cold War, Berlin

According to the dictionary, a terrorist is someone who uses violence and intimidation to achieve political objectives. That sounds a lot like the Burmese military, but no one in our government has labeled them terrorists.

If our country had a nickel for every time the president mentions the War on Terror, we wouldn’t have a budget deficit. But what does it mean? The Burmese people have been terrorized for decades. Their duly elected leader sits in prison and scores of innocent civilians have been massacred in the streets. When peace loving Buddhist monks led pro-democracy demonstrations recently, the Burmese military responded by ransacking the monasteries and beating the monks with canes.

Where is all the tough talk when in comes to the terrorist Burmese generals? It’s pretty clear that the War on Terror is nothing more than a political slogan. It was invented to gain support for an invasion of Iraq, even though Iraq had nothing to do with the 9-11 attacks.

Unlike the Iraqi leaders, Aung San Suu Kyi enjoys widespread support in Burma. She was elected in 1988 by an 80% majority. Of course George Bush did offer this statement about the situation in Burma, which he had his press secretary recite to the media:

“The world is watching the people of Burma take to the streets to demand their freedom, and the American people stand in solidarity with these brave individuals. We feel admiration and compassion for the monks and peaceful protesters calling for democracy. Every civilized nation has a responsibility to stand up for people suffering under a brutal military regime like the one that has ruled Burma for so long. I call on all nations that have influence with the regime to join us in supporting the aspirations of the Burmese people and to tell the Burmese Junta to cease using force on its own people who are peacefully expressing their desire for change. By its own account, the Junta has already killed at least nine non-violent demonstrators, and many others who have been injured and arrested as they seek to express their views peacefully. I urge the Burmese soldiers and police not to use force on their fellow citizens. I call on those who embrace the values of human rights and freedom to support the legitimate demands of the Burmese people.”

Riveting. Mr. Bush, you are right to call on others to support the legitimate demands of the Burmese people, but the Burmese Junta won’t listen to the secretaries and steel workers of America. With all due respect, only one person is Commander in Chief of the most powerful military force in the world.

What do you plan to do to confront these atrocities Mr. President? Perhaps it should be call it the War on Nasty Looking Arab Terrorists that We Can Reference in Political Campaigns to Scare the American People into Voting for Us.

Burma, Myanmar, Burmese Junta, War on Terror, George Bush, Burmese revolution

The citizens of Burma elected Aung San Suu Kyi to lead their country in 1988. But she was never allowed to take office. Instead that election led to her imprisonment. The Burmese military has kept her under lock and key ever since. She has tasted freedom for only a handful of days in the past 19 years. The Burmese generals obviously believe that democracy threatens the posh lifestyle which they have learned to enjoy.

Aung San Suu Kyi is the Mahatma Ghandi of our time. Like Ghandi, Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela, she advocates peaceful resistance to the illegitimate military rulers of Burma. She could ask her followers to take up arms, and many of them probably would. However this would allow the Burmese generals to use the pro-democracy movement in their propaganda campaign. The Burmese military leaders would love to say that they are in the midst of repelling an armed insurrection. Instead the world has watched as they gun down unarmed civilians and beat up Buddhist monks. This has made them the target of international scorn.

Aung San Suu Kyi has made many sacrifices on behalf of the Burmese people. She left her husband and children behind in 1988 and has not seen them since. Her husband was not allowed to visit her in prison before his death in 1999. And there’s no reason to believe that she has been treated with respect during her current confinement.

I have been writing regularly about the plight of the Burmese people because I consider their pro-democracy movement much more significant than the petty back and forth sniping of comfortable American politicians. People are dying today for the sake of democracy in Burma. Aung San Suu Kyi and her followers deserve our support.

Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma, Myanmar, democracy

It’s great to see so many of my fellow bloggers speaking out about the genocide in Burma. Andrew Sullivan has covered the Burmese popular uprising extensively. As Andrew points out in Burmese Haze, the internet is vitally important to the success of this revolution.

In the Newsweek article The Problem with Burma, Melinda Liu describes a harrowing encounter she had with the Burmese military years ago as she attempted to investigate reports of live people being cremated. These monsters have been terrorizing the Burmese people for far too long. Ms. Liu also says that the Burmese leaders are highly superstitious. Hmm.

Ordering soldiers to fire on unarmed civilians will surely lead to bad luck down the road somewhere for the Burmese terrorists. The souls of those innocent victims will undoubtedly be looking for retribution in the next life.

Breaking into monasteries and beating up Buddhist monks has bad karma written all over it. After all, the monks are the country’s spiritual leaders. The Burmese generals believe in karma right?

We also have the entire world watching the massacre of peaceful Burmese protestors in real time, and the Burmese military is utterly incapable of stopping it. I guess that’s their misfortune.

And if the Burmese regime continues its campaign of terror, they’ll have decadent westerners dressing up as sadistic Burmese generals on Halloween, complete with whipping canes and bloody fangs. Hell, that’s just embarrassing.

Here are more links to organizations documenting the popular revolution in Burma: The US Campaign for Burma, Burma-Myanmar Genocide 2007, Newdesk Special Burma

Burma, Myanmar, Burmese military, Andrew Sullivan, Burmese revolution

I made a mistake yesterday by referring to Burma as Myanmar. The military regime currently subjugating the Burmese people changed the name of the country after brutally suppressing a popular uprising there in 1989. According to published reports, the illegitimate rulers of Burma stepped up their campaign of terror yesterday by raiding Buddhist monasteries and killing several civilians, including a Japanese journalist. Yes the Burmese military leaders are terrorists.

The US political response has been tepid. Our policy of enacting economic sanctions has never made a difference in the past. There’s no reason to believe that it will work this time around either. Laura Bush got on TV to complain about the situation. It’s nice to see her speak out, but she looked like she was late for a tea party. We all know Laura’s husband isn’t losing any sleep over the plight of the Burmese people.

Our leaders need to engage in a much more aggressive political campaign in support of the pro-democracy forces in Burma. The Bushies know about politics right? That’s when you go to great length to expose the shortcomings of your political opponents and their supporters.

Condoleezza Rice should be speaking out forcefully every day about the terrorist regime in Burma. She should be bending the ear of our allies in Thailand, India, Australia and Japan. After all, it’s not like she’s busy dealing with Iraq.

We need to put more heat on the totalitarian leaders of Burma. These guys don’t want to be the focus of the world’s attention. They would prefer to operate in the shadows. But we’ve got some very bright lights in America.

Here are links to organizations closely following the Burmese pro-democracy movement: Burma Digest, Democratic Voice of Burma, The Irrawaddy, Mizzima News, The Burma Campaign UK

Burma, Myanmar, Bush, Buddhist monks, pro-democracy, Laura Bush

We could do ourselves a big favor by thinking about how other countries see us once in a while. In Iraq, we’ve spent hundreds of billions of dollars and have committed over a hundred thousand troops for five years running to further our regime change strategy. It’s not clear how much good we’ve done. Iraq is still only nominally democratic and we’ve had numerous reports of government officials engaging in ethnic cleansing. The future there is murky at best.

In Myanmar, pro-democracy forces have been risking life and limb to peacefully end the tyrannical rule of their countries’ military leaders. These dissidents already have a democratically elected leader ready to lead a new government. And what has the US done to promote democracy in Myanmar? President Bush mentioned economic sanctions in a speech the other day. Economic sanctions? When have those ever worked? Where is the political and diplomatic pressure? Why aren’t we pushing our allies in the region to do more? It’s clear to any outside observer that our country is highly selective when it comes to supporting democracy in other countries.

Our leaders are like schoolyard bullies, constantly threatening smaller, weaker opponents. Then they try to convince us that we need big brother around to protect us. The Soviet Union was ten times more dangerous than North Korea, Iran or Syria ever will be. Instead of fear mongering, our president should be focused on protecting all of the struggling new democracies springing up in Asia, Eastern Europe, Central America and Africa. Of course that would require him to look beyond partisan politics for a change. Karl Rove would never stand for it.

Myanmar, Burma, democracy, economic sanctions, Bush, Rove, Iraq