Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Michale Buie, Raleigh, NC — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 13:48:28 GMT

I hate seeing this kind of repression, but, it is hard to know when we can intervene in these situations, because, as in Iraq, the people we try to help call us invaders and occupiers, our people die, and what little stability they had in a government seems to melt into anarchy and civil conflict, where all who live there suffer even more.

I think it may be best if we let the dictators rule their countries with what “order” they have, until enough people tire of them that they liberate themselves. It would take an official appeal from a people to the United Nations requesting intervention before I would feel comfortable doing anything beyond sanctions and advising restraint.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Upset — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 13:54:11 GMT

Isn't this why the United Nations body was formed to intervene in these types of situations? It is deplorable, are the going to standby and watch as usual?

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

EW BOCCA — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 14:00:42 GMT

Democracy, the ancient Greeks had this form of government,and still in the 21st century we have military cowards, armed with machine guns to kill there neighbors, beat them down to the ground to keep them shackled, controlled , hungry like useless sub humans.Democracy brings intelligence, wealth, ideas,prosperity, freedom to explore, education, invention,and above all the power to rule justly. Power of the people for the people.The free world has to mock, embarress,shun,restrict,harass,and have no respect for these military governments that continue to murder there own so they can opulently live in greed and plenty. ewb

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Jason Dillard — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 14:09:45 GMT

We don't have time to help. Our lawmakers are busy campaigning.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Azel Beckner, Bowling Green,KY — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 14:19:18 GMT

The general strike has been advocated as a non-violent approach to change in an undemocratic country.
I think it might work in Myanmar.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

J.M. Thevenet — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 14:25:15 GMT

Where is the Pope? with a "Plea" for the Military Dictatorship to demonstrate some Humanity. Why aren't any "World Leaders",or the UN, decrying this senseless murder of Burmese monks and peaceful demonstrators? (What? they have no oil? so we don't want to interfere?) Please! In the name of God, Allah, & Budda DO SOMETHING!

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Dillon Orbon, Greensboro, NC — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 14:41:43 GMT

It's about time for the UN to put the pressure on China and help the citizens of Burma retake their country. The US will, largely, be expected to lead that effort and I believe this needs to be a prime topic in political discussions both here in the US and in the UN meetings as well and these discussions need to happen fast if the people of Burma are to survive.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Sean It. Before, Ft. Myers, FL — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 14:45:45 GMT

I was in Burma in '96 for counter-drug intervention. For a country that is largely Buddists, violence is not on the road to nirvana. The people WILL need a global assistance to be liberated. The two countries with the most to gain are China and India. Let this be their Gulf War: go in destable the curent goverment, fail at installing a democracy and then fight over the rights to Burma's natual resources!!

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

john florida — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 14:50:10 GMT

This is a perfect time for the U.N. to step up and do what they were created to do"put an end to it"defend the victims. BIT WE THE U.S.A. STAY THE HELL OUT OF IT !NO SOLDIERS NO MONEY NO NOTHING.THE U.N. IS NOT GOING TO USE US IN ANY WAY.THEY ARE NOT SUPPORTING US SO WE OWE THEM NOTHING. GIVE THEM THE SUPPORT THEY GIVE US "NONE" LET THEM GO TO RUSSIA AND CHINA AND IRAN FOR HELP. LEAVE US ALONE DON'T PICK OUR BATTLES FOR US.I FEEL TERRIBLE ABOUT USING BURMA AS THE THE LINE YOU HAVE TO DRAW SOMEWHERE IN THE WORLD. IF WE ARE INDEED THE GREAT SATAN LET SATAN SIT THIS ONE OUT.GOT TO THE MUSLIMS GO TO WHOM SO EVER YOU WANT BUT NOT HERE NOT NOW.ALL THEY(THE U.N.) HAVE DONE IS TAKE WELL NOW IT'S TIME THEY GIVE FOR A CHANGE.THOSE PEOPLE NEED HELP AND SHOULD GET HELP FROM THE REST OF THE DO NOTHINGS THAT ONLY TAKE SPACE AND BREATH AIR AND WASTE BOTH.THE SO CALLED POLICEMAN TO THE WORLD IS A LITTLE BUSY RIGHT NOW WITH ALL THE LITTLE THINGS THAT THE U.N. WOULD NOT HELP HIM WITH. SO THIS ONE IS FOR YOU TO HANDLE.AS A MATTER OF FACT INSTEAD OF REMODELING THE U.N. BUILDING FOR THOSE DO NOTHINGS. WHAT DO YOU SAY WE TEAR THE THING DOWN OR USE IT FOR OUR OWN PEOPLE. I,M SURE WE COULD FIND SOME MUCH BETTER USE FOR IT TO BENEFIT OUR PEOPLE HERE AT HOME.OR JUST MAKE APARTMENTS OUT OF IT AND BRING SOME BURMESE FAMILIES IN TILL THEY GET ON THERE FEET.LET SOME OTHER DESERVING COUNTRY CARRY THEM (THE U.N.)FOR A CHANGE.I AM SURE THAT IRAN WOULD BE HAPPY TO DO IT OR CHAVEZ HAS MADE AN OFFER AND THEY SHOULD TAKE HIM UP ON IT.LET THEM CARRY THE EXPENSE AND LOWER THE DEFICIT BY THAT MUCH.WE WANT TO CUT GOVERNMENT SPENDIG LET'S START RIGHT HERE.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

JM — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 14:52:57 GMT

Yes the United Nations was formed to protect against such things. Unfortunately, in todays "liberal" climate the only thing that will be done is complain about it.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Dell, houston, tx — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 14:57:14 GMT

I wonder why it is okay for the us to invade in Iraq and doesn't nodbody seem's all that bothered about Burma. The orignal reason for Iraq was Nuclear weapons which they never had, then they spoke about Saddams dictatorship, but from what i can see, his country wasn't doing too bad actually, when you compare Iraq's situation with Burma. Burma is a total mess and it is a disgrace that western powers are not able to intervene and end this sort of dictatorship. Especially when you have powerful countries like India and china that could lead the way. This situation can easly be controlled and a democratic goverment could be put in place, it just seems no country really wants to.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

av, phetburi, thailand — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 15:07:11 GMT

The only real leverage the US has in the conflict is economic pressure on China. Ooops, my mistake. Since China is the only country that will buy US Treasury bonds anymore, I guess that lever is 'out of service.'

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

yadana, SF, CA — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 15:09:20 GMT

Yes, US should stay out of this.
More sanctions and adding fuels in reporting is not
going to solve anything. Those people need REAL helps. Same old stuff won't help.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Restore The Republic, Pittsburgh, PA — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 15:14:50 GMT

The biggest joke is watching King George Bush II telling the world and scolding Myanmar about freedom when he has mounted the biggest assault on the freedoms and rights of Americans (and for citizens of every nation for that matter) in history. Total joke. Vote Ron Paul. Let's end the tyranny. We need to unite. Freedom Now!

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Bill W, New York — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 15:23:17 GMT

Has anyone told Mr. Bush there are huge natural gas reserves in Burma? Maybe then he would respond with his terror fighters to "help"! Funny how the US seems to be selective as to who and how they think democracy should distrubuted.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Bill W, New York — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 15:26:41 GMT

I forgot about China and their possibly helping Burma. Maybe if the world put some pressure on CHina and threatened to boycott the Olympics if they didn't truly try and help, that China might intervene rather than want a "resloution"? Too much talk and not enough action. Shame on the world community.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

72 Y/O DIS. VET REX ROMAINE BAHR PORTLAND OREGON — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 15:32:13 GMT

Why do you kill the LINKS that may do some good?
The SIMPLE SOULTION is to BAR all imports from CHINA. We did not trade with COMMUNIST RUSSIA so I do not understand why we trade with COMMUNIST CHINA. As long as this is allowed we will LOSE. You cannot fight YOURSELF & WIN. We won the BATTLES with NIPPON = JAPAN but they have WON the WAR. REX

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Kyaw Hlaing, Los Angeles — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 15:34:06 GMT

Are the world waiting until my country will be the likes of Rwanda, Darfur, Kosovo or Somalia? We are helpless against a militery who don't think twice to shot us.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Govinda Rai, Richmond, VA — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 15:34:35 GMT

CHINA and Russia are the biggest problem in the modern world as well as in the region. CHINA is the one who has been empowering the military rulers/dictators who have no respet for human life and freedom.

In Burma, China is making a big stake by selling its weapons to Burma's Military rulers and their paid-thugs (seen in a picture who are helping arrest the protestors). China does not want democracy in Burma reciting calmness to both parties, which means more time so the Ruler can suppress more people by the use of it's weapons like in 1998.

China rules out every possible solution that remaining world discover. It ruled out UN sanction over Iran, because China receives huge amount of petroleum from Iran. It ruled out U.S. call for sanction over Burma, because "The longer military rules in Burma, the more weapanry business for China".

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

BLC, Peoples' Republic of Seattle. — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 15:41:40 GMT

I love these liberals spewing their anti-USA venom. Borders Language Culture! Defend all 3.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

dt — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 15:43:11 GMT

Shame on YOU, Myanmar, to think that you can keep
controlling people like that..SHAME ON YOU!

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Cindy Newbold — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 15:44:43 GMT

Deja vu, Tibet 1950.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Michaelle, T Renton WA — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 15:49:48 GMT

As sad as the images monks and unarmed citizens beaing beaten and shot coming out of Burma are I was far more upset by a recent visit of President Bush to Seattle in which they closed down the freeways for an hour prior to his arrival and riot police were stationed between the protesters and the venue at a high rise hotel in the suburbs. It was less then 10 years ago at the WTO conference here in Seattle that most of down town was turned into a war zone with martial law, tear gas in residential neighborhoods, peaceful protesters heared around like cattle and shot with bean bags and rubber bullets even the press was arrested. Prior to the start of the Iraq War tens of thousands of women from various church groups maarched with little problem but also with little press coverage.

Our we really any different now then Burma?

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Suren, Denver, CO — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 15:52:08 GMT

In the past US has done nothing to support democracy in other countries, in fact have supported dictators around the world. Iraq has not achieved democracy with US help, and Burma will acheive without outside help!! When other countries help, they help for their selfish reason more often, and humanity is just used an excuse!

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Lou, California — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 15:59:06 GMT

At least if we acted here there would be a higher ground to stand on. Iraq, well, Iraq is a different story. I hope that someone, if not us, does something.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

James, Denver, Colorado — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 16:20:29 GMT

The United States should assert its power in both the international media and political arena to end the Junta's aggressive oppression of both Buddhist Monks and pro-democracy supporters. In a modern world where we can see the horrors of military brutality on the morning news then it is certainly possible to find an internationally supported solution to this blatant disregard of human rights. If the United States can find justification to invade both Afghanistan and Iraq, not that military action is necessary in this situation, then we can find a way to pressure the Junta regime to dissolve or radically change and adopt a pro-democratic political system of government. The United States and the West (Western Europe) owe it to all the oppressed of the world, especially in post-colonial countries such as Myanmar (formerly British Burma), to try and facilitate the development of a government that would not only benefit the citizens of Myanmar but the global economy as a whole.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Tommy Speight, Hampton, VA — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 16:22:11 GMT

These people need help, but it needs to be the countries in the region or administerd by the UN which isn't going to happen. As far as this country, unfortunantly the Demacrats would cut and run when the first shot is fired and there's plus there objective right now is determining what tax that can raise when they win the Presidency. The Republicans can't make any money for the oil industry there so it doesn't get much attention from them. Pitiful shape this world is in.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

michael bootzin Milwaukee Wisconsin — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 16:29:51 GMT

news flash- we are a world community now! we cannot pretend that we are not involved. We, the people who are saying they should do something about it, are the ones who need to do something about it.
Burma is the Only country in the world that has four pivotal issues occurring simultaniously;
1) In 1990 there was a fair, Democratic election which the Junta never honored
2) All of the Leaders from the many ethnic groups have publicly stated support for the national League for Democracy
3) Aung San Suu Kyi, the head spokesperson for the national League for Democracy, has been adamant about all resistance being non-violent
4) Aung San Suu Kyi is the only Nobel Peace Prize laureate to be under house arrest and now possibly moved to a prison situation.

Burma's main supporters are China and Russia and only economic pressure will work. There is talk about a boycott of the olympics next year which would hurt China a little, but we, as consumers need to step up to the plate.
1)Send petitions to the businesses that you do business with. Tell them that you will no longer do business with them if they continue to outsource from China( I understand electronic devices are almost impossible to get from another country, but everything else can be obtained...yes even good, healthy, comfortable shoes)
2)go to www.uscamapignforburma.org get in the streets! hold a demonstration in support of Burmas democracy. we are having one here in Milwaukee this Sunday September 30th 4p.m. at the sunburst(prospect and Wisconsin) keep the issue in the news and in the public eye
3) investors, pull your investments from all chinese companies and businesses that outsource through china, learn about socially responsible investing and shareholder political actions! go to http://coopamerica.org/socialinvesting/shareholderaction/
4) Talk about it, talk about it, talk about it, in the workplace, at home, on the streets, in the schools. talk about what freedom is and what democracy is. Talk about international military efforts and humanitarian efforts, talk about violent resistance and non-violent resistance and after all the talking DON'T POINT YOUR FINGER DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!!!!!

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Sean S., Jacksonville, FL — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 16:33:51 GMT

Once upon a time, the people of a country with repressive leadership could rise up and overthrow the tyrant(s) who ruled over them, just as we did here in America. That ended about 150 years ago with the invention of the first machine guns. Now the brutal dictators of the world have tanks and helicopter gunships, 'improved' means of killing, to keep the underlings in line. While civil disobedience and non-violence can work, it does not work at all with the most brutal regimes. What if Martin Luther King or Mohandas Gandhi had not lived in America or India, but in Stalin's Soviet Union or Hitler's Germany? They and all their followers would have been rounded up and executed before they could get their movements off the ground. For non-violence to work, there has to be a least a little compassion, a little identification from the leadership with the masses; the society must at least in some small way value the existence of the average members of that society. If that's not there, there is no hope--except through outside intervention. To put it simply, with the most brutal regimes (and certainly Saddam Hussein's was a good example) the killing is simply going to continue, the bodies piling up by the hundreds and thousands, until either the outside world finally cares enough to commit the resources necessary (military and otherwise) to force it to stop, or the murders are simply exhausted or run out of victims to kill (such as in Rwanda).

In situations like this, it is up to us--do we or do we not live up to the ideals our country was founded upon, to the ideals that we all claim to believe in every Independence Day? That all men are created equal? If so, if we are all equal, then we are all equally valuable, we all have the same innate worth, regardless of whether we're American, Iraqi, Rwandan, Cambodian, Afghan, or Myanmarese (which is what I suppose they would call themselves--either that or Burmese) or any other nationality or other grouping you choose to name. That being the case, we all--meaning all of the rest of humanity, not just all Americans or Britians or Italians or any other group--we all have a moral obligation, a responsibility, to end such repression or mass murder or ethnic cleansing or genocide or whatever you choose to call it. Whether at the individual or at the national level, life is all about the acceptance or avoidance of responsbilities. Which do we choose?

At this point it does not seem to be this bad in Myanmar. There is still hope that the Myanmarese can force their leaders to change, and it's always best if a people can make themselves free. But there are times when it requires the assistance, the involvement, of outside forces to end things that are unacceptable to the rest of mankind.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Howie, Flushing, NY — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 16:37:37 GMT

The reason for US government not doing anything with what is going on in Burma because it has nothing to gain by overthrowing a dictatorship. As for Iraq, it has oil that the American people need.

We are fortunate to be able to live in a democratic country where we will not be harmed by our government for voicing our personal opinions. Sometimes I feel that people take democracy for granted, not realizing how lucky we are.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

T. Armstrong, Calif. — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 17:10:26 GMT

Like North Korea, North Vietnam and Tibet, Burma is a buffer country to China, so fuggetabout the UN or US, they are powerless to act. The Burmese Junta is an opium drug cartel and 2nd largest global exporter of opium and heroin; can you imagine Columbian drug lords or for that matter the North Korean gov't willfully and non-violently relinquishing control to democracy on China's borders? China would march in before that happened; come to think of it, that may be the best option.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Hope - Iowa — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 17:20:48 GMT

We only need look at our own history for an answer as to what needs to happen here.

"Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God." -Ben Franklin

"Whenever they shall grow weary of the existing government, they can excercise their constitutional right of amending it, or exercise their revolutionary right to overthrow it." -Abe Lincoln

"The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government."
-Thomas Jefferson

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

john florida — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 17:36:03 GMT

TELL ALL THIS TO THE U.N. WE ARE NOT GETTING INVOLVED FOR ANY REASON. LET THE U.N. WITH ALL THEIR OUTRAGE AND RESENTMENT FOR THE GREAT SATAN DEAL WITH IT.IN THE END YOU WILL FIND THAT THEY ARE TOOTHLESS IN THE WORLD. ALL THEY CAN DO IS TALK.WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME THEY HAD ANY SUCCESS IN ANYTHING WITH OUT MAKING A SHAMBLES OF IT.I DON'T CARE WHAT THEY DO OR DON'T DO JUST LEAVE US OUT.WE WONT BE ATTENDING THIS DANCE OR PAYING FOR IT.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Travas Gale, Branson Missouri — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 17:46:10 GMT

Breaking ties with China to get them to help will in the end not help the world community! I agree that China needs to do more for the world community than just stuff the pockets of Wal Mart investers etc... The problem with China is much more delicate than that. The problem with most hot spots around the globe is the lack of jobs and education. I don't think we need over a billion Chinese folks with idle hands!

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Burmese in FL — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 18:04:37 GMT

China, India, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore will NOT help the people of Burma. Asean admitted Burma into their circle only to reap profit from it by buying raw materials with under-cut prices.
These Asian neighbours do no want Burma to become a powerful rival once it establishes democratic goverment and prospers. Because unlike many other countries, Burma has much more peace among its diverse ethnicity, all collected by Buddhism.
They will decry the slughter of the monks and civillians, but at the end of the day the Asean nations will still trade with the military Junta and provide the money laundry so the children of the junta can learn in Oxford and Ivy league colleges with blood money.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

TK Tampa Fl — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 18:10:41 GMT

I hate to see repression anywhere in the world but we can't stick our nose in and be a bully all over the world. That's exactly why so many people resent and some hate the US. Leave this to the U.N. Let's solve our own problems first.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Amitava Ghose, Berkeley, CA — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 18:34:07 GMT

The brutal military rulers in Myanmar have destroyed 3,000 villages, displaced at least 1.5 million, raped and murdered uncounted thousands, conscripted over hundreds of thousands of child soldiers, from its own peaceful and defenseless citizens. It is little known and mind-boggling to imagine, but the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar is actually worse than in Darfur.
Yet the junta continues for about two decades to devastate and destroy, supported militarily and shielded from UN Security Council sanction, by China.
It's time to retaliate peacefully in a way that China will feel the pressure.
BOYCOTT THE OLYMPIC GAMES! Pass it on. Let's make a tsunami around the world.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Bruce G. — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 19:05:50 GMT

The U.N. was designed to keep nations from invading their neighbors, NOT to intervene in internal struggles. Sure, the leaders of Myanmar are some of the worst thugs in the world, but Sadam was a terrible leader too, and we've seen what overthrowing him cost us.

The last two hundred years have given us a plethora of examples of "people power" revolutions, some that were successful and some that failed. In almost every case outside of colonial situations, the opinions of the outside world had little to do with the outcome. Ultimately, it is the mid-level army commanders who decide these things. As long as they're willing to command their troops to fire on civilians, and their troops are willing to obey, a rebellion of any size will be crushed. On the day that they stop following their orders, the life of the regime becomes measurable in hours.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Amanda, Barbados — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 19:07:19 GMT

I don't know Sean S...call me crazy but I have a little bit of hope. I take your point about the weaponry but the British imperialists in India and the upholders of Jim Crow in the US south also had better weaponry than the populaces they fought against- and neither of these oppressors were sweet and cuddly. Yet non-violent protest won out in the end.
The same thing in the Soviet Union- it did take a tremendously long time and many people power movements (Hungary 1956, Czechoslovakia 1968) were brutally put down, but people power again won out in the end.

The same thing in South Africa- that was a brutal, well-armed regime and certainly wealthier (thanks to minerals etc) than the Burmese regime. And they had the support of some of the world's most powerful countries such as Reagan's US and Thatcher's UK (remember, she called Mandela a terrorist...I guess it comes down to that that 'one man's freedom fighter' cliche). But people power and the power of reason won out in the end.

Where the people are truly united in wanting democracy, it can happen. But it may take years - this may just be the start of the Burmese Revolution. I'm hopeful

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

KHINE ZAR LYNN, PITTSBURGH, PA — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 19:19:05 GMT

We(Burmese) want Democracy! Democracy! Democracy!
We are fighting for Democracy without armed. WHY??? THE WORLD IS IGNORING US. WE ARE SUFFERING LIKE DARFUR EVEN WE HAVE MANY NATURAL RESOURCES. WE ARE WAITING FOR OUTSIDE HELPS. Junta does not care UN, and any country ..... becauwe CHINA is already powered OVER BURMA. So they just care CHINA. INDIA, RUSSIA,AND NORTH KOREA ARE TAKEN BENEFITS FROM US. IF THE WORLD IS NOT ACTING NOW, OUR REGION WILL BE LIKELY MIDDLE EAST. NOW, NORTH KOREA AND RUSSIA'S NUCLEAR FACILITIES ARE ALMOST IN BURMA. OUR COUNTRY HAS MANY NATURAL RESORUSES FOR CHINA,INDIA, AND THILAND.
WE ALL ARE CONTINUING TO FIGHT FOR DEMOCRACY....WE NEED REAL HELPS.

YOU(Govinda Rai, Richmond, VA, Sean It. Before, Ft. Myers, FL, Dillon Orbon, Greensboro, NC ) ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT.THANKS!!!!!!

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

B. K. Gilford, NH — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 19:20:11 GMT

If you really want to stop this! Then you must get China involved. What's the best way to do this? The old fashion way. Hit them in their pocketbooks. Do not buy Chineese products and let them know why.. They will not let a country like Burma hurt their ecomomy. They will order a stop to it!!!!

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Lee Wilmington, NC — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 19:22:45 GMT

Why are we in such an uproar over this and persuing sanctions in such a hurry when we are doing nothing in Darfur. Wake up.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

20Grand,Charlotte,NC — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 19:35:19 GMT

Listen ,why do we (USA)have to police the world? Look what's going on in Iraq! Let them fight it out themselves. Why send our children to die for their cause..If the results harm us ,well them we take action,not before.. Listen ,how many people in the USA?300,000,000? That $190,000,000,000.00 their asking for this war,cou;d be given to each American to help them out of situations,not spent on wars that our kids get killed by animals. Let them eat ,shoot themselves,leave us out of it. PC ,my ASS!!!!USMC/retired............

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

J. Rincon, Maracaibo - Venezuela — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 19:39:52 GMT

You have to live there to know how they feel. I live in Venezuela and I’m afraid because something like this could happen in my country. I agree with the fact that the citizens have to resolve their own problems, but in some way the rest of the world have to think in help this people. GO! Myanmar resists.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Steven Millin — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 19:46:55 GMT

Uh, Michale Buie, the BIG difference between what's going on in Burma and Iraq is that we did not go to "help" the Iraq's. The excuse as always was to rid the world of "terrorist". I am sure the leaders of Burma and Bush have a lot in common. They both have imaginary enemies abroad, which have now turned into reality

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Larry Victor Anderson, SF CA — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 20:13:09 GMT

so after al the tal and retoric what actualy can be done by the US, the UN or us as individuals? To al of you who have so many opinions, what have you done in your own life and community to make things better for th e people around you? Think about it! It is easy to tal k but direct action may cost you.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

J.W., Huntsville, Alabama — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 20:21:22 GMT

This is why the right to bear arms is critical to freedom and democracy. The people are the last line of defense of their freedom.

The first step to losing your overall freedom is the accumulation of the loss of all your "little freedoms". By then, the people are too powerless to resist.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Ronnie, Dallas TX — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 20:32:13 GMT

For those of you who wonders why we don't intervene.. It is mainly because they don't want a violent way of protest. If we help them militarily, that would require some violence, which is the very thing their leader doesn't want to do... I agree, India should definitely take a leadership. I guess the rest of the world is affraid of China!

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Dave Guthrie, Boise, Idaho — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 20:46:02 GMT

The largest component in this issue is the Buddist monks. As always, the issue of equality rests there in the religion.

They are communing now in larger numbers. And no outside intervention will effect the outcome. Our President's speech outlined our position clearly.

We wish them success in their big for democracy of "any" sort.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

puttz, new york — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 21:03:41 GMT

I say " Hell with It " It's just another third world country crying for a world attention. We have enough problem of our own to worry about.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Frank Yang, washington DC — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 21:16:35 GMT

Sure we can put sanction on those guys in the government. Sure we can condemn them worldwide.
But look at the Chinese government.They still sopport the government and still sell arms to them while We , USA, is still enjoying the close relationship with China. So What's purpose of the sanction ?

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Alexander, Rialto, California — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 21:18:00 GMT

hi! my name is Alex. i am worried for my mom and family in yangon,Burma.i am a 14 year old studying in the US.
can someboy help?

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

KHINE ZAR LYNN, PITTSBURGH, PA — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 21:52:34 GMT

Hello 20Grand,Charlotte,NC,
Please find out about Burma, how we are suffering????? and who we are.
We do not ask for war.... we are asking for REAL helps. You are fortunately living in the powerful country. So, you will not know how we are living. But you might know, China, Russia,Darfur,and communist countries,so we are.
Thanks for interesting

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

James Tam, Brigthon, Michigan — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 21:58:23 GMT

People power is ok, BUT! if the rulers wont step down and kills armless people who are only protesting for a change in goverment....All freedom loving countries MUST! intervene and SAVE!!!! lives. OFF! with the heads of tyrants and greedy!!!

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

vegasscorpio — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 22:00:53 GMT

do they have Oil? We're there then!

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Sagaing Jack, Ban Mauk, Sagaing State, Myanmar/Tucson, Az — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 22:13:10 GMT

I've spent a lot of time there, have a house there and can only say, if the monks are rising up, someone must have cut their freebies and perks. Burmese Buddhism is unlike any other in that the monks are greedy, avaricious and use the power of prayer to elicit favor and material wealth from their 'flocks'.

I have seen them withhold prayers, funerals, weddings and such to extort labor and 'stuff' like cement, mortar and lime so a monk could have a big, brick home rather than one of bamboo like everyone else.

If you go outside one of the large cities in Burma, you will find the big screen TVs and such at the homes of monks, not the military "goons" as some say are keeping the people down.

Just as here in the US, it is when a special interest gets its ox gored that the stuff hits the fan...same there. Why haven't we been hearing from the monks all along? Until now, they didn't have something to lose, that's why.

Just as Aung Son is not 'detained' in her home by any means, she travels frequently with her Brit husband and kids, just under his name, not hers.

Get a life folks, try to solve a few problems here before you cry tears for Burmese student groups who don't get free tuition or free jobs after college any longer! Oh, and those in Thailand and elsewhere, they were a part of the Socialist Gov't the military threw out...Aung San was the head of that gov't...go figure. Oh, the horror, the shear inhumanity of it all!

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Ryan Sisson, San Diego, Ca — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 22:15:26 GMT

We are tired of sitting around, we are doing something about it. Check this out:

http://beta.razoo.com/groups/the_road_to_burma

Take the time to sign up and lets stop pointing fingers and do something for a change.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Sagaing Jack Ban Mauk, Sagaing State, Myanmar — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 22:22:04 GMT

B K Gilford, China is the biggest enemy Burma has regardless what you see in the news and on here. China sponsors socialist insurgencies in Burma and does not want a strong, independent country on their western frontier.

By rights of military occupation, China owns the "parrots beak" area of Burma, where all the opium comes from, as well as the hydroelectric power in Burma. The Burmese and the Chinese are NOT friendly powers.

Due to our boycotts, (why not an Apple boycott, Mr. Jobs? I can buy Apple-anything anywhere in Burma/Myanmar!) the Burmese are forced into business with China...we don't like licking their boots to keep our national debt afloat and neither do the Burmese.

Just recall the attempted Chinese Army (Norinco) purchase of The Port of Long Beach, that is who you think is a friend to Burma?

The Burmese military is not the bad guy the news media tells you. Pay attention, read a little beyond the Isvestia Times!

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Wes — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 22:24:32 GMT

It would be great for America and other countries to help the Burmese regain their country. One problem, last time America helped a country in Asia stay free and democratic, educated college students supported the communists and burned their draft cards and spit on the veterans returning home who had no option in fighting this war. I support fighting for Burma, i support freeing Tibet, when will you idiots realize that it takes blood to free a country? Concerts and speeches have freed no country and never will.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Sagaing jack Ban Mauk Sagaing State, Myanmar — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 22:26:12 GMT

No point in posting a non-PC response here...the zaftig censors must all be Berkeley grads!

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Dr. Bona — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 22:48:12 GMT

My heart bleeds with Burmanese people. pease keep on fighting, you come too far to give up now. The Haitian people got ride off a brutal dictator you can do it as well.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Sam Mitchell, Kunming, China — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 23:41:56 GMT

In the remarkable case of Burma, a country dear to my heart, we see now the possibility of an almost Gandhian situation, although few in Burma remember that era, seldom taught in the schools of today. Non-violence is the answer, although it is foolish to think that lives will not be lost. The idea floated above that this should be India and China's "gulf war" would present an interesting example of helping to create the Nehruvian concept of pan'Asia, now virtually forgotten, but it must be done by completeabandonment of financial support or trade with the junta, strictly enforced. But such a union seems improbable In the end. I have cautious optimism that the Burmese people can win their hope and aspirations back this time around. The so-called "hill tribes", the Wa, the Kachin, the Karen and others should see this as an opportunity for themselves. The current regime is friends to noone.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Tyler C. Somewhere, CA — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 23:59:24 GMT

I was in Myanmar for 5 days in August and personally saw the people in fear of the government. There was a sense that we needed to always watch what we were photographing and filming. We went to Mandalay and saw the masses just trying to get by. The infrastructure is there for a great economic and social leap for Myanmar if they could just get the government in order Myanmar could be one of the great forces in SE Asia in the next 20 years.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Patricia L Hammons, Hesperia, California — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 00:03:30 GMT

Burma is "soveriegn". The U.N. MUST give it this voice only. Communications through injustice always defines the perimeters. Give the U.S. a moment, and we as a soveriegn nation can give them a voice. as ugly as the junta designed it to be. Remember burmese are looking out which is demanding us to prophesy(live the reality for ourselves) How much time do we want to spend living their demands for a democratic future is in direct relationship to our lack of integrity to maintain this voice. John 5:2

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

JD — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 00:25:28 GMT

Very sorry to see many messages of the people who just want to have nothing to do with the situation in Burma. Please remember that with the tsunami, of over 200 thousand deaths, millions people around the world jointed hands and to help. Now with millions of Burmeses faces slow death, no future no hope for their lives, and there is no action. Shame...

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Fathan, San Francisco — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 01:12:30 GMT

I agree with a lot of you. When an oppressed few have little to fight with, those with a little more must help. However, if we're okay standing back and letting a few more thousands of people get killed so they can "work out" thier issues then okay. That's one solution. But I for one, hate to see anyone get hurt or killed just because they're the weaker ones. Sure nobody helped the Russians and they overthrew thier monarchy, but unfortunately got Stalin. hhmm what to do. Maybe the U.N. or a friendly country with resources can have a chat with the Juntas and tell them its game over. That nice country would have to send in a "peace-keeping" army and regulate. Meaning, put all of those generals behind bars and dismantle its army. do it quickly and swiftly. but if a civil war breaks out, then that's when its truly up to the people to "work it out" amongst themselves. Like how it is in Iraq. Let them sort it out. everyone else go home. nobody shoulda went in the first place. but of course we have a terrible administration who has a hidden angenda. see Zeitgeistmovie.com.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

American Eagle, Northeast FL — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 01:58:31 GMT

The international community has to put the pressure on one of the worst and most controlling governments in the world. The UN should finally step up to the plate and do something that brings positive results for the citizens of Burma. I use a psuedonym simply because I travel to Burma often and have already been followed and I would like to return to make sure my friends are safe. This is a very corrupt government. I've watched friends being abused by the police simply because they were giving me a ride in their car. Force, bribery and intimidation are the tactics of this government. Burmese people are very gentle and kind but no human being should have to live under these conditions. It is the time that the UN does what it was created to do. Individual countires should not be solely responsible. End the senseless killing of innocent people. Send UN forces to keep peace and UN diplomats finally do your job and interfere by establishing a peaceful environment so that verbal exchange can be made. For those of you who think this is another Iraq, it's not. And let's never forget what happened in Tibet when the world looked the other way just because there was nothing to gain financially. This is not the case in Burma. China is the largest trading partner with Burma...I wonder why?!

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

D.R., Los Angeles — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 02:27:50 GMT

By the way - any self-respecting exile or expat knows the country as Burma - not Myanmar. My wife is Burmese. She went back to Burma for the first time in over 25 years this year and was just shocked at how badly the country has fared. It was heartbreaking for her to see family and friends. It puts a human face on this tragedy. There is only one thing that these military dictatorships and juntas understand - force. It is time for bullets and bayonets... show no mercy, take no prisoners. Hang every General from the highest temples for all to see the dangling bodies and democracy will flourish for these kind-hearted people.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

san diego — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 02:49:22 GMT

Burma ia a poor country with no oilunlike Iraq.I dont hink our pliticians and rich crronies have no interest in helping the country soon.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Dennis Egan, Vienna, VA — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 03:47:04 GMT

This is not a democracy movement - it is a religious sect Bhuddist "non-violent" resistance movement against an illegitimate tyranical regime.It worked for Ghandi in India in a very different governance situation but had a very sectarian bloody outcome following acquiescence of the standing colonial government who no longer guaranteed domestic security. This is a variation on that theme but also a very subtle situation in Burma. I am inclined to agree that the US should be careful and not necessarily force fit its own homegrown version of democracy on other nations of the world - there is no virtue there. Opposition to tyrants is a better general policy idea but unless there is a reasonably stabile alternative, even tyrants seem to have their place until they overstay their welcome and are overthrown by their own people with a reasonable amount of clandestine assistance and support from other observers and meddlers. I feel sympathy for the Burmese people - their burdens are heavy and China's strong support of the existing regime does not help matters.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

ginny singapore — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 04:50:09 GMT

Let's pray together that the God above us are watching all of this.With the power of God and pray.With the honestly works of leaders,they must do the correct way how to face this rebelios military shooting unarmed citizen of Burma.Just give them water instead of blood.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Mort — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 05:38:19 GMT

Sirs,
Let us all have compassion on the people of Burma.
What is happening there could happen to you or me.
Let's mourn for the dead and the difficult situation.
Let us hold on to the fervent hope in Truth,Love and Peace.Then we shall triumph !

Concerned for the welfare of Burma,
Mort.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

John, Miami, Florida — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 05:40:43 GMT

What have harsh dictatorships learned from Tiananmen? The same people who ordered the massacre are well received in Washington and Brussels, and rewarded with billions of dollars in investments. Guess what will happen in Burma?

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Russell Cranford, Sawara City, Japan — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 05:52:29 GMT

The U.N. should be dismanlted. The U.S. created the U.N., and it back-fired on them. The U.S. originally used the U.N. as a mouth-piece to push an American agenda on to many member states. Now the member states are hanging on the coat tales of the U.S. using the U.N. as a reason to asks for many different things. The U.N. was a great tool for the U.S. to use 50 years ago against our cold war foes, but now it is horribly inadequate to solve global problems, and in fact only harms the U.S. image. I really think the U.S. should face its problems more dynamically and forget the U.N. altogether. It is time to form a new international alliance and include only countries that can help the U.S., not countries that are a liability to the U.S.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

living city, washington dc — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 07:00:06 GMT

China is the main supporter of this evil regime. China's dirty hands have been involved in every evil regime around the world. They support evil regime in Darfur, they support evil regime in North Korea. They supported evil regime of the Khmer Rouge that kill millions of cambodian people. China massacred innocent people and monks in Tibet. Any country that is unlucky enough to be geographically next to China usually faced some kind of devious intervention underhanded from them. Boycott Beijing Olympic. Pray for rain on their Olympic days.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

David Tickner, Hsinchu, Taiwan, R.O.C. — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 07:00:31 GMT

The world stood by when Paul Pot killed half of the people in his country. Only the brave few journalists brought out smuggled images of the genocide. Still we the West did nothing. Burma is facing a smaller genocide, one that is so small comparatively speaking that it will not provoke America, nor the EU to intervene for fear of annoying China. America is currently considering invading Iran, but whether you agree with Iranian politics or not, it is not such a hotbed of corruption as Burma is because the people in Iran are allowed to be the muslims they are. I wouldn't want to live in Iran for love nor money, but I respect that many fundamentalist muslims might. The Burmese are not allowed to have the religious freedom they chose, which is evident from the mass arrests and torture of the Budhists, so in my humble opinion this is a greater reason to invade Burma. Enough with Iran, the Burmese are much worse off.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Sascha, Bellinham washington — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 07:26:50 GMT

Maybe we should try and help these people, because if no on else is than someone needs to stand up and say something and do something! I hope that people don't read that and think war, because war is almost always not the answer. We shouldn't jump the gun as we have done in the past. If we can diplomatically work on the government and then also help to educate the people than that would help leaps and bounds. I believe that we as a country can not decide what another country should believe in. It is up to Myanamar/Burma people to decide what they want, but perhaps they need help to express and show their opinions and needs, and that is where we and many other countries should step in. To help express and deliver what the people want, not what we want. This is not an I situation but a they situation. They are the people who need help, not us. They need help to have freedom, that should not be second in line for us being able to pay 10 cents less in gas, although in theory that would be nice! Sometimes we need to think about the rest of the world and not ourselves.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

john, hutchinson (AMERICA) ks. — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 08:07:32 GMT

not to make light of the burmese people and their plight, but does anyone remember TIBET? you know, that little country that the chinese invaded and continue to hold hostage. but since we desire diplomatic peace, we as a government decided that TIBET is part of china. the united nations, usa and other power houses no longer acknowledge TIBET as a SOVEREIGN NATION. if we are to support burma and not recognize their militant "myanmar" government, then why should we recognize china as the sovereign rule of TIBET. free kuwait, pakistan, afganistan, iraq, now burma (but don't bring up TIBET) IT'S NOT POLITICALLY CORRECT.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Victor, Singapore, Singapore — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 08:49:59 GMT

The problem is that every time the UN security council tries to do something there is always one of the members that objects so their hands are tied. Happens here, happening with Darfur. Until UN gets this sorted out to drop the need for unanimity in the voting, the security council will be almost powerless.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

India Joe — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 08:55:52 GMT

Being an Indian, I'll think like the Chinese on this one. Let the Burmese do whatever they have to. For me and my country, we want the natural resources that lie in Burma. and for those self-righteuos liberals in the west and elsewhere, here are a few analogies - the US using Saudi Arabia (no democracy there), UK lording over the Falklands (what business do they have there?). Why are the brits are all so bunched up on this issue. Wonder if its something to do with those imperalist times of the early 20th century...

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

David Seow, Bangkok, Thailand — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 09:19:37 GMT

I am disappointed at the attitute of Asean which does not interfere with the domestic policy of fellow member country.
Burma is bringing such a bad name to the Association. ASEAN should consider sacking Burma membership.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Professor Ecoheart, Seoul, South Korea — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 12:17:07 GMT

Perhaps what we mortals need is a new "intelligent" world order, a new smaller UN type of organization (which can actually accomplish things),whose members all agree to uphold common objectives (reducing unnecessary waste, global warming emissions, pollution etc.) and to protect shared values such as Human Rights etc. This collective of "good-guy" nations would then only do business and share resources with like-minded nations while shunning any form of interaction with "bad boy" countries such as Myanmar, N.Korea, Zimbabwe, Iran, China, (Russia?) and a host of other despotic and/or militaristic regimes (of which there are just too many to mention here) AND the countries or blocks of countries (SADC in Southern Africa or African Union for example) that support them. We could establish this optimal grouping of like minded nations (the Scandanavian block, EU, Japan, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, US etc.) while excluding (possibly sometimes suspending or ejecting members that deviate away from agreed upon tenets) those that refuse to agreed to a shared protocol. Global free trade is unwieldy and far too counter-productive because it helps only a few big multi-nationals while hurting millions upon millions of individual families everywhere. We have to create the conditions for a better, more just, more civilized, more sustainable world in the form of a grouping of CURRENTLY "squeaky clean" nations. (Most nations seem to have some rather nasty skeletons in their history closet). In order to be able to join this very beneficial grouping of nations, "wanna join nations" have to be good and act in an internationally acceptable manner ... In the meantime, we should somehow wind ways to punish individual rogue nations AND all the nations that support them ... and assist fledgling independence movements within rogue nations any way we can, short of military intervention because it simply just doesn't work in this day and age. I say we now try to be wiser and more adept at using a "carrot" approach rather than the out-dated and very over-used "stick" approach ...

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Mike Albright, Jung-li, South Korea — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 12:57:13 GMT

YES, somebody has to do something in Burma. On one hand, we have the Anti-American, conspiracy theory wacky crowd who question why the U.S. does not get involved in this situation and use other world situations (Iraq, Afghanistan, etc.) to question the American motives for taking action in other countrie's affairs. On the other hand, this same crowd would be upset and claim that the U.S. has ulterior motives for getting involved in Burma.
I don't think that the U.N. would be effective in Burma, being the PC organization that they are with history of ineffectiveness in actually solving serious problems. The only solution would be for a Global Power (Policemen) (the U.S.is the only nation that can project military power ANYWHERE in the world, China wants to but can't, Great Britain possibly can and Russia thinks they can but they can't) to intervene or a local power such as India, China or a coalition of local nations to intervene. Whoever intervenes, had better be able to withstand the second guessing, conspiracy theory, PC crowd. To solve situations like this, some nation's feelings and desires need to be hurt and sacrificed for the good of the Burmese people (that's the issue here) therefore, China, India and other nations which reap the benefits of dealing with the current regime should not be involved unless they are willing to "do the right thing" and help the Burmese people and forgo economic gain for their individual nations.
In 1979, when Vietnam invaded Cambodia, much of the world condemned Vietnam (even though they removed the Khmer Rouge from power.)for their actions. Of course, Vietnam did take natural resources from Cambodia but, their overthrow of the Khmer Rouge outweighed their "atrocities" and they did not make Cambodia a colony or possession. Sounds like a good idea for the neighboring countries to intervene in the name of humanity.
Also, having Asian nations solve this problem would be more effective and acceptable (PC) than a Western nation intervening.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Y Gay - Miami, Florida — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 13:16:53 GMT

Would it not serve the cause of peace and democracy if Buddhists and all who wish to show their support join in peaceful demonstrations throughout the world? Change can only come with solidarity of those who believe in freedom and justice. Let's help them so their efforts are not in vain.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Dadoo, Bangkok, Thailand — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 14:10:18 GMT

Well, I see a lot of people don't want to be involved in Burma... Why ? No profits for you guys ?? With your sanctions and big words, the only people you really hurt are the burmese not the junta. I left Burma a week ago now and I have my wife there. They need our help trough NGO and responsible tourism. Ihope there will be some change and no thanks, they probably don't need your help anyway !!

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

john florida — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 17:02:46 GMT

SASCHA,BELLINGHAM WASHINGTON:
I READ YOU POSTING AND I WOULD LIKE TO POINT OUT A COUPLE OF THINGS THAT YOU SAID AND SHOW YOU WHERE IN LIES THE RUB.YOU SAY YOU WANT SOMETHING DONE "BUT NOT WAR" OK I UNDERSTAND THAT, BUT WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE DONE. YOU WANT US TO HELP THESE PEOPLE SAY WHAT THEY WANT TO SAY, I WOULD SAY THEY ARE SCREAMING WHAT THEIR MESSAGE BY THE FACT THAT THEY ARE DIEING AND STILL COME BACK FOR MORE.YOU USE WORDS LIKE "YOU WANT TO EDUCATE "EDUCATE WHO THE PEOPLE THAT KNOW THEY ARE BEING KILLED OR THE PEOPLE THAT KNOW THEY ARE KILLING THEM" AND YOU GET TO THE OLD STORY ABOUT US AND OF COURSE OIL BECAUSE GOD KNOWS WE WILL ONLY GO FOR OIL. YOU ARE ACTUALLY THE "P.C." PIN UP POSTING.YOU WANT SOMETHING DONE BUT NOT WAR,YOU WANT TO "EDUCATE" YOU WANT TO TALK TO PEOPLE THAT HAVE THE UPPER HAND AND HAVE NO INTENTION OF GIVING IT UP!!WHAT YOU DON'T GET IS THAT TALK HAS TO LEAD SOMEWHERE NOT TO MORE TALK IT BECOMES AN ENDLESS CIRCLE OF MORE TALK. YOU EITHER WANT TO HELP IN ANY WAY POSSIBLE OR TALK. THOSE ARE BULLETS THAT ARE BEING USED NOT THE WORDS.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

joe clark — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 17:39:24 GMT

In America we sit down when we should stand up and stand up when we should sit down. Still not getting it right yet. Now is the time to stand up! We should be convening in the UN with sanctions and anything else at our disposal. People on the earth at this time in history should be allowed to protest peacefully without fear of getting assasinated. China and every other country needs to understand, this is not the old days anymore. When we sit and just watch our TV, shake our heads and hope it all turns out all right....We all allow this to happen. We all are responsible

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

joe clark — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 17:39:25 GMT

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

kathe oakland, calif — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 21:32:20 GMT

PUTTZ: AMEN!!! We have enough on our plates here in USA let someone else save these folks

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Dr. Mike Southern California — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 22:01:28 GMT

Burma has always been a violent place. They have attacked Thailand so many times, taken big pieces of SIAM by force. I say send in representatives of every military around the world and shoot all the politicians and every Burmese Military leader in a massive public execution. Give the country back to its good people, the citizens who are being exploited.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

WizardOfHamilton, Hamilton, Montana — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 22:41:57 GMT

Seems like alot of poeple here are too @#%&!!
stuck-up to even lift a finger to help those who are oppressed, whether it's in Darfur, or in Burma.
Anyone who won't open their hearts of compassion
and help these brave souls overcome a devilish
dictatorship, obviously are too blind with their
self-righteous attitudes, and those are the kind of attitudes that appease terrorist regimes.
If anyone here won't help these innocent,
freedom-loving people overcome the evil Junta dictatorship, then they have turned their backs on Great Spirit, and He is not pleased at those who will not help the oppressed.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Glenn, Miami, FL — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 23:30:00 GMT

Why doesn't the international community just obliterate Burma's military barracks in the middle of the night with precision air strikes. Without enforcement, the junta leaders would be faced with the choice of stepping down peacefully or being overwhelmed by the emboldened masses and executed by angry mobs.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Andy M. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 00:29:03 GMT

US will keep out of Myanmar as they do not have oil!
UN is a toothless organisation. What is the UN doing? Just talk? You can talk in your own country.

Boycott the Olympics in China! Then the Asian power will wake up and help it's neighbour! What is ASEAN doing? More talk like the UN? Kick Myanmar from Myanmar or intervene!

Econoimic sanction will only make the people suffer.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

marcan Dothan, Al — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 01:36:40 GMT

It's our job ,We have to HELP.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Don, Sammamish, WA — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 03:06:47 GMT

I am enriched by the noble courage of the Burmese people, and sorely burdened by that gift I may be unworthy to receive. I have not found occasion to embody such purity of action and purpose, yet here I am imbued with a hearty dose of it by osmosis.

We are all the monks of Burma from this time forward, make no mistake. What that will mean, I don't know. But I think they've unleashed a weapon of mass construction upon the world.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Meg Chicago IL — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 14:42:14 GMT

Why don't we cut off the Myanmar's chief export-opium? If the entire democratic world does not buy the junta's main source of imcome, how long do you think they will remain in power? Burn their poppy fields and keep the open dialogue about freedom ongoing in forums such as this-I liked the idea that people need to get their military which is culled from the Buddist society of Burma, to lay down their arms and remember the peaceful families they came from. Outside sanctions, food deliveries, room for fleeing nationals to live peacefully in other countries, foreign aid to those countries harboring "real aliens in need of succor"-all these things become a catalyst for change. We should be asking the Burmese for concrete things we as individuals can do to effect change for them.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Albert Lee, California — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 18:39:38 GMT

My mother always said " Burma is the Land of Buddha ".
With 90% of the population being Buddhists and chanting the 5 precepts of Buddha every time they prey
Rule No.1 says "Not to Kill Any Life", these hapless people from Burma will meet the same fate as they did since the last 45 years.
Only 2 military dictators ruled since then. They knew the weakness of Buddhism and took full advantage of it. One died of old age after hand-picked his successor who is now following his very own steps of killing students, monks and citizens.
The current uprising will end the same way as many times before. The curfew is imposed, riots tapered down, fewer military on the streets, monks go back to the monasteries and chant the 5 precepts of Buddha, students go back to school and the Buddhists "FORGIVE". The Generals win and Aung San Suu Kyi remains at her home. Those who cannot stand these repressions just left the country.
In another 10 or 20 years this dictator will hand-picked his successor before he retire and everything is unchanged.
Television, moblie phone, internet, and high rise buildings went to that country not because of these dictators. The technology chased them. They never chase technology.
It is sad , very sad for this Land of Buddha.

AL, California

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Diane Cummings Sydney Australia — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 21:19:10 GMT

This horror story has been going on for too long. China is not a democracy. The CCP suppress Falun Gong so they are not going to loose any sleep over this on a humanitarian basis. I believe the democratic countries of the world and the leaders do care but are unfortunately ineffective. It is "people" independently that will have to join together all over the world to fix this one and then work on the CCP who are no better than this military junta in Burma. So I was thinking are there any airline owners out there who would offer discount flights into Burma so the people of other countries just visit and join the protestors, take tents live with the locals as tourists, thousands of us or millions would be nice. Join the rallies holding placards and banners from other countries and march on the quarters of these scum bags. Do you think that they would be prepared to mow us down, I dont think so we would just keep coming just like they do in Iraq they call the "jihad" so let the world and any individual who cares and I believe we outnumber the "dont cares" and just go there and flood the country with the citizens of the world. Come on Jen lets show up Angie on this one - cant you gather together some of your "friends" - the whole "friends" cast would be nice and all of us will just go there as "friends" of the people.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

SS, Atlanta, GA — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 21:31:30 GMT

Some insightful thoughts on the tragedy unfolding in Myanmar. But I agree with the person who says we should stay out and let the Burmese people revolt and overthrow their own government as opposed to Amerikkka attempting to overthrow another regime- no matter how awful they may be. You see the mess "W" has caused in Iraq and the anti-American sentiment there. If you really want to put a noticable dent in Myanmar's problem (repression) and America's coming economic problem, stop buying Chinese made goods. As long as we continue to economically support a regime that actively supresses its own people and supports the repression of others, then the repression will NEVER stop.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Not Blind, Manitoba, Canada — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 02:43:01 GMT

How is it that all of these fine US citizens haven't noticed that most, if not all, of the weaponry shown in the hands of the Burmese military is of US manufacture. A country the media describes as having China and India as it's main trading partners seems to be shunning Chinese AK rifles in favour of the US M14. So if you think you(USA) are not allready involved in some way allready, think again! And you appear to be on the wrong side. typical US military/spook strategy FUBAR.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Parinya Thongprapha, Chonburi, Thailand — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 05:42:57 GMT

Stop Killing
No more Bloodshed
Free Myanmar
Free Aung San Suu Kyi

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Khang, Bangkok Thailand — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 12:33:05 GMT

Leave the hell Mymmar alone, the more we interfere the more problem going to come, and more innocent to die.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

R. Greene, Costa Mesa, CA — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 17:15:31 GMT

Interesting that we have not seen the commanders of the Junta anywhere in the press justifying their actions. There IS no justification. Anyone who has visited this part of the world knows that the people are kind, sweet, diminutive, peaceful souls. We are witnessing a repeat of "The Killing Fields" in Cambodia....only this time it is not the Kmehr Rouge.....or is it?
The Khmer Rouge is remembered mainly for the deaths of an estimated 1.5 million people (estimates range from 850,000 to 3 million) under its regime, through execution, starvation and forced labor. Following their leader Pol Pot, the Khmer Rouge imposed an extreme form of social engineering on Cambodian society—a radical form of agrarian communism where the whole population had to work in collective farms or forced labor projects. In terms of the number of people killed as a proportion of the population (est. 7.5 million people, as of 1975), it was one of the most lethal regimes of the 20th century. One of their mottos, in reference to the New People, was: "To keep you is no benefit. To destroy you is no loss."

It's time to SHUT DOWN THE JUNTA in Burma.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Jim, Levittown, Pa. — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 19:04:37 GMT

It's a tough situation there. We want to help, but what is the right response? I don't think it would be another Iraq because the people are united in their desire for freedom, and it's a different situation there. The question is can we afford to help? we are already spread thin around the world. We have spent billions on a no win war in Iraq and there is always China to worry about. I wish the good people of Burma luck in their bid for freedom. I hope they get it.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Leslie Page, Wichita, KS — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 20:14:58 GMT

As a western Buddhist, I think that it is possible to overthrow any regime peacefully. Boycotting ALL products from China --most of which appear to be unsafe for sentient beings anyway, from the recall reports-- can be done. I am aware of the book, "A Year Without China" in which a young mother describes exactly how she did this. In addition, though I've been to Olypic activities in the past, I will not go to China and spend my $10,000 US to support their preferred regime in Burma. Anyone who cares to do likewise, follow your conscience and think about interdependence.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

W. Falk, Blaine, WA — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 22:03:04 GMT

If the world press is really concerned about the people in Burma, why don't they publish the names of the "Military Junta" on a daily basis? If those Generals see their names in every newspaper and TV report in the world, maybe it would have some effect. Are the news organisations afraid to do that? Or don't they know who the junta members are?

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Vaen, New Britain, CT. — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 02:33:03 GMT

Everyone has different opinion, but remember US supports most of the UN funding. If it's not for the US's interest: chance of US helping out Burma is very little. Remember that when UN don't approve US going into IRAQ, but oh hey who is the UN has a saying because US want to go into IRAQ and there nothing anyone can do about it. Sadly US does not care how millions dictatorships ruled and kills millions in Asia, South Africa, South America. We living in a self-fish era.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Imsoti Lawo, Dunnellon FL — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 04:08:25 GMT

By killing the men in the saffron robes, the junta is digging its own grave. Nobody needs to lift a finger to help. Just wait. It won't take too long.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

dorothy Davis, Bartonville, IL. — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 15:47:06 GMT

There are too many foreign investors in Burma to make a sanction work. The three that are heavily invested...China, India and Russia, should lead the way to end these atrocities. Mr. Bush should ask Chevron why they are still in Myanmar? Thought we had already put sanctions on the Junta 20 years ago??
The monks throwing rocks at the soldiers shows they too have had enough of peaceful marches.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Bob White, Michigan — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 15:49:34 GMT

"I hate seeing this kind of repression, but, it is hard to know when we can intervene in these situations, because, as in Iraq, the people we try to help call us invaders and occupiers, our people die, and what little stability they had in a government seems to melt into anarchy and civil conflict, where all who live there suffer even more."

But the United States IS occupying Iraq! How would you feel if your neighbor forced his way into your house because he thought you meant to harm him and that you repressed your wife and daughter. You have cable tv and a t1 line to the internet, all coveted items to your neighbor.

He storms over and starts raping your wife and daughter and stands by while other neighbors and friends of his take your furniture and appliances. You try to protest but are shouted down by his friends that print libelous lies about you and your family and many people line up outside shouting insults in to you and your family.

You find out that your son, rebelling from being 'grounded', was feeding lies to your neighbor that incited the invasion. They monopolize your tv and your internet connection and you are left in a closet under threat of eviction and/or starvation.

How would you feel?

Can you understand why the Iraqi people don't want our 'help'?

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Bob White, Michigan — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 15:52:58 GMT

"I guess the rest of the world is afraid of China!"

Heck, Mattel is afraid of China. Why else would they apologize to China over the recall of toys made in their own country.

Isn't that like a beaten and abused wife apologizing to her battering spouse abusing husband?

Didn't Nixon help create the 'modern China'?

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Penei, American Samoa — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 20:20:39 GMT

Good going john florida, I agree with you 100%. May I add further, move the U.N. out of U.S.A. of America. Relocate it to Russia, China, Iran, Venzuela and let them continue 'DO NOTHING'. The United Nation should get " HELL OUT OF THE U.S'.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Know Your Enemy, USA — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 23:11:13 GMT

Boycott China, Ban the '08 Bejing Olympics...as if the Sudan wasn't enough.

Dodging the Myanmar junta via the web

Atticus, Columbus, Ohio — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 03:12:30 GMT

The U.N. needs to step in now. China needs to cut ties with the Junta until they recognize their rightfully elected leader, Aung San Suu Kyi. What none of you fail to mention is that they are not the elected party. The Junta had a national election 18 years ago, and the NLD(National League of Democracy) won 82% of the parliamentary seats. The Junta failed to hand power over and imprisoned Aung San. The people are crying for help, unlike in Iraq, the entire country is being suppressed and the Junta burn monks alive for peaceful protests and kill 1'000s of innocents yearly. Unlike in Iraq, this issue is not known by the majority of the world because the U.S. does not make as public as it should. The people want and need our help and the help of the U.N.. For someone to say hell with it and that they are just crying for attention is ludicrous. This suppression is far worse than anything Saddam ever did, yet people fail to care because they are severly misinformed. The U.N. needs to act now.