Arise Burma!

A Brief History - Democratic rule ended in 1962 when General Ne Win led a military coup d`etat. He ruled for nearly 26 years. In 1974, the military violently suppressed anti-government protests at the funeral of U Thant. In 1988, unrest over economic mismanagement and political oppression by the government led to widespread pro-democracy demonstrations throughout the country known as the 8888 Uprising. Hundreds of demonstrators were massacred by security forces, and General Saw Maung staged a coup d'état and formed the State Law & Order Restoration Council (SLORC). In 1989, SLORC declared martial law after widespread protests. The military government finalized plans for People’s Assembly elections on 31 May 1989. SLORC renamed Burma "Myanmar" in 1989.

In May 1990, the government held free elections for the first time in almost 30 years. The National League for Democracy (NLD), the party of Aung San Suu Kyi, won 392 out of 489 seats, but the election results were annulled by SLORC, which refused to step down. Led by Than Shwe since 1992, the military regime has made cease-fire agreements with most ethnic guerrilla groups. On 23 June 1997, Burma was admitted into ASEAN. In November of 2006, the International Labour Organization announced it will be seeking charges against Burma over the continuous forced labour of its citizens by the military at the International Court of Justice.

On September 22, 2007 the Buddhist monks have withdrawn spiritual services from all military personnel in a symbolic move that is seen as very powerful in such a deeply religious country as Burma. The military rulers seem at a loss as to how to deal with the demonstrations by the monks as using violence against monks would incense and enrage the people of Burma even further, almost certainly prompting massive civil unrest and perhaps violence. However, the longer the Junta allows the protests to continue, the weaker the regime looks. The danger is that eventually the military government will be forced to act rashly and doing so will provoke the citizenry even more.

"Hey, Fxxxxxg Junta, ... The Whole World Is Watching!!! "

About Time - To keep on oppressing the people by completely ignoring their democratic wishes, that alone is highly objectionable. To detain Aung Sun Suu Kyi under house arrest for 11 out of the last 17 years is unforgivable.

Already, to admit Burma as part of ASEAN is controversial enough - the non-intervention policy among fellow ASEAN members is absolutely pathetic. Are we so blind to simple social justice, simple human rights and decency ... that we cannot voice our protests against such blatant acts, or are the fellow ASEAN members fearful that the daggers you throw may actually be aiming back at them some time later? ASEAN is like China: defending a policy of engagement with Myanmar - well, isn't that a bloody success after 10 years of engagement! The US and EU have called for the UN Security Council to consider sanctions; India is calling for a political overhaul ... what are the neighbours doing??? Dumb silence is a nod for oppression and injustice!

Even the peaceful monks have had enough. The people of any nation can only take and endure so much. Ruling governments anywhere & everywhere in the world must be made aware of the long-suffering conditions endured by their people. Their desperate lives in desperate times, will result in desperate measures.

While we all should support the people of Burma, we also must call upon our own governments to look within themselves, whether they are there for the well being of their people, and are they heeding the voices of the nation. You can only pull a string so far before it snaps.

Suppression, Lack of Transparency & Oppression = Immorality

Latest News, 10am 27 sep - Security forces in Burma raided several Buddhist monasteries today, arresting hundreds of the monks who have taken part in the biggest protests against military rule in 20 years, witnesses said. At least 200 monks were detained in pre-dawn raids on two monasteries in Burma's main city Rangoon, a day after tens of thousands of protesters defied warning shots, tear gas and baton charges meant to quell the demonstrations. Troops also swooped on at least two monasteries in north-eastern Burma, where large anti-government protests have been held in the past week. Up to 500 monks were arrested at the Mogaung monastery in Yankin Township and another 150 detained at the Ngwe Kyaryan monastery in South Okkalapa Township, witnesses said.