On wednesday, the military opened fire upon a pro-democracy demonstration in Myanmar (also known as Burma). For the past few months, tens of thousands of demonstrators have been led by Buddist monks rallying against the oppressive government that has been accused of human rights violations and heavy censorship that was evident in the last uprising which led to bloody clashes in 1988. The difference is that this time the government is having a harder time containing information and censoring because of the growth of use in cell phones and the internet. The government has forcibly shut down internet cafes, where most people have access since home internet connections are very restricted, and has slowed internet connections and shut down phone lines in hopes of keeping quiet the rising violence and resistance of its people. Satellite phones and internet video messaging is getting the word out of Myanmar while those inside the nation are recieving word via shortwave radio.
This just goes to show us how technological advances have revolutionized communication and makes it easier for us to find out about whats happening in other nations where the people are oppressed by their government. Myanmar has had numerous sanctions brought against it in the past and its militaristic government should be held more accountable for its human rights violations before we see even worse violence in the depressed nation.
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7 comments:
While I'm surprised that these kind of oppressive and violent goverrnments still exist, I am not surprised that the U.S. government is not getting involved. Usually in the past, the U.S. would have gotten involved in other countries' affairs where there were pro-democratic uprisings against oppressive governments. For example, the Cold War. I am not surprised that the U.S. government isn't getting involved because it has no invested interests in Myanmar. If the U.S. had invested interests in one of Myanmar's important commodities, like oil in the Middle East, the U.S. government would not hesitate to support a pro-democratic uprising. It just goes to show how selfish our American government officials are, and that they will only help other countries if it benefits themselves.
Paul is right.. the U.S government is selfish.. But its egotistical little isolationalist policies should change regarding Myanmar. Seriously, who cares whether there is economic benfit at this point, it's now a moral issue. The crime against humanity is abhorrent enough to induce some sort of intervention, and who better than the richest and most powerful nation in the world to take action. (Not to mention the fact that America's foundation is based on the principle of democracy and freedom.) Yes, it is true that ethics and money don't obligate the U.S government to do anything, but that's a sorry excuse to let innocent people be damned to a life of ensnared liberty. The U.S embassy and government should get off of its apathetic American arse and do something that might actually benefit someone other than itself. Perhaps it should even become a role model for other governments to denounce the existence of overly oppressive governments altogether..
I don't know. Right now, I'm fed up with American unilateral action. Yes we should get involved, but why does it always have to be just us? Who declared us world police? I think we'll have such an easier time of it if we work towards getting more international support. We can't do things as effectively if we always work alone, and it causes more animosity against us that way. Let's help, but not on our own.
Very true Ellie.. I'm equally fed up with the fact that we're seemingly always left to fight companionless, but im also fed up with waiting for the international community to give their support. Realistcally, that support never comes.. and when it does come it's too little too late. The situation in Myanmar is getting worse and worse by day, and the intensity of the government's oppressive actions are progressing. The pro-democratic citizens are destined to realize that their non-violent protesting is getting them nowhere and will perhaps, in their desperation for liberty, encompass a more militaristic ideaology. Peace can only last so long in a country split across such a grand political fissure. I'm not suggesting that the U.S is the international police, I am just saying that if there is an oppurtunity to help, then why not do so before it's too late.
I agree Ellie, the US can't always come to the rescue and "save" other nations from their oppressive, militaristic governments. What are the other countries doing to help? Why does the US always have to be the one to initiate the help? It would be nice if we could help others fight for democracy, but its not realistic, and we are fighting our own war right now. Myanmar has been ruled by a militaristic government (now called the State Peace and Development Council) since around the late 1980s, so I'm surprised we still support them by letting US factories operate in Myanmar (because the labor is cheaper there). It's pretty sad that the US has to act as 'world police,' when will other countries finally step in to help? What about the UN, could they help stop the violence in Myanmar?
All I have to say is I do not mind our country getting involved in anything it wants, as long it has a good reason to. But, please nobody complain about another Vietnam if people begin to die in action cause as of now our militray does not fight properly so getting involved needs to be full forward, or not at all. But I do feel that we need to intervene, and if we are the only ones, power to us for being the only nation in the world that cares about other nations well beings.
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