Myanmar

(photo by gmhembree)





power to the peaceful! i am so moved by the struggle of the people of myanmar/burma in the face of such absolute repression. i am humbled and inspired by the strength and determination of aung san suu kyi, who has spent so many years on house arrest, but won't abandon her country when given the chance.

the people have held on to their hope for a democratic nation and the junta should submit to the will of the people. still, considering that they were not elected, why would they stand by a process that to them has no meaning?

it is my hope that the people continue to struggle and gain self-determination- that they achieve the gov't that they so obviously desire, and that that government be given the chance to get on its feet and run effectively. i don't know that i think democracy in this day and age is a pure and good form of government- there are too many other forces (economic, especially) that shape a state- but i do think that the people have a right to decide.

for more information, check out any major news source. i've been reading yahoo and bbc world news (though i don't love that they persist in calling the country burma. isn't the name change an act of establishing a national identity post-colonization? it was done by the authoritarian military gov't as a part of extreme repression- yes- but i think the u.k. should at least acknowledge the name since they've traded with the country and maintained a relationship with them throughout...).

some flicks from gmhembree on flick'r... click on the image to see more.