Challenge: Stop the Atrocities in Burma

Posted by Krista White
September 27, 2007

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The military regime in control of Myanmar (Burma) opened fire today on peaceful protesters led by Buddhist monks, killing 9 innocent civilians.

Burma Protest

But this is just the tip of the iceberg. The military junta has been responsible for massacring thousands since it seized control of the country over forty years ago. They have also denied Aung San Suu Kyi her right to govern the country, since her election in 1990.

Equally guilty in the conflict is China, the biggest supplier of weapons to the Myanmar military. China refuses to intervene and has thwarted efforts by the UN security council to impose sanctions on the country. In fact, China’s Foreign Ministry said only that they hope “the situation there [in Myanmar] does not… get complicated.”

Are nine dead people not enough to qualify as ‘complicated’? Were the thousands killed in 1988 not enough? How many bodies need to be stacked up before we put a stop to it?

In recent weeks images and videos smuggled out of the country by email have been one of the main sources of news of the protests, as Western journalists are not permitted into the country. So it’s reasonable to assume that the only news getting back into Myanmar is from the internet as well.

I know this is usually a climate change blog, but what good is it to save the future of the planet if I’m not also concerned with its people in the present. So here’s the challenge:

Write about it. Post the news on your own blog and on every forum you know of.

Comment about it. Leave a response here. Leave a response anywhere it’s talked about.

Digg it. Make the issue jump to the front page of Digg, Del.icio.us, Newsvine, wherever. Just make sure it gets seen.

Make today Blog Action Day for Burma.

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Join in the EcoFun. Leave a comment!.

Information: September 27th, 2007; 10 Responses

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Reader Comments

Comment Number:: 1
Written by:: Krista White
Posted on:: September 27, 2007 at 6:37 pm

Read this article in Britain’s Telegraph newspaper for the full importance of the internet in the fight to free Myanmar from its military dictatorship.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/09/27/wburma527.xml

Comment Number:: 2
Written by:: Krista White
Posted on:: September 27, 2007 at 7:51 pm

Pressure China into action by hitting them where it hurts: in the Olympics.

Here is a draft email to send to the Beijing Olympics Ticket office, courtesy of the Facebook Group ‘Support the Monks’ Protest in Burma’:

—–
Subject: tickets for the Olympics

Dear Sirs,

I am very interested in purchasing tickets to some of the events at next year’s olympic games.

However I cannot, in good conscience, attend the Beijing Olympics unless your government uses its influence to improve the political situation in Burma. China has substantial economic interests in the country, provides large amounts of economic aid, and invests heavily in infrastructure projects there. Additionally, your government provides extensive logistical support to Burma’s military government. All this make China uniquely placed to influence it.

The people of Burma have, in a very peaceful manner, insisted that their rights be respected. I ask no more of your government than that it cease its support for the current regime, and encourage a dialogue with the democratically elected representatives of the Burmese nation.

I, the Burmese people, and the world would be grateful for your assistance in this matter. Your courage will go a long way towards making the 2008 Olympics a success.

With sincere thanks,
—–

The idea is to send enough emails to the ticket sales inbox, that sales are stunted. Feel free to modify the email, but remember: THIS IS A NON-VIOLENT, NON-AGGRESSIVE ACTION. Do NOT use inappropriate language.

send the emails to:
ticketing@beijing2008.cn

Comment Number:: 3
Written by:: Krista White
Posted on:: September 28, 2007 at 2:10 am

UPDATE:

As of 9:21 PM Washington DC Time, the death toll in Burma has risen beyond 200, according to eyewitness accounts provided to the US campaign for Burma.

Comment Number:: 4
Written by:: James
Posted on:: September 28, 2007 at 3:56 am

hey. Sorry if my comment seemed a bit harsh on treehugger. if you wish to know direct sources I might be able to help you. One of my family friends does mission aid work where he smuggles medical supplies in to burma. he is now on their black list. They have tired to kill him and his family.

Also if you wish to know more, my thai mother ( I lived there for a month) and thai brother live very close (chaing mai)

so if you wish to hear any personals about this. contact me.

Comment Number:: 5
Written by:: Jon Swift
Posted on:: September 28, 2007 at 5:55 pm

The major liberal blogs don’t seem too interested.
http://jonswift.blogspot.com/2007/09/burma-schmurma.html

Comment Number:: 6
Written by:: Krista White
Posted on:: September 28, 2007 at 9:04 pm

Well Jon,

I’m a Liberal. A Canadian Liberal, and I’m very interested. But then we Canadians tend to take notice of what happens outside of our borders - and the borders of the countries we occupy.

There are also over 100,000 members in a Facebook group who care, and are planning rallies in their own countries. Not to mention, the members of Rethos.com who have shown great support for the issue.

Comment Number:: 7
Written by:: Askabarr
Posted on:: October 15, 2007 at 2:57 am

I agree this is an atrocity;but who do we call on to put a stop to it;the United Nations? Should they not be fully motivated in this or any other atrocity; is that not their mandate? If worst come to worst why isn’t the self proclaimed superpower not rattling their saber. Surely the United States has a contingent of Marines they could spare to put a stop to this.(and then go home)My prayers are with you.

Comment Number:: 8
Written by:: Challenge: Stop the Atrocities in Burma | Your EcoSource Blog « Blogs
Posted on:: October 29, 2007 at 10:01 pm

[…] read more | digg story […]

Comment Number:: 9
Written by:: Trairurbath
Posted on:: February 24, 2008 at 4:13 pm

I am necessary wish to find

Comment Number:: 10
Written by:: Uncle B
Posted on:: May 1, 2008 at 7:30 pm

I can sympathize with the Burmese situation I was born English speaking in the Province of Quebec, and when the powers that be allowed the ethnic cleansing of my town and province, I simply packed my bags and moved to Ontario. The Burmese can’t solve their dilemma as easily. They are in my prayers.

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