If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter. -George Washington

Displaced childhood

http://vimeo.com/33345320

                        " children often suffer the greatest in war"

Time Magazine (Dec 2011)

                                Get your copy of Time Magazine.

Indiana Fundraising (WIN)

                                                                        photo credits :TTA

The event (courtesy of humanitarian aid group -WIN) that took place December 3^rd was a big success with the help of everyone who cares for the people of Burma.

Nirvana Bazaar

Sasanamoli - The International Burmese Monks Organization (New York) was organizing Annual Nirvana Bazaar  today, December 11, 2011.  The highlight of the event was the entire contribution meant for donation.   The venerable monks were served with lunch at 11:30 am .  An individual who came to Bazzar enjoyed Burmese traditional foods and there were variety of delicious dishes from different donors.  While hanging out with friends, we can enjoy the performance as well. There will be no event like this, available favorite foods at one place in the States.  A well spent meaningful day and thanks to the organizers and volunteers who supported the Nirvana Bazzar.

One year anniversary of Release

my country is BURMA

International people might wonder why some news outlet use Burma/ Myanmar or using both names.   Even for Burmese people, using these terms make complication, as we are writing for publication, we have to use 'Myanmar', but in speaking a lot of us are using Burma.   Both are Burmese terms but the intention of adoption of Myanmar was the military government’s choice to break from the colonial past.  The ruling military junta changed its name from Burma to Myanmar in 1989 .  That was a year after thousands were killed in the suppression of a popular uprising. Rangoon also became Yangon. So the choice of words, either Burma or Myanmar indicates a particular political position basically.   And politics play a role in why some nations still use Burma, not Myanmar.   The junta, however disliked by westerners, also local opposition group, Burmese who has problems with the political implications of using the name Myanmar, still referring the country as Burma. But really it's not important. Who cares what people call the country? It's the human rights abuses that matter.   Human rights violation in Burma is the most matter that draws the international interest.  In my opinion, I am Burmese so my country is Burma.

Remarkable word

No person in any country should be detained for exercising universal freedoms of expressions, assembly and conscience . (Hillary Clinton)

Whether Democratic Refrom or Not

Burmese new civilian government has suddenly shown dramatic signs of political changes:

- Freed some political prisoners

- Loosen its grip on censorship and press media

-Called for a return of all exiles

-Begun opening the economy by privatizing state companies

-Bent to public protests by halting a major dam project on Irrawaddy River

Are those changes heading to democratic reform?   A series of measures has to be taken from time to time.

We shall know better in next year and more particularly in 2013 and 2014 whether the reforms are sustained and are having a real impact on the level of democratic freedoms in the country.  The United States and other Western countries have been following very closely whether President Thein Sein's words have been followed by actions. They are welcoming those changes with cautious optimism.  Hillary Clinton said the U.S. wants more political prisoners released, a "real" political process with elections and an end to conflicts with ethnic minorities that have displaced tens of thousands of the country's residents. The U.S. administration says it is not ending sanctions or making any abrupt changes in policy. "If Burma fails to move down the path of reform”.   Burmese government has given a great opportunity to prove what he has said to international community about country’s reform  and Burmese people are waiting to fit into free society  very anxiously.

Hope

US Secretary of State Clinton met Burmese President Thein Sein to discuss future ties. It was the first time in more than 50 years that a US-Burma meeting took place.  The atmosphere is heavy with change , this is a momentous time.    To promote the process of democratization is our hope. Do not put our hope high and drop it like......crossing my fingers!!!

Peace

Peace between countries must rest on the solid foundation of love between individuals

Indira Ghandi 

photo taken from msnbc