the citizen-viewer

Citizen-viewer KT writes regarding the situation in Burma:

The latest - strategically brilliant - monk-led demonstrations could possibly actually bring about change in Burma. If the monks can maintain their impetus, the junta will be forced to make some sort of move, either towards conciliation and compromise or by a repeat of their 1988 tactics. People here on the border are the most optimistic I’ve seen ever since I got here.

So far the protests have been gaining momentum daily, and the generals seem to be just hoping people’ll get bored and go away. They have arrested the main student leaders, but are afraid to touch the monks. However the possibility of another 88 mass bloodbath is high. This, aside from the cost in lives, would likely set back the opportunity for change another 19 years.

Pressure needs to be applied to the generals to negotiate: release political prisoners including the leaders of the 88 Generation Student Group and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, lower fuel prices, hold tripartite dialogue, vanish.

I’m not quite sure what can be done from NZ or wherever you are, but please do something, either to show your support for the people in Burma protesting, and/or to let the generals know that brute repression is unacceptable.

Here’s a few vague ideas:

- Media. I assume there’s very little about events in Burma in NZ. Those of you with access to media sources, can you make sure Burma is being adequately reported and analysed?

- Most Burmese are avid listeners to BBC world service, DVB and VOA Burmese language services. Do something that makes the international media showing solidarity for the protestors. If anyone is contemplating burning effigies of General Than Shwe or some such, make sure you tell BBC, DVB and VOA Burmese language services about it.

- There is a nascent boycott of the 2008 Beijing Olympics movement to try to stop China’s support for the regime. Pressure here could be very effective.

- Monks make great stencil images. Use dark orange spraypaint.

- A sharply worded letter from the Anarchist Alliance of Aotearoa to General Than Shwe is likely to cause him a few restless nights. Perhaps those of you with entree to government circles might suggest that they send one too.

- If you’re in touch with senior figures in the UN, US State Department, Bavarian Illuminati or CAC, tell them that now’s a good time to DO SOMETHING USEFUL to justify their bloated salaries.