littlerunningdeer
female - 24 years, United States
Blog 270
This will mainly be about information and links.
The second link part of the first entry:
This is a Native American Aboriginal Journal ; Honoring all Tribes, Bands, Ranches and Nations. The beautiful Art, Storytelling, News, Issues and maybe some humor sprinkled in for warm smiles and light hearts
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Buffalohair: The Sewage of Than Shwe
Buffalohair: The Sewage of Than Shwe
September 15, 2009
The Sewage of Than Shwe
on September 15, 2009 by buffalohair
than hell
Clearly Gen. Than Shwe of Burma has distorted and perverted the core teachings of true Buddhism. It does not take a Rhodes Scholar to realize that torture, rape and wholesale murder are not part of the Buddhist curriculum. But like other dictators who chose to enslave their own people through religion or race, Than Shwe simply found someone to reinterpret ancient sacred words of a noble faith. Do not think for one minute he did not physically threaten a monk into forging a new “Death” clause in the Buddhist faith. The fact is, Buddhist monks who subscribe to Than Shwe’s rendition of Buddhism follow out of blind fear according to exiled monks.
The death and destruction at three Pagodas are obvious indicators that Than Shwe is not a Buddhist at all. When I read Buddhist works I also failed to read anything about the justification of deception and barbarism either. Granted, I did not receive Than Shwe’s revised version of Buddhism that justifies lying, stealing, rape and murder. But what I did find was a wonderfully beautiful path or axiom designed to enrich ones life. Maybe the enrich part was taken out of context with Than Shwe for he has enriched himself and a select group of people at the expense of others.
Inside sources stated how Than Shwe and his generals enjoyed emulating the characters in the U.S. film “The Godfather”. The same sources reveled how several generals looked to the orphaned children from Cyclone Nargis as a wealth of new soldiers and servants. The reality of Than Shwe and his spirituality bankrupt government is that it’s an atheist government. The junta forged a religion of death and ethnic cleansing and labeled it Buddhism. There is no honor in murdering innocent people for their land or raping ethnic minorities for the sake of Burmanization. Burmanization is a military mandate where soldiers are required to leave their blood or seed in ethnic communities to purify them into Burman’s. In essence it’s a license to rape, “for the good of the nation”. Maybe someone should give Senator Jim Webb a heads up on the country he is sucking up to.
It comes as no surprise that there is barely a peek being mentioned about the October 2nd deadline for Than Shwe to render a formal apology to the monks for the arrest, torture and murder of monks during the Saffron Revolution. Clearly he does not plan to make any such statements since these monks don’t follow the new and improved Buddhism according to Than. But he is keenly aware of the situation. That is why all the monasteries and Buddhist enclaves are under heavy surveillance as he positions his troops for another possible uprising in October. Truth is a commodity rarely found in Than Shwe’s propaganda machine though. “The New Light of Myanmar” is more like the “New Lies of Myanmar” at the very least. Other junta condoned media outlets must follow strict guidelines where truth and honesty are strictly forbidden.
Than Shwe faces excommunication from the true Buddhist faith if he fails to meet the demands from holy people of a religion he stole the name of. And it is obvious he is trying to conceal this from the people of Burma for without Buddhism in his corner he is nothing. He can turn his back on them but he will not be able to turn his back from the rewards he has cast for himself and others who used a sacred path for monetary gain. I get comfort knowing what Than Shwe and his minions will face whence they cross over to the other side though. Eternity is a far cry from 70 or 80 years of life on Earth and Than Shwe’s reward will be retribution that will last forever whence he dies. Like they say, “what comes around, goes around”, and it could not have happened to a more deserving fellow.
Your Devil’s Advocate
Buffalohair
http://buffalohair.wordpress.com/ -
Buffalohair: Than Shwe’s Ultimatum
Than Shwe’s Ultimatum
Posted in Asia with tags 2009, Buddhist Monks, Burma, Oct 2, Than Shwe on September 7, 2009 by buffalohair
Oct 2
October 2nd has become the iconic day of reckoning for General Than Shwe of Burma. According to sources within Burma Than Shwe has until 12 noon on October 2, 2009 to make a formal apology for the incarceration, beating and murder of Buddhist monks during a peaceful demonstration. If he refuses he will be excommunicated from the Buddhist faith. In essence Than Shwe will be stripped of his most powerful weapon in keeping a nation divided, religion. If he is no longer a Buddhist he can no longer purport the need to rape and murder Christians under the banner of Buddhism.
Without Buddhism to hide behind he will have to find a new excuse for his continued campaign of Burmanization and the wholesale slaughter of all ethnic minorities in Burma. It still astounds the imagination how he managed to justify torture, rape and murder then claim to be Buddhist in the first place. But with a woefully inept United Nations and the continued impotent response from the so called free world, Than Shwe continues his exercise in eugenics unabated. Many corporate controlled media groups have also turned a deaf ear on the plight of Burma for the most part as well.
The October 2nd deadline was proclaimed by the monks yet very little has been mentioned about it in the mainstream press. In the meantime the Burmese military has been beefing up its forces “just in case” of a new and more powerful uprising. Timing is everything since Than Shwe has opened up the battlement lines to the north and has declared war on ceasefire groups who refuse to be border cops. It’s ironic that Senator Jim “One World Order” Webb was making nice with Than Shwe while his goons advanced on Kokang and other ethnic groups. He should have taken a stroll in one of the many under supplied and over filled refugee centers along the border, provided they are not being shelled by the Burmese military.
With the help of the “liars press” bold faced lies about the meeting circulated around the world as Webb made libelous statements about Daw Aung Suu Kyi. John “the moron” Yettaw made grandiose and thinly veiled lies about his encounter with Aung Suu Kyi then made public his book writing aspirations. I can see the book store now, protesters all around with posters and chants. Then there is John making a hasty retreat out the back door. Daw Aung Suu Kyi has long since decried the false and lascivious statements the dumb duo made. As far as Burma’s democracy was concerned, Jim’s visit was a giant step backward. Yettaw’s visit was catastrophic but “with no regrets”, in his words.
With Daewoo investing billions in Burma as of this writing it is clear the worldwide corporate agenda quietly moved forward. Burma, locked in the throws of indentured servitude, continues to be raped by outsiders. Than Shwe betrayed Burma sold her to the corporate world, the ultimate money laundering scheme. Globalization is colonization on a planetary scale and Burma is to rich in natural resources to ignore. It is obvious the fate of Burma has been determined by others. Than Shwe is just a pawn and a scapegoat to the ones who bought him years ago. In all reality sanctions have not been honored from the corporate world. Merger after merger internationally has laced a web of unscrupulously divisive criminals who’ve also managed to bypass U.S. monopoly laws.
Of the top 100 economies of the world at least half are corporations. Imagine corporations with a GDP larger then 80% of the nations of the world. One day you will drive around in a cute Nano by Tata Motors of India. Just don’t forget that Tata Motors is building a facility in Burma for the sole purpose of building medium to heavy trucks for Burma’s Military. The cute little Nano would be soaked in human blood and the suffering of an enslaved nation. The corporate web is all encompassing though. Two English institutions, Land Rover and Jaguar, now share the tainted resume’ in epic human carnage for Tata Motors is their parent company. From Mrs. Beasley’s Cookies to that cool Daewoo big screen TV, corporations doing business with Than Shwe stock our shelves. So when people say sanctions have not worked it’s because they were not enforced in earnest in the first place. In our complacency we’ve become unwitting benefactors of tyranny not only in Burma, but around the world. Lusting for the cheapest price we forget the price that is paid in human suffering.
The world has done nothing to ease Burma’s pain. The cowardly United Nations has exercised selective justice and all but ignored Burma year after year. Feel good speeches, fruitless visits and spineless sanctions have bought the people of Burma nothing but more broken promises. Now the monks of Burma have made their position known as they take destiny into their own hands. Than Shwe must apologies to the Buddhist Monks for the cruel treatment and murder of holy people from a faith he proclaims to be. He has until October 2nd of 2009 at 12 noon Rangoon time. If he ignores this request he will be excommunicated from all of Buddhism. In turn the junta has increased surveillance and security around monasteries and Buddhist enclaves across the country. The fused has been lit as a nation under siege braces for the future. And the world is oblivious.
Your Devil’s Advocate
Buffalohair
http://buffalohair.wordpress.com/ -
Buffalohair: Yettaw Has No Regrets
Yettaw Has No Regrets
Posted in Asia with tags Burma, Daw Aung Suu Kyi, John William Yettaw, Senator Jim Webb, Than Shwe on August 19, 2009 by buffalohair
Upon arrival in *Chicago John William Yettaw told reporters that he had no regrets and would do it again, a hundred times to save Daw Aung Suu Kyi’s life. How far beyond stupid is this callous individual? It is known he was working on a book about Burma and there is no doubt his publicity stunt was a blatant act to promote his literary aspirations. Sadly he singlehandedly tossed a monkey wrench in the democratic movement by playing into the regimes grand scheme with this self centered act. Fact is, he committed a crime and was rewarded for his efforts.
With knowledge of the fact he did this stunt in the past only exemplifies the fact others were involved. There is no way anyone could have committed such an act in such a repressive regime without assistance. Any and all tourists are monitored extensively to make sure they are not spies or agents by this paranoid regime. According to former tourists guides from Burma everyone has a duty to report any movements by all westerners who venture within Burma. United Nations personal and relief agencies are heavily monitored in an effort to conceal the true nature of this criminal regime and that’s the bottom line.
Daw Aung Suu Kyi’s compound was already heavily guarded including sophisticated surveillance equipment. It was impossible for this buffoon to have made this fateful swim without detection in the first place. Then the revelation this was his second trip was a major red flag to everyone within Burma and the exiled communities around the world. With a taxi driver’s statement that he dropped Yettaw of at Aung Suu Kyi’s day’s before his discovery only raised the scepter of doubt this was a chance encounter. Like they say, timing is everything and it was no coincidence he just happened pick this time in Burma’s history to play out his dubious role in Than Shwe’s game of deception.
Enter US Senator Jim “Lets Do Business with Criminals” Webb and some of the mainstream press who’ve embraced his lie that Aung Suu Kyi was willing to drop sanctions. On the contrary Aung Suu Kyi vehemently denied saying anything of the kind. In fact she was miffed at Webb’s callous statement about China calling this nation a fearful influence. Webb revealed his true intentions and that’s salivating over Burma’s burgeoning natural resources, oil in particular. Shame on Webb for making such a bold and lascivious statement at the expense of Daw Aung Suu Kyi. And shame on the tabloids for promoting this lie as well. Of course Than Shwe’s trash can press is having a field day with even more lies and propaganda. Thank goodness President Barack Obama was not swayed by the showboating of this misguided senator from Virginia. Sanctions remain. Did Jim really think he could get away with this? Or was he part of an even bigger corporate agenda?
After talking with Missourians this week it is heartening to note they were not impressed by Yettaw’s self centered act of stupidity. The only good that came from “Webb’s Follies” is knowing exactly where Webb stands with regard to Burma’s democracy and her suffering people. We also know he’s words are not to be trusted, ever. John William Yettaw should have served his sentence like thousands of other American’s who committed crimes in foreign countries. Again I must reiterate, “Thanks for nothing Jim”
* http://www.ky3.com/news/local/53628302.html
Your Devil’s Advocate
Buffalohair
http://buffalohair.wordpress.com/ -
Buffalohair: Obama Reaffirms U.S. Stance on Burma
Buffalohair: Obama Reaffirms U.S. Stance on Burma
Obama Reaffirms U.S. Stance on Burma
Posted in America’s, Asia with tags Barack Obama, Burma, Daw Aung Suu Kyi, Democracy, Senator Jim Webb, Than Shwe on August 18, 2009 by buffalohair
222px-Official_portrait_of_Barack_Obama
Unimpressed by “Webb’s Folly” *US President Barack Obama held firm America’s position on sanctions to the criminal regime of Burma. Though he was pleased that John William Yettaw was released from prison this did not influence US policy with the criminal regime of Burma. Sanctions will remain until the junta actually shows signs of reconciliation which include the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the 2,100 political prisoners.
The White House has maintained an open door policy with the junta of Burma if Than Shwe was of the mind to do so. Opportunities lay just around the corner if the military junta actually wanted their nation to prosper, there is no question. True reconciliation would be the difference between night and day for the lives of 50,000 people. Than Shwe’s generals would not need false passports to travel around the world. The regime as a whole would not have to live as exiles in the global community. With a wealth of natural resources of a wide variety Burma would be restored to the bustling hub of commerce it once was. Maybe Tay Za would be able to drive one of his fancy sports cars on the Autobahn rather than some dingy parking lot or airport runway.
But at least it is comforting to know President Barack Obama has not wavered on the US commitment to democracy and human rights in Burma. And for this I am very thankful to America’s president for he showed true leadership on this issue.
* http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=16...
Your Devil’s Advocate
Buffalohair
http://buffalohair.wordpress.com/ -
Buffalohair: Lady of the Lake Speaks
Buffalohair: Lady of the Lake Speaks
Lady of the Lake Speaks
Posted in Asia with tags 2010 Elections, Burma, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Senator Jim Webb on August 18, 2009 by buffalohair
Aung San Suu Kyi
Through her attorney Nyan Win, Aung San Suu Kyi’s stance on sanctions has not changed since 2007. When poised with remarks in a British newspaper that she was considering lifting the tourism embargo in Burma, she simply said no one has spoken to her about it at all. This quite a contrast to the remarks made by US Senator Jim Webb when he clearly stated;
“I don’t want to misrepresent her views, but my clear impression is that she is not opposed to the lifting of some sanctions,”
Further, during Webb’s visit with Daw Aung Suu Kyi it was all too apparent he was more interested in China’s growing “Fearful Influence” in Burma. Aung San Suu Kyi found Webb’s “fearful influence offensive and offered a rebuttal to his terminology in reference to China. She wanted good relations with China and the rest of the bordering countries as well as the international community. *Nyan Win quoted;
“She said China is Burma’s neighbor and wants to be a good friend of Burma. She said she did not see China as a fearful influence.”
Clearly Senator Webb was referring to China’s pipeline and other vested interests in the region. It should also be noted that Webb has opposed sanctions and promoted commerce with the criminal regime claiming sanctions have failed. The reality is sanctions have not been honored by many nations including the US and UK. India’s Tata Motors, the parent company of UK’s Land Rover and Jaguar, is building a heavy truck plant in Burma to facilitate Than Shwe’s military needs. Tata is also heavily invested in Briton making the UK an unwitting partner in genocide, if you think about it. The list of countries and corporations who are lining the pockets of Than Shwe’s criminal regime is staggering. So the notion sanctions have not worked is ludicrous since true sanctions have not been honored from the very beginning, just lip service.
Now Webb is going to report to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton with his “facts”. The one fact still remains; Daw Aung San Suu Kyi maintains her and the National League for Democracy’s position on all points including sanctions and true reconciliation. She maintained that she has always kept the door open for dialogue with the regime.
Now, that the junta successfully placed Aung San Suu Kyi out of the running for the sham 2010 election. Reconciliation and the democratic process have been replaced with the bogus roadmap to nowhere by the regime. Than Shwe’s 7 Steps have obviously stepped backwards. The United Nations has proven to be as impotent as ever as they have more meetings and review tons of eye witness accounts of genocide and crimes against humanity. Burma continues to be placed at the back of the line while the world addresses recent acts of genocide and human rights violations in other parts of the globe.
It was ironic that while Jim Webb was making nice with the regime 10,000 residence in Sham State evacuated to China, thousands of Karen fled with their lives. Rape and murder continue to be the signature of Than Shwe’s Burmanization Program as genocide continues unabridged by the international community. It’s all about the money anyway, why fool ourselves. If it’s not profitable it’s not worth fighting for. Morality and ethnics has no place in current society, only the corporate bottom line. With the edict of Economics over Humanity it is clear help for Burma will not come from the outside world. The cries of the innocent will continue to fall on deaf ears and the world will continue to walk in the shadow of cowards and false hopes. The fate of Burma rests in the hands of the courageous and it is up the people to reawaken the Fighting Peacock for they are truly alone.
Senator Jim Webb’s visit to Burma has been hailed as a major coup for the criminal regime. The junta’s propaganda machine has hailed Webb’s meeting as a major milestone in renewing relations with Burma. But in all reality it was a major blow to the democratic movement and a big win for the junta. Webb gave the green light to the continued wholesale murder of the ethnic minorities within Burma as well as the continued arrests of all political opposition. And that’s the bottom line.
* http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=16...
Your Devil’s Advocate
Buffalohair
http://buffalohair.wordpress.com/ -
Buffalohair: Insult to Injury
Buffalohair Insult to Injury
Posted in Asia with tags 2010 Elections, Burma, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, John William Yettaw, Sen JIm Webb on August 16, 2009 by buffalohair
Sen Webb
When Senator Jim Webb flew to Burma and bartered for the release of John William Yettaw he condoned torture, rape and genocide. Also, Webb offered a hint of legitimization to the criminal regime of Than Shwe. Though well intended his efforts added insult to injury to an already suffering nation and I have to ask, how far beyond stupid are you?
Not only did Sen. Webb pour salt in the wound of a suffering people he facilitated the release of a criminal. The criminal succeeded in keeping Daw Aung San Suu Kyi imprisoned for at least 18 more months to the joy of the morally bankrupt junta. With thousands of Americans locked away in foreign countries on a variety of crimes why release John William Yettaw? Unlike the two journalist captured in North Korea, John was guilty as charged for violating the law. John plunged the democratic movement into chaos with his infinitely stupid and callous act.
This only posses more questions rather than solutions for the people of Burma. There is no question the controversy over John Yettaw’s has been raging since it is believed he was part of a conspiracy to eliminate all opposition before the sham 2010 election. It is plain as the nose on ones face the junta was involved in this carefully orchestrated plot to have Aung San Suu Kyi’s sentence extended. Now thanks to John William Yettaw, Aung Suu Kyi will spend 18 more months in bondage conveniently out of sight and out of mind. What does Sen. Webb have to gain from this abhorrent act of betrayal? Is he invested in corporations that wish to rob more natural resources from Burma? Is he part of a much grander scheme to legitimize the criminal regime of Than Shwe’s? Webb’s efforts only rewarded a criminal who dashed the hopes of 50 million people. John William Yettaw committed a most heinous crime against the people of Burma, there is no question. John should have served his sentence like so many other American’s who’ve violated the law in other countries. The fact a US senator went out of his way to “save” John Yettaw suggests a much darker picture that borders on conspiracy.
Senator Jim Webb disgraced the tenets of democracy by his pandering to the whims of Burma’s criminal regime. This deplorable act of betrayal will leave deep scars in the hearts of millions who’ve looked to the United States for guidance and help during their time need. It is sad to note that Burma’s struggle for democracy was kicked in the teeth by the very country they wanted to emulate in democracy. It will be interesting to see who actually profits from this slap in the face because it will not be the people of Burma or the United States. Thanks for nothing Senator Jim Webb.
Your Devil’s Advocate
Buffalohair
http://buffalohair.wordpress.com/ -
Burma Democratic Concern Call for Action By United Nations S
Burma Democratic Concern Call for Action By United Nations Security Council
Posted in Asia with tags BDC, Burma, Burma Democratic Concern, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, United Nations on August 12, 2009 by buffalohair
bnb11 August 2009 Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) calls for United Nations Security Council to hold emergency meeting in order to send ultimate ultimatum demanding to free Aung San Suu Kyi or face collective practical action taken. We call for world leaders to take concrete immediate collective actions. United Nations Security Council must take practical action on Burma. Now is the time.
International Community has been calling for military regime to release Aung San Suu Kyi but junta ignores their pleas by passing down Aung San Suu Kyi to 18 months under house arrest again. This is the junta’s cunning act which is tantamount to turning their back on dialogue and ultimately national reconciliation.
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) warned very first in advance on 12 May 2009 that junta is plotting the ploy to imprison Aung San Suu Kyi. Now, the most fearful thing which we had anticipated has come true.
Aung San Suu Kyi once said that “It is even appropriate or justified for the international community carries out the responsibility to intervene in the internal affairs of another country whose power are creating hell for the population. The international community as a whole should recognise that it has got responsibilities. It can’t ignore grave injustices that are going on within the borders of any particular country.”
Burma crisis is in pivotal state. In Burma, there is no rule of law and junta is always above the law. Aung San Suu Kyi was elected by the citizens of Burma in the 1990 General Election. Ironically that election was conducted by the same generals who suppress Burma today. International Community must take united and coordinated action through United Nations Security Council to force junta to come to dialogue table and to free Aung San Suu Kyi along with thousands of political prisoners.
For more information please contact Myo Thein
00-44-78 7788 2386
00-44-20 8493 9137
myothein@bdcburma.org
myothein19@gmail.com -
Buffalohair: Outrage over Aung San Suu Kyi’s Conviction
Outrage over Aung San Suu Kyi’s Conviction
Posted in Asia with tags 2010 Elections, Burma, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Than Shwe on August 11, 2009 by buffalohair
Than Baby
The world is outraged over Daw Aung Suu Kyi’s conviction. Here we go again with lofty speeches and more letters of sanction. My question is where was the outrage when Aung Suu Kyi won a landslide victory in the first place? Where was the outrage when she and her cabinet were arrested for winning the election? And where was the outrage when it was discovered ethnic minorities were being systematically raped and murdered? It would appear the world is more concerned with talking points than any actual solution to Burma’s plight.
Though the trial had a multitude of questionable facts involved it was clear John William Yettaw invaded Aung Suu Kyi’s compound. Whether John was dropped of at the compound in a cab or actually swam does not escape the fact he was there. Revelations on both sides of the ocean also showed he was there once before. We can all speculate all we want to and possibly come up with more heinous conclusions but it’s not going to amount to a hill of beans. I’ve heard this dialogue over and over adnauseum with absolutely no results other than fell good speeches and a push for more cash donations. But I do see a window of opportunity in this verdict though.
People are missing the boat I fear since Sr. Gen Than Shwe did something rather peculiar. After the verdict was read, Burmese Home Minister Maung Oo entered the fray with a prepared order by Than Shwe reducing the sentence from 3 years to 18 months. Daw Aung Suu Kyi was not remanded to Insein Prison like originally planed. The junta did not sell off Aung Suu Kyi’s compound and she was given TV access and news papers to read. Toss in the option of possible early release and you have a verdict that was much less than expected. It also showed a glimmer of home in the reconciliation process. So I am very thankful for the results since it was much better than I expected by a long shot.
For Than Shwe to make such a bold statement about General Aung San and to commute part of the sentence was unheard of according to political exiles. Call it intentional and calculated or simply a change of heart, this could have been a much worse ending and we would still have been powerless to stop it. The United Nations has proven to be just as much talk as the rest of the world when addressing Burma. Ban “I’m a man of action” Ki-moon still has done nothing. The United Nations needs a warehouse to store all the statements and eye witness accounts of genocide and human rights violations within Burma. Yet they will conduct another meeting; propose more fruitless sanctions and fire off another nasty letter of concern to the regime. Politicians will stand on their soap boxes and denounce the verdict while looking good in the press’s eye but they will offer no solutions.
If ever there was a time Sr. Gen. Than Shwe had an opportunity to show face, it is now. With the verdict in, Than Shwe can make true reconciliation a reality if he chooses to. The lightened sentence also had a provision for early release. Possibly we can squeeze this into the reconciliation process if we look at what we got rather than what we did not.
Your Devil’s Advocate
Bufalohair
http://buffalohair.wordpress.com/ -
Buffalohair: Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, GUILTY
Buffalohair: Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, GUILTY
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, GUILTY
Posted in Asia with tags 2010 Election, Burma, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, John William Yettaw on August 11, 2009 by buffalohair
nldassk
The trial of Daw Aung Suu Kyi has come to a dramatic conclusion. Predictably Daw Aung San Suu Kyi along with her live in companions was found guilty of allowing John William Yettaw to stay in her home. 3 years was the initial decision then lowered to 18 months in the dramatic final moments of the trial.
In an unusually open atmosphere, foreign journalists were allowed into the court room for the reading of the verdict. After the 3 year verdict was read Burmese Home Minister Maung Oo entered the courtroom and read a signed order by Snr-Gen Than Shwe. Within the statement Than Shwe made full recognition of Daw Aung Suu Kyi being the daughter of a national hero, General Aung San. He also made reference to Aung San being the architect of Burma’s Independence from British rule. Then the order suggested that the 3 year sentence be commuted to 18 months with provisions she be released even earlier if she shows good moral behavior. The order shared this decision with Aung Suu Kyi’s companions as well. She will be returned to her family compound under house arrest. She will be allowed guests if she goes through the proper channels and given access to TV and daily news papers for the duration of her time under house arrest. The verdict could have been much worse, there is no question.
On the other hand John William Yettaw, the perpetrator of this whole fiasco, did not fare as well. He got 7 years of hard labor for his intrusion into Aung San Suu Kyi’s compound, 3 years immigration violation, 3 years security violation and 1 year for his casual swim. But if I read my South Asian play book correctly I see John Yettaw as bargaining tool in light of North Korea’s recent behind the scenes jack pot from the negotiations for the two American journalists. Since John Yettaw had a series of medical emergencies in recent days his health is definitely in question. It would appear John’s swim will soon cost more than he bargained for since he will become the subject of future negotiations.
If he remains in custody there is no doubt he will not survive in the brutal Burmese prison system. When Burmese courts say hard labor, they mean hard labor. His merry little adventure was not appreciated by the Burmese people. With prisons teaming with political prisoners who revere Daw Aung San Suu Kyi he could possibly pay an unexpected price for his folly. Diplomacy and Burmese Law, Criminal Procedure Section 401, are his only options at this juncture. CPS 401 states; “suspend the execution of a sentence or remit the whole or any part of the punishment to which one has been sentenced”. The price for his freedom now rests in the hands of our diplomatic community and ultimately the American taxpayers.
Whether or not John William Yettaw was purposely allowed to swim to Daw Aung Suu Kyi’s home is of no consequence at this time. This intrusion has cost the pro democracy movement dearly since now Aung Suu Kyi will be under house arrest during the proposed election of 2010. I do give Gen. Than Shwe credit for commuting part of the sentence though. Now the ball is in his court and if he truly wants reconciliation he has a multitude of options at his disposal. He has the power to alter the course of Burma’s history and change his legacy. It will be interesting to see how the course of history unfolds.
Your Devil’s Advocate
Bufalohair
http://buffalohair.wordpress.com/ -
Suu Kyi Sentenced to 18 Months House Arrest
Suu Kyi Sentenced to 18 Months House Arrest
http://www.irrawaddy.org/highlight.php?art_id=1652- 7
