February 27, 2005
WE HAVEN'T FORGOTTEN YOU EITHER:
US Offers Strong Support for Burmese Democracy Activists (Serena Parker, 26 February 2005, VOA News)
Paula Dobriansky, U.S. undersecretary of state for global affairs, says the United States stands in solidarity with those in Burma who are denied basic rights.Posted by Orrin Judd at February 27, 2005 9:19 AM"We will continue to help the people of Burma in their struggle," she said. "We need to press the world to stand firm against the junta, and remind people everywhere precisely what is going on in Rangoon."
She accused the military government in Burma of harassing political opponents through widespread intimidation, violence and unwarranted arrests.
"With conduct like this, it is very clear why our Secretary of State, Dr. Condoleeza Rice, recently noted that Burma is one of the world's 'outposts of tyranny,'" said Ms. Dobriansky.
Burma is another tragedy foisted on the world by Perfidious Albion(TM).
When independence was declared a group of British-educated and British-inspired Fabian Socialist aristocrats took over. People like the crossword puzzle staple U Nu, and U Thant. They proved to be completely inept so a Chinese postal worker-turned Japanese collaborator--turned Army officer, named Ne Win, and his junta, the SLORC, took over in 1962. The country, once one of the wealthiest colonies of the British Empire, slid into decay. Ethnic civil wars and a drug-producing gang made up of former Kuomintang officers haven't helped matters.
The place is a disaster comparable only to parts of Africa.
Posted by: Bart at February 27, 2005 12:14 PM