I first got wind of this through Noemi’s post.
This picture of monks walking down the streets of Burma, protesting its military junta, and joining the civilian protesters, gave me the shivers.
I recalled the Philippines’ EDSA I Revolution (People Power) in the 80s when, in protest of the Marcos dictatorship and in support for the rebels, millions of Filipinos came out into the street (nuns and priests included).
But there was a difference….
There was no bloodshed; there were no incarcerations; it all ended peacefully with the departure of Marcos and the return of democracy.
I am now a horrified observer of the goings-on in Burma through international TV stations and wonder what happened to all the monks we initially saw. Why are the streets and temples empty of them? How true is it that there are round-ups every night of citizens?
Being a member of ASEAN, the Philippines can do something to right the wrongs their member-country is foisting on its own citizenry. The international community has began taking active steps as well.
As a citizen who loves freedom, democracy and human rights, what can you do? Here are some ways you can help:
1. Visit the site Free Burma.
2. Publish a posting (Bulletin Board, Forum, Blog, Social Network, Static Website…) on the 4th of October with the header: “Free Burma!”
3. Tag it if you can with “Free Burma”
4. Choose a graphic from this page
5. Link to www.free-burma.org where your readers will find some information about the campaign and Burma and a participant list which you can join. Even if you’re a webmaster of a bulletin board or social network you will find a special Group List to join.
6. Add a Petition Widget to your blog/website.
7. Feel free to write anything else about Burma.
8. If you have no website or blog, you can still help spread the word across the internet, tell your neighbours, friends or kids.
9. Register your name and url in the participants list here:
http://free-burma.org/index.php
Each of us are individuals who feel strongly about protecting our freedom and democracy. But as a collective international body, it is hoped that we can make the Burmese government realize that a show of force upon its own people is NOT the right way to gain international acceptance and support. Human life must always be valued above everything else.