UK.org.
Member Comment

14 October 2003

ULTIMATE RESPONCIBILITY?

After reading comments from 'Kanbawza Win', "will the Twain ever meet?"  I found most points, made interesting reading, but are already known facts, as the author is obviously aware, but many people inside Burma are not.  The message as I read it, was a reminder to those outside of the country, in the hope it will guide them to more inter active and productive debate? 
It's the solution to the problem, which should take up the time of all the present day appointed, and self appointed groups, and not the constant debates on the cause of the problem, as that is well known, and the continuous catalogue of repetitive demands which all these people seem to discuss, has fast become monotonous, apart from falling on deaf ears, even the wording does not change in order to perhaps make an old story sound a little more competitive, and perhaps indicate that some effort was put into its construction?

I am an old man now, I fought in North Africa, and then in Burma, Malaya and Korea and then onto Borneo, with a few skirmishes in-between, I learned not to make friends because chances were it wouldn't last, I don't know why I was allowed to survive after witnessing so much carnage, but I did, and all my civilian life, I have tried to repay god's grace, and have worked in human rights areas in one form or another ever since.  At 86, I wonder why the world is still, at war with itself, after it has witnessed every conceivable means of annihilation known to mans corrupt and perverted mind,  from 1914 through to the present day? I wonder today, if my survival was really a punishment for some misdeed I may have inadvertently committed, because watching the world burn has been a terrible burden on my life.

It takes just one match to burn down a forest, but an army to distinguish it. Even though the destruction of the forest is inevitable, the trees will grow again over time, but we will never prevent matches being manufactured which threaten the new!  Like fires, war and conflict is started by a minority of tyrants, who then manipulate the weak and ignorant to do their dirty deeds, just as the trees are fixed on the spot so cannot escape the flames, these vulnerable soles become slaves, less they burn where they stand. So, what can we do?   I like to think that all those comrades I lost in those years of war, meant something worth while, when I see young people having fun, even if they are a bit rowdy and perhaps totally ignorant of how that freedom was won, I wonder if those who died by my side and in my arms, would have thought their death worth while? Today, I don't think so!  They would be turning in their graves with utter content for those people who profess to be our leaders, who have failed miserably to educate the people sufficiently, to recognise the dangers of matches, and more so, of those who strike them, with intent to cause fires, and to supply adequate means to quell them before they start their misdeeds.  


I refer back to points made by Kanbawza Win, and, as it happens, by a number of others, but in my words, the solution begins only when all concerned have the same game plan in their minds, but for that to be conceived, all concerned have to be sitting at the same table?  The fire-fighters, who greatly out number the arsonist, must not only be able to hold down and restrict the arsonist in a preventative fashion, but must also be capable of combating him if he escapes to light his fire.  If that cannot be achieved because of inconceivable differences, then the battle is lost before it begins, and there will never be a united Burma in any form?  This is how many foreign observers, and I don't just mean media moguls, see the situation today, and why all focus was and is still, trimmed around Aung San Suu Kyi, even though there are other eligible candidates. This world figure image did not simply appear over night, but was part of a carefully constructed plan to create a centre core for Burma's political entities to rally around, because without a core holding the mass together, things would never change in Burma. This 'core' like the sun, unfortunately, has been completely misinterpreted, perhaps even abused, by those involved, because instead of being the magnet in which to draw in and then hold in a disciplined orbit,  it has become a platform, for egotists and dreamers, and has actually repelled the very units it was designed to attract.  This setback stems not from misinterpretation or inadequacies conceived from inside Burma, but from those outside who supposedly were acting on behalf of those locked inside.  Aung San Suu Kyi, and senior figures of the NLD, are tightly controlled by the SPDC, and only have one weapon, that of peaceful intimidation.  It was up to those outside, all of whom use ASSK's name as their own ticket to fame, and in some case's, fortune, to play their part in bringing about some form of a plan.  As it has been said many times, because certain ethnic nations are visualising, only what is good for them, at least in appearance, it prevents unity over a common cause. But is it that?  Could it be that the Burman section of society, or a small minority of them, would prefer seniority over issues, and is actually their 'closed shop' tendencies which prevent a unified front?  ASSK, as quoted by others, has repeatedly stated that all sections of society are to be included in any genuine talks with the SPDC?   Now, I can only refer to information at my disposal, and no doubt I will be corrected if I voice a wrong assessment, but over the years, the NCGUB for example, has acted as the government in exile, where the appointed 'prime minister' is not a member of the NLD,  at least not at the time of elections, is a blood relative of ASSK, has been in dispute with her on numerous occasions, some personal and some political, and is an avid opponent to any ethnic participation of any kind?  Surely for any government in exile, under the pretence of being a coalition, would be chaired by a member of the 'elected party', noticeably a cabinet minister, and in the absence of its senior figures, due to preventive measures, in its homeland, an ambassador with port folio, would be nominated as head of a coalition abroad?  I have read numerous critical remarks made against the NCGUB, but hear of no moves to quiz its chairman, which could be done by selecting a non-aligned committee of qualified exiles, which should have equal representation.  All democracies have these committees, and 'elected' representatives of the people are answerable to them.  Being in 'exile' does not exclude the NCGUB from scutinty.  Ultimate responsibility for the present lack of incentives sits firmly on the shoulders of this 'exiled government'!         
I would expect, the NLD, with most of its senior figures prevented from operating, being dependant on its exiled subordinates to co-ordinate proceedings to an advantage, because as pointed out, they are residing in free societies where they can speak out, and seek guidance if required from foreign agencies, they have various financial packages laid before them, and still no positive plans are in motion?  With all the tools and facilities at their disposal, the NCGUB, is still no further forward.  Has ASSK's incarceration all been in vain, or is there a plot amiss? 

Even if one of the problems is caused by the different groups walking their own road, it is still the ultimate responsibility of the NCGUB to work hard toward bringing them together by what ever means.   It is the NCGUB who has funds at its disposal, so it is it, which should be hosting conventions where 'all' can be heard.  Conventions of a small and exclusive membership shows only contempt, for those not in the club. It should stop exhibiting itself among various western establishments with a feeling of self importance, and mingle more with the Burmese abroad, to form what could be a powerful union of intellect, experience, wisdom, finance, plus many more attributes. 

I read of a meeting in America 'Indiana' I believe, where a convention took place, and Sein Win attended.  It appears to me, that over the past years since its formation, the NCGUB has acted the important guest by invitation, and on no occasion has ever come up with a plausible plan of any kind, instead the same old story about how support around the world is growing, and things will improve.  The NCGUB, could perhaps put out a world wide invitation to all those Burmese who believe they can contribute toward a drawing up a start line?

The people inside Burma have been let down badly, including those NLD members who are in prison or restricted from operating by other means. Just as the NLD was looked upon as a life line, for those people inside Burma, the NCGUB, was formed to offer the same to those outside, and to utilise all facilities at its disposal to work toward a solution, and the first part of that solution should have been to work very closely with those who are also working for those locked inside, but do not have the political clout or publicity of the NCGUB! 

Personally I believe, and I understand that I am merely an observer, that the NLD needs to clean sweep its overseas operations, because if I was from Burma, and I had at my disposal, all the information available, I would not hesitate to look elsewhere for representation of my concerns. 

An old man who still worries, signing off. 

Cecil.

UK.org
Member.

UK.org.
Collective Comment

11th. October 2003

DEAF TO THE TRUTH & BLIND TO LOGIC?

Politics is a game for party goers, because one person needs others to fulfil their game plan.  The SPDC for example, everyone, among the top leadership is both suspicious and fearful of the others, they need each other, and they feed from each others poisonous minds, even so, that will not stop each individual from building up their own personal security net through bribery and corruption, and of course fear!  This continues on down the chain of command, until no one knows who they can and who they cannot trust, and it is this, which keeps any despot regime alive!  Corrupt that chain and you will watch it implode.
A master is only a master if, there is an abundance of willing slaves, and the NLD has become a slave to its own public relations, along with ASSK.  Reality no longer has any bearing on the NLD's course; their voluptuous PR strikes them deaf to the truth, and blinds them of logic, including those who have become entombed in the same vacuum of public relations hype. 

Some say, that by criticising Suu Kyi, only burdens the chances of dialogue with the SPDC, but then again, there are those who believe her, to be the barrier preventing dialogue, and everyone has the right to an opinion?
Placing a question mark by each of these opinions only goes to prove that more debate should be undertaken internally within the NLD, and between other pro-democracy parties, because after all, it is their country too.  The 'NLD' who appears to be going to great lengths to avoid such debate, to which, is drawing much criticism, are defiantly stating, metaphorically speaking;  <"we won the election, which means we take all the glory">, which seems to have become an arrogant trademark of the 'NLD'?  Does that mean the failures will also be accepted, when it comes to writing history? 

No one is trying to derail advancement, by being critical, as some voices suggest, the ordinary people of Burma avoid commenting on issues that concern them, so we do it for them, until such time as they are able to front issues first hand.  Its answers which are lacking, so people have no choice but to come to their own conclusions, why else is the membership of the PDP growing so rapidly?   Some voices call for every group to support the NLD, as it is the only way to democracy.  What do these people think has been happening for the past 13 years, and too what end? 

Depending on how a person looks at it, the people of Burma are in a state of war between themselves, and war can only be fought with coalitions,
(Political parties must act in their own right, & not as subsidiaries to the NLD) as with its full meaning, 'coalition', in that, it is only a temporary commitment.  Beat the enemy then restore the status quo, until further change is called for. The façade has faded from the NLD; it has now become a charade, which many have become bored.  Show the regime a coalition table with multiple flags, and it will have to think seriously about its own future!

In every democracy, parties change their leaders if considered a public liability or is inadequately qualified for the job. If the NLD has not seriously considered this, then they are not politically mature or competent to run a country.  There is no doubt, that fear is in their hearts, brought on by the public backlash if they replace Suu Kyi, this is the fault of the icon image, the world has created, so now the people, are blind and deaf to reality, and are living in a fantasy world of miracles. This also places the 'icon' in a tough position as well, because it will make her over cautious, as one mistake will destroy the image of; metaphorically speaking, "I can do no wrong". This in itself, is a risk no political party should consider taking if it wished to continue in politics. We are talking about a country of 50 plus million, does a very small minority of diehards allow for continuous suffering of the millions, just because they cannot see what is happening?
Another myth, in the form of questions put  to us, is the idea that ethnics are well represented is a false picture, because those who sit at the table, although from ethnic groups, are individual 'NLD' members, used to give the impression that the 'NLD' is a party for all, but in fact, do not speak for the majority of the ethnic population, who, under their own national identity, are not involved, and indeed are not recognised, as separate political entities within Burma's national boundaries, at least, that's how we see it, but we are after all, only observers, with eyes and ears, so too are many  Burmese people who live abroad, so, why do they get the same picture? 

Is there not the risk of distorting the principles of fighting for a democracy in time of conflict with a governing despot regime, by focusing on one ideal, and only one solution, that of the 'NLD'? Which is now seen by many disgruntled people in Burma, and outside, as defunct? A fact, which seems to be ignored also, by western media outlets, although this is possibly due to tunnel vision reports or simply because, without ASSK there is no news, and it must be remembered that she was only made popular from the Nobel prize, but this in its self is not cause enough to allow the country to continue on its present  course, and her stand against the regime is still very much in the minuscule market when in comparison to some pro-democracy leaders, and their followers, of all persuasions, who have made immense sacrifices for their country.
No one is denying the overall principles of the 'NLD' indeed they're accepted by most of the pro-democracy groups, as shown by the unconditional support given in the run up to the elections and thereafter, *and at great expense to some historical political figures who willingly retired into the shadows allowing the 'NLD' or should we say, 'Suu Kyi, to a free reign.* 

The 'NLD' did not simply appear on the scene from nowhere, climbing to its apex of popularity by chance.  Without the support of many political figures, including the ethnic population, *where circumstances could have been very different.  Had they pursued their armed struggle more intensely,* the 'NLD' could not have cleared the first hurdle. 
*Had the ethnic armed struggle, the Karen, (KNU) for example, been intensified, using tactics befitting the conflict, which they were learning about fast, back in the 80's, and ignoring the call to support later elections, then today's story could have been very different, however, because they allowed themselves to be duped into a false sense of security, by supporting the 'NLD', the lull in 'KNU' activity was quickly taken advantage of by the regime, and slowly over the years the 'KNU' lost the initiative, which in turn caused splits within the 'KNU' and in consequence to that,  much of its ground as well?  A high price to pay for loyalty and zero results one would think?   What sensible person would continue to places bets on a three legged horse we ask?

Had 'U Nu' as Burma's elected prime minister, 'not' included ethnic sympathies in his policies, during his time of office, he may very well have continued in government, with the military in full support.  But he wanted to create an equal society with the ethnic nations, and this cost him his government.

Is this the view of the NLD?  Does the party, or ASSK,  'not' intend making the same error of judgment as it is recognised, and seeks to pacify the regime into believing that its first duty is to the Burman community, then and only then, will the ethnic solution be debated?  This sounds feasible, #but does not answer the question of why it is taking so long#? (# this being a serious question#)
The other feasibility being, the NLD will only deal, if the ethnics 'are' included in any debate, which could be a logical answer for the present stalemate?   If the second is true, then more emphasis should be placed on a tight coalition of actual ethnic political parties, and not simply the NLD members, who happen to be ethnic nationals! 

Many outside observers, who quite rightly acknowledged the 1990 elections, saw the 'NLD' as a major break through in bringing Burma into a democracy.  The vast majority however, are not, and have never been aware of Burma's political history going backwards from 1990, and believe the 1990 elections to be the first in Burma, making them completely unaware that an already elected, and then ousted government, was lying dormant.  To these people, Burma only began its fight after 8/8/88, when in fact this event was no more than a bloody continuation, which happen to be highlighted by the outside world. Most of Burma's present situation has only been brought to the surface by human rights organisations and by the continuous plugging of individuals.   But, fate also gave Burma the perfect public relations (PR) rouse, in the image of 'Aung San Suu Kyi'.  With her fathers name, colourful background and privileged life style, it added to her influential credibility, which every western politician craves for, to which the outside world expanded on.  This was the sole reason that every other 'political figure' in Burma, stood down.  They believed by having the world on their side, the regime would collapse. Burma, in its excitement of having one of their own, as a world figure, fell into line behind her, fully aware the right qualities needed to take on the regime would be absent, but justified, because it was firmly believed that world support, now recognised as superficial, together with her presence alone, would intimidate the regime into submission.  The political studies undertaken by 'Suu Kyi' were far from being compatible to the leadership qualities required, which could only possibly come from someone with a hands on experience gained from years of personal involvement, and not someone who spent a life time in another world.  This was evident within a short time period, but has been allowed to continue up to the present day.  'Nelson Mandela', who we respect for our own reasons, because of his beliefs was incarcerated for many years, where the word 'institutionalised' must come to mind, and who many seem to associate ASSK with, was placed on the platform as a figure head to quell the storm, he had no political prowess when pitted against formidable opponents, but he too shouldered the cloak of public relation hype, he played the icon role well, and stood down when real politics was called for.  If the NLD wish to reach the table, it must consider other routes, and brave any criticism thrown at it. Heavy sacrifices must be braved if Burma is to ever live in a free society, it must honour those thousands who suffered pain and death in the past, or else their sacrifice was all in vain.  It does not matter who leads, so long as that person holds all the right credentials and is not solely a figure head of no consequence. 
The person holding all the right qualities, along with impressive credentials had placed himself as a loyal subordinate to the cause, he too believed in the NLD.  This loyalty prevented him from stepping around those he respected but did not always agree with and to stand by his convictions, until that is, a few years ago, when he could no longer sit back and watch Burma sink deeper into the pit.  
The people of Burma are renowned for their patience, and 13 years of political stagnation, although the persecution continues, must be a monumental show of patience, which finally reached its conclusion and the true situation was confronted by an individual who has devoted his whole life in bringing about freedom for the people of Burma, where his loyalty, it was concluded, was to the people of Burma, and not to individuals.  It was therefore time to break the deadlock.
A whole new political spectrum was about to begin in the form of the 'Parliamentary Democracy Party' (PDP-Burma) with its heritage stemming from Prime Minister 'U Nu's party.  This time 'Bo Aung Din' was about to transform its image and it's following, once he was elected as its new chairman.

This was a few years ago, and still, both the 'NLD' and the world, ignore the fact, that the 'NLD' has major leadership problems, who themselves, refuse to ignore the fact that the SPDC will never commit anything to Suu Kyi, but might be willing to work with someone else?  
The other more noticeable fact, is the use of the arrogant blind eye technique, applied by the NLD, to ignore the presence of the only sustainable political opposition party, which holds all the credentials of a well founded party which to many hold preference to that of the 'NLD', because it has now become a formidable political opponent, not only to the SPDC, but it appears the NLD as well, and by putting itself forward, has given Burma what it asked for, and that is a multi-party system, which without, is a mockery of democracy.  The 'PDP' is not an enemy of the 'NLD' simply a part of the system it wants to create for Burma.  The 'NLD' was awarded loyalty from the 'PDP' in the deepest sense of the word, and it was abused, as a result, the PDP of today, wants to give the people of Burma the opportunity to follow a different path to democracy.
The end result is the same, but the route may differ.  Its time to give the people a choice, after already allowing the 'NLD' over a decade of their support.

UK.org.
Collective Comment

NOTE:
To those who contact UK. Org.  We will always be open to your comments and questions, and will answer to all, but we can only voice our opinions, therefore we suggest as we always do, for people to contact those who consider themselves as Burma's future. We will continue to relay letters & comments from various internet postings, using the e-mail address's used to contact us by those who utilise Internet café's, therefore do not have access to them, this will allow you to contact the authors of any comments which interest you, if desired. 

Everyone has the details of the NLD, PDP, NCGUB, NCUB, DAB, and CRDB.  Some are dormant, or purely for appearance sake, there are other newly formed groups, but the main communication should be made with the NLD or the PDP, we use this order of merit because all other groups are satellites of the NLD, therefore are nothing more than extension lines, whereas, the PDP is completely independent of any influence which may otherwise interfere with genuine answers to your questions, as many have already found out..
More & more questions are put to UK.org, as to the competence of the 'NLD' leadership, we can only reply by suggesting that these questions be put it to the NLD by you.  Do not be afraid of intimidation, if that does arise, let us know, and we will splash it all over the world.
A soldier walks into battle knowing he may die, but his courage and his comrades work together in building self strength to make that walk, and many, if not all, will win through!  If it is a battle to save others, and 'not' to suppress them, then no matter how long the walk, or how perilous it may be, a soldier must not hold back, but join minds with his comrades, and take the walk together!

We will not publish comments openly, if requested not to; indeed we will destroy them if asked, as some already have.  But we thank everyone, for all the information, even the abusive, because it reveals both sides of the coin, and makes life easier for our analysts.  We will add however, when, as an ordinary person, you are confident enough to confront a political party which says it represents you, and you speak your mind, and ask direct questions without fear of intimidation, and then you are on your way to a free society. 
Good luck.


For information relating to the 'PDP'. Mailto: emlmpdp@aol.com  / / ukorgburma@aol.com // Ukorg@aol.com


UK.org
Member comment.

02 October 2003

PRO?   - ANTI?
Criticism, is a process of democracy, and is not related to that of insulting an individual. To point out personal political qualities or inadequacies, is an opinion based on observations of both, achievements, or failures, and is neither an accolade on the first part, nor an attack on the second, and an individuals personal character has no bearing what so ever.  If that cannot be accepted by those who want to influence politics, then democracy will never reach Burma, just it has failed to reach many other nations, for similar reasons.

No person or institution can live in the past, and expect the present to adhere to it.
The same reflects on the present in relation to the future.  Hence, we live for the day, and can only anticipate tomorrow, by learning from the past, and studying our actions today.

The hard facts facing Burma have been outlined many times by UK.org. Facts which all parties, (providing the same result is called for) have to consider.  Society today, no matter where in the world, comprises of a multitude of decisions which have to be made by someone.  It's those decisions which decide the fate of billions of people. Many of those decisions will be met with conflict, others will be met with gratitude, and there are those who accept any decision.  Societies are made up of all three.  Alas, in some of those societies, unless you fall in line with one particular ideal, you are automatically labelled as; "Anti".   Being 'anti', in a country ruled by despots, would normally mean prison or a death warrant, but being anti, in a democracy, simply means that you belong to the political party of your choice! When Uk.org, or its members, comment on the NLD for example, they do so in a political sense, and not as an enemy, as some of the more immature minds, seem to believe, and each comment is an opinion, based on intelligence gathered by our own people who move about all over South East Asia in many different roles.  Some letters to us go as far as asking, if we have people actually inside the regimes infrastructure, well, we could hardly acknowledge or deny such information could we.

For many years motivation (not to be confused with immature fanaticism) was absent in Burma, it appeared briefly after the 1990 election, although that could have been associated with a sense of utopia after the election.  Unfortunately, it soon sunk to an all time low, after a period of 'non-happenings'.  Once ASSK was interned, all motives were 'emotionally' directed toward her release, and none was levelled at concentrating on political solutions, exactly what the SPDC would have planned.  

When UK.org, or its members, comment on the inadequacies of the NLD, and the control over it, as being held by the SPDC, we do so, from a political stage, because certain cultural instincts among the Burmese people, appear, "as seen through western eyes", to prevent them, from publicly speaking their minds, in fear of being rebuked as dis-loyal, when in truth it is voices like those of this fellow 'Aung Aung', who tries to discredit anyone who speaks their mind, which happens to be critical of ASSK or the NLD, and it is these people who are the real threat toward democracy, and, they are playing right into the hands of the SPDC, and all because of their personal craving for recognition. 

This person 'Aung Aung' actually insults senior figures in the PDP.  The people he refers to were living like animals in the jungle fighting a bloody conflict, before he & his friends were born. These men and women who have suffered years of hardship and agony, losing their families to the jungle and decease, and all to try and give a future, to later generations like Mr. 'Aung Aung'.  Well, Mr. Aung Aung, for one thing, we are lucky, that we can, and do, speak our minds if we feel it needs to be said, and we welcome constructive criticism, but we will fight insults.  You do not hold the credentials to even sit at the same table as these people or feast on their waste, and you certainly are naïve if you believe that you are capable of taking on the vast intellect, knowledge and experience of the PDP, or indeed, UK.org. for that matter.  It is not for these worthy people to explain who they are to you, but for you to research the history of the country, you are supposed to love, so that you know who to thank for keeping up the struggle for so many years at such great cost too themselves. 

We ask Mr Aung Aung, how many years he spent in the jungle, living on one bowl of rice a day, if he were lucky, never sleeping at the same location every night in case of ambush. How many times has he fought in a fire fight with regime troops, how many times has he watched while his family and close friends die from decease or wounds because they could not get the medical aid they needed? We ask these questions, because anyone who has lived through all of this, and come out of it, would be of strong, and of sound, but saddened character, and would not raise their voice in childish bravado, and insult the very people they should be offering respect too.  We ourselves, are a very placid group, who help many thousands of people around the world, sometimes at great risk to our selves, but anyone who labels us as anti-democratic, or accuses us as being wilful, will find that we can also, spit venom in such a way, that it will be incomprehensible for their mind to even imagine.  There is no place on this planet that we cannot reach, so if it's a subject such as accusations of us of being pro-SPDC, then those accuses had better be prepared to take on a giant who can lose his scruples at a drop of a hat.  You see, we not only defend democracy, we will also fight, to allow others the freedom of constructive speech that it gives!  
         
It is people like this 'Aung Aung' if indeed that his real name, which prevents progress.  These people do not hold the qualities or courage, that people like 'Bo Aung Din' for example, and most of his central committee, who earned their place with blood, and who know for example, what Mai Hong Son, and Mai Sot, in Thailand was like when they were little more than hides in the jungle, and how men and their families cleared away the jungle with their bear hands, little food, and fearful of attack, today they are thriving towns and comparatively safe havens for those fearful Burmese who flee to Thailand.  There were many who perished during those extremely tough times, but fight on, they did.  People who live in these towns now, have no idea just how much they owe to those people.  These are the ones who have been fighting for decades, and have blooded their hands many times, and braved the risks and dangers and extreme hardship.  Unlike some Burmese individuals, who feed off the blood of such people, themselves having never ever held a gun, or hidden in the jungle frightened and alone, not knowing if they would ever see their loved ones again.  No one out side of their circle hold the right, or the credentials, to criticize in a manner where dis-loyalty is aimed.  The 'PDP' or, UK.org would never insult the integrity of NLD members, or anyone else in the pro-democracy movement. Because many of them also started the fight decades ago, and who firmly believe in their ideals, something we believe is an all round respected trait, and is an essential ingredient to fuelling a democracy.  Without opposition, you cannot have democracy!      

Without motivation, to stimulate the mind, even waking up from sleep can lose its interest.  After so much stagnation in Burma, at this point in time, it appears to be anger, frustration and revenge, which motivate many.   There is an air of rebellion among the mass population and it appears acceptable to many, but it has neither direction nor incentive, because strong leadership is absent, so it seems now, but eventually it will gain momentum, if indeed is not already doing so in the undergrowth.  This is inevitable in Burma's situation, the tinder's of revolution have been smouldering for decades, and it is unstoppable, the only question, is when?

It must be remembered, that 'strength comes from confidence', whereas strength alone does not bring confidence.  At this point in time, the strong are confident, but the confident, are also growing stronger!   

A taste of constructive critisism to all the young but enthusiastic democracy loyalists.  As children we all used to play at being soldiers, or fire-fighters,  we were good at playing dead, but we were also very aware that it was a game to us, and that we could never comprehend the real thing, with its reality of horrors, that would come soon enough. If you want to play big boy games, then keep it among yourselves, as you have not yet learned the rules of the game in which you are so insistent in joining, and even then the right qualities may be absent to qualify for the game, plus of course, when the realities of the game finally become clear, the courage required to continue, may desert you.
Grow and learn!

Uk.org.