Aung San Suu Kyi

Lately I have many stories that make me sad. But today, the story that makes me deeply sad is the story of Aung San Suu Kyi. She turned 64 years today. She lives alone in her home-prison, in Burma. I dare not use the phrase "celebrate her birthday." Her party, NLD, came out to show their support, and released white doves as sign of peace, from the streets outside.

Aung San Sun Kyi is the leader of the Opposition Party, who won the general election by a land-slide, 30 years ago. She was arrested for rebellion right after she won. She was imprisoned at her own house for 15 years. During her few years of freedom afterwards, the Burmese government soon realize that she was still threateningly popular so they imprisoned her at her home with the same charge. The time was going to end after 10 years. The 10 years is approaching an end soon. There was an American reporter who swam over the lake to go see her. Although it was just a random person, she was blamed and so she has been sent to prison. There are reports that she is ill.

Her husband who's an Englishman, has passed away with cancer. They weren't together in his last moments. Their two sons, who are now in their 40s,also live in England, but they have not had their mother for most of their lives because they are not allowed inside Burma.

What I don't understand is that all the world-powers, which have came out to pressurize the Burmese governtment, but at the same time leading companies from those countries went in to invest in Burma. Thai government, which is the closest neighbor, also gives a weak pressure to release Aung San Suu Kyi. When asked why not take a harder approach, they all say, they're afraid it would negatively effect international relationship. Isn't it funny that if they're going to apply pressure, why be afraid? And why don't they think that if Aung San Suu Kyi's party became the government, would it then not create a stronger relationship?

This is just a question from an old Thai lady, who doesn't have a lot of knowledge about politics. But I've been wondering all my life, and will continue to wonder.

Although I dare not, and should not say happy birthday to Aung San Suu Kyi, I would like to send my great respect over the mountains and the Erawadee River, which seperates the two countries, to her. I hope that my wish, from this blog, will not cause her to suffer another 10 years in prison.