Thoughts on Recent News

[cyen]

I've been following the news development about the protests in Burma. I never realized how screwed up the government is even though I knew about the military keeping Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest. I feel really bad for the people there. I think one of my friend's husband (actually, I consider him my friend also) is actually Burmese who

Comments

[om_nom_berries]

I've been intrigued by the Burmese situation for a long time. I think I first heard about it when I was in high school. It's sappy as hell, but I was very moved to see the monks stand up for democracy. It's funny because, only a few weeks ago, Jim Carrey posted a video on YouTube about Burma and Suu Kyi and my first reaction was "You're political?" even though he's a fellow Canadian XD .

The whole situation makes me sad and angry, for a whole number of reasons. I wish I could do more. And if I could wish for anything in this world, it would be for the courage to stand up in front of an army and take a bullet because I believe in freedom.

[cyen]

You're a lot more politically aware than I was back in HS. It's very inspirational to see the monks standing up for democracy, and I'm still amazed how politically active they've been and that they've been standing up on behalf of the oppressed for so long. No wonder monks are so highly esteemed highly in Burma.

I didn't know that Jim Carrey is politically active. One learns something new everyday. XD

I too feel very sad and angry and helpless. I almost feel spoiled having all these freedom and rights while others are suffering, but I'm angry because no one deserves to have their rights taken away. Is there anything we can do?

[cyen]

Thanks for reading! I'm glad that you found the articles interesting, but it's so unfortunate that this kind of crap goes on through out the world even now.

Yeah, I agree how amazing the monks and the regular people are, and I really can't imagine being so brave if I was in the same situation. I too have a feeling that things will get worse, but I hope it won't be a repeat of 1988 when thousands of people were killed by the military. I wish the other nations can stop how intervene, but given the history of Burma, I doubt any outside pressure will persuade the military government.

Interesting but not surprising a study that just came out last week placed Burma and Somalia (?) as the most corrupt countries. I'm actually more surprised why Austria is slipping in the ranks. I wonder what the government has been up to that caused the slip.

[erikochan]

I never eat White Rabbit candy because for some reason I associate it as being the candy they give in the white packet at Chinese funerals. ^^;;

Besides, I hear it's brutal on your dental work. XD

[cyen]

Eep! No wonder you don't eat White Rabbits. It's one of those candies that we always get when we go to Chinese grocery stores so I have fond childhood memory of the candy. :3

Haha, it's like any chewy candies though I think caramel is worse on dental work.

[erikochan]

Heh, yeah it's weird how I never saw it out of a funeral context until I was maybe in my teens or so. I guess White Rabbit is a fairly inexpensive candy, and looks "Chinese" enough. Funny story, when I was 3 my mother had bought several big packages of those Kerr's big multicoloured hard candies with the twisty ends to put in the packets for my Grandpa's funeral. I guess since there was a lot of running around and not paying enough attention to me, I managed to find the candy and start munching on it before I was caught! XD

I think when I was little, I used to get Tomato Pretz from the Chinese grocery store.

Even worse than caramel are those cheap halloween toffee things!

[cyen]

AHAHAHHAHA what a cute story of little Heather, even if took place at your grandpa's funeral.

I dont think I've had tomato pretz, but the pizza version is nice. :D