Letters to the Editor — August, 2011
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Letters to the Editor — August, 2011


By THE IRRAWADDY Monday, August 29, 2011


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(Page 14 of 20)

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Lives Worth Living

Regarding the article, “Surviving on a Little Hope and 33 US Cents a Day” [February 6, 2009; URL: http://www2.irrawaddy.com/article.php?art_id=15076]:

I am writing to you from a small office in Mae Sot. With all due respect, I found the article "Surviving on a Little Hope and 33 US Cents a Day" slightly disturbing.

I am referring to one sentence in particular, but this sentence changed the meaning of the whole article: "... exchange camp life for a worthwhile existence in the outside world..." Life in camps here is difficult, I know that very well. It surely is miserable in many ways—at times it is hell. We know that already. But I do not understand how the author can seriously think he has the authority to claim that currently 150,000 people's lives are NOT lives that are worth living.

It is so shockingly obvious that people fall in love, people see the sunrise, play, chat. (And by the way, they mostly smile more than the whole population of the Western hemisphere put together.) It is called resilience. It is called the spirit of humanity. I think it is dangerous to allow my fellow Westerners to develop this myth where these people with so-called "lives not worth living” will finally find a worthwhile existence once they land somewhere else, be that the US or wherever else. I think that only serves one purpose: recreating a myth of happiness in the US and in Europe that seems to be similar to some of the literature we witnessed in the past century that colorfully created the pursuit of the American Dream.

What I mean is simply that I do not think the author or anyone else should make such claims about the value of anybody else's life but their own.

Sena Galazzi


Federalism Express

Regarding the article, “The Path of Pen or Sword?” [February 4, 2009;
URL: http://www2.irrawaddy.com/article.php?art_id=15057]:

Only a full federal union will secure the well-being of all in this country. If not, the bloodshed will revive itself and will take the lives of the innocent youths of both sides. The constitution must be revised; full autonomy must be granted.

Seng


Don’t Forget the Gas Guzzlers!

Regarding the article, “Burma and Obama” [January 30, 2009;
URL: http://www2.irrawaddy.com/article.php?art_id=15008]:

The world (and the US) must not forget that China and India are propping up the Burmese generals with their unconsciencious business dealings with the military junta—primarily oil and natural gas imports from Burma. China and India are benefiting immensely from the very tragic political and economic situation in Burma as the suffering and lack of even a half-day's supply of electricity for the ordinary Burmese allow these two Asian superpowers (as well as Thailand) to import energy supplies from Burma, which only make the military generals more wealthy and increases the suffering of the average Burmese.

Burmese-American


‘Change’ We Can Believe In

Regarding the article, “Gambari Must be Firm this Time Around” [January 30, 2009; URL: http://www2.irrawaddy.com/article.php?art_id=15032]:

I don’t think Gambari will make a change for Burma. The public have to do something .They have to unite with each other. Then Burma will change.

Hari


Not Sorry for Kyaw Thu

Regarding the article, “Kyaw Thu’s Transfer Questions Junta’s Intentions” [February 5, 2009; URL: http://www2.irrawaddy.com/article.php?art_id=15066]:

The SPDC should find someone to take Kyaw Thu’s place, because they well need someone who has experience and knowledge. Maybe one of the ambassadors or mafia who is related to the junta. By the way, don’t feel sorry for him; they all are the same. One: go; two: come; three: wait. But they all are selfish.

shwe gyi


Imperial Chains

Regarding the article, “Surviving on a Little Hope and 4 US Cents a Day” [February 6, 2009; URL: http://www2.irrawaddy.com/article.php?art_id=15076]:

This is just a good essay to read in the midday heat of a sizzling summer day, somewhere in England or a country in the West. Burma is in turmoil today because Gen Aung San was killed by an imperialist lackey, of course helped by the British army holding Burma back in 1947 in the first place.



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