But one small misstep—or a sudden gust of outrage from a nation that is more at the mercy of economic forces than almost any other—and he could soon find that the heights that he now commands are not as unassailable as he imagines.
Than Shwe is not a dictator because he doesn't dare kill Aung San Suu Kyi.
plan B Wrote:
13/04/2009
Kyaw Win
One of the most unkind assessments/ judgements that a human can pass on to other.
That is even worst than blaming the government and doing nothing.
At the very best I can only say that you felt hopeless without alternate solution being provided.
Thailand and the Philippines as examples are grossly unfair. These two countries have an economy that supports all activities of their political entities, i.e., government, people, military.
The citizenry of Burma are merely surviving.
That being said, don't lose hope. Support the economic activities of ordinary citizens, no matter how nominal.
Things will happen when the citizenry can look beyond surviving one day at a time.
There are more name-calling naysayers in this forum. Ignore them.
Think what need to be done simply one step at a time.
The tunnel you chose may be a long one. Your first step will put you closer to the light at the end.
You must however choose one to start. Don't give up. For the sake of our fellow humans in Burma.
Okkar Wrote:
13/04/2009
People often claimed to have made sacrifices in 1988, yet they always failed to elaborate how and where. It has become a buzzword for polishing one's image and vanity in exile communities. Some expect instant respect while other preferred to be revered by the exile society. Far detached from the realities of present days, they boast at every opportunity about the sacrifices they made in 88, while knowingly twisting and bending the truth to dramatise the stories to gain the desired effect. Political deadlocks and turmoil in Burma are their daily dose of medicine, they need hostilities and confrontations in the country like a drug addict needs his regular daily fix. Without the chaos, they would simply fade away and lose their status as "heros" in the exiled community. I do feel pity for them.
George Than Setkyar Heine Wrote:
12/04/2009
Thanks Plan B for your recognition and word of advice. Please keep track of me also, will you?
Yes, the key for freedom of Burma rests in their hands only. We can only support and help them from overseas, not much more than that.
At this juncture they should look at our Ma-ha-za-ka's example of diligence and resolve in achieving an objective.
Waiting for God or someone to get them out of their present predicament would be akin to carrying water in a wicker basket.
Today, it is vital and most warranted that they overcome their fear of Than Shwe's guns by building up unity and resolve among them and confront the tyrants.
In this respect they need brains, courage and resolve, of course.
Remember Rome was not built in a day and our victory is not yet in sight.
However, since day one we fight with the belief that we hold the truth and freedom is the right of our people also.
Hence, we will prevail if truth is universal and freedom is man's right on this earth, lest Than Shwe forgets.
Moe Aung Wrote:
12/04/2009
Kyaw Win,
"Burmese people deserve the way of life they have today."
They do say people get the government they deserve. It may be true by and large, but if you think Burmese should carry on fighting the regime with just medieval weapons, namely swords and jinglees, you cannot be serious. That's why all those patriotic soldiers and officers in the army must join the people in their fight for freedom and a fairer society.
If July 7, 1962, 1974, 8888 and September 2007 have not shown the courage and determination of the Burmese nation in their struggle against such impossible odds I don't know what does.
The very fact that the NLD and others can exist today came from the ultimate sacrifice of thousands of ordinary Burmese up and down the country.
Just because comfortable middle class people, especially those safe outside Burma, feel things aren't moving for them doesn't mean those less lucky than they inside Burma are simply looking to the US, etc. to sort it out like they do. Shame on you.
Kyaw Win Wrote:
11/04/2009
Burmese people deserve the way of life they have today. They don't want to do anything about it and they don't want to deal with it.
Look at Thailand and the Philippines, the people power. They just sit there and wait for God or somebody else to do the job for them. No wonder Than Shwe and his friends are all having good lives for so long. I don't believe the whole army will like Than Shwe.
Moe Aung Wrote:
11/04/2009
salai bawi,
Just because dissident groups outside Burma have a voice (freedom of expression denied inside), and hence are more vocal and heard to some extent, doesn't mean they are more important than those inside the country. Quite on the contrary.
And as if a country's future is principally determined by foreign relations and diplomacy. July 7, 1962, 1974, 8888, September 2007 were not driven by international relations, although the global economy and World Bank/IMF policies played a part in the last two. They were domestic crises. Popular uprisings do not happen on a whim or for geopolitical reasons and nor do military coups, even if outside agents may add fuel to the fire.
Will free, fair and inclusive mean anything if the elections are based on a constitution so totally rigged from top to bottom and forced down our throats? Sham elections from a sham constitution. And as if they would honor the results if it goes "wrong" for them once again. You cannot be serious.
salai bawi Wrote:
10/04/2009
Than Shwe's word really makes sense. But the question is if he will live up to his words. Like it or not, the planned 2010 elections will be held, even if there might be some minor resistance. This time, I was wondering how pro-democracy groups based in Thailand will survive. The western governments are tired of giving away their loads of money without any tangible result. DANIDA of Denmark's government already told these groups to support the 2010 election, otherwise they will face funding cuts. Surely, it's a very difficult time for them.
The UN, Japan and many developed countries have already shown their support for the 2010 election as long as the election is inclusive and free and fair. The new tactics of the pro-democracy groups can be sensed, like trying to convince the world (as the NLD successfully and cleverly did when they won 1990 election, which was for a constitutional convention, not to form a government) that the upcoming election will not be free and fair and not inclusive.
Thein S maung Wrote:
10/04/2009
When a man like Than Shwe is obsessed with power he will not stop at anything until he is dead. By the time he dies, he will be remembered as a man who killed Buddhist monks
for that same goal--to hold power.
Hla Oo Wrote:
10/04/2009
Is Okkar one of those DSA trained cyber warriors? If he is, congratulation! He is doing his job spectacularly well. Where did you learn to write English that well, IFL [the Institute for Foreign Languages]?
Say hello to Major General Tin Than Oo. Or your boss Major General Min Aung Hlaing? So many bloody generals in Burma now!
plan B Wrote:
10/04/2009
George Than Setkyar Heine
I salute your sacrifices made and magnanimity in not putting the like of Okkar and Thein to shame.
I further laud you for not lowering yourself to the level of Thein or Okkar, who can be Doke-Kark.
Chin up and know that a silent majority exists that envies the sacrifices that you have made.
Let not the mocking, belittling detract you from your plan. Let not anger be your guide. Either because of other opinions about you or your sentiments towards the wrong doers, i.e., Than Shwe.
If you truly believe that your plan will benefit the citizenry without more harm go for it.
Do it thoughtfully so that you cannot be faulted for volition or omission. Omission of the citizenry's well being, especially.
Remember, there is a saying in Burmese: "an ounce of merit, a viss of hell."
George Than Setkyar Heine Wrote:
09/04/2009
Yes, my name's George Than Setkyar Heine, and I’m a brave son of Burma who dared to say to Than Shwe: “You are just a monk murderer.” Unlike you, who don't even dare to give your name in full.
I have sacrificed since 1988 and am still doing everything I can, at the risk of my life, to nail Than Shwe and his thugs in their coffins and come home to Burma, as I have no cause to stay in alien lands more than needed.
Living for nothing or maybe everything, with your head bowed to murderers like Than Shwe, and dying for something like I am doing for the people at present is incomparable, if you don't know yet.
And I aim to return to Burma with victory in my hands after sending the monk killer to hell, where he belongs.
Out of sympathy and for your sake, let me say, do something for the people of Burma, instead of throwing punches below the belt.
people powerservice Wrote:
08/04/2009
Than Shwe ordered his secret companies, such as Naung Tone, Pan Daing and Original Group, to build underground apartments near Kyaukse. Than Shwe ordered underground building equipment from Myanmar Nay Yaung Chi Company and Kyaw Enterprise to build these underground apartments. General Soe Thein, who is Minister of Industry 2, is in charge of that facility. General Soe Thein gave Myanmar Nay Yaung Chi Company, owned by one RIT student, Myanmar currency in payment. Myanmar Nay Yaung Chi Company and Kyaw Enterprise are two companies who told Than Shwe directly about the corruption of former Minister of Industry 2 Gen Saw Lwin.
thein Wrote:
08/04/2009
George Than Setkyar Heine, you sound like you are ready to die for your country. Why don't you go back to Burma and fight and die? Why do you guys just run away and stay in other countries and talk about how brave you are?
By the way, what kind of messed up name is George Than Setkyar Heine?
Moe Aung Wrote:
08/04/2009
Okkar,
To think that you at least among your lot could argue like a grownup. Can you imagine how disappointing it is to all of us when your comments have degenerated to a jabbering rant? Hope you haven't stopped taking your pills. But whatever you do, don't drop those generals' shoes you've been carrying, will you?
shwemoe Wrote:
04/04/2009
Why does The Irrawaddy refer to Naypyidaw as the new "royal" capital? You are only giving credence to the absolute rubbish of the "Commander and Thief" Than Shwe. The boy was born with a bamboo spoon in his mouth which was gold plated lately.
Okkar Wrote:
04/04/2009
Moe Aung,
If refusing to support a morally and politically bankrupt opposition is spineless, then I take that as a compliment. I would rather support the regime than support these opportunistic NLD politicians.
As for a reality check, this is like the pot calling the kettle black. Your ignorance of current world affairs is astonishing. It appears that you are, like other opposition supporters, living in a fantasy world. Wake up and look around, no one is supporting this stupid cause anymore. People have grown tired of the NLD and the opposition's rhetoric. They are like a bunch of frogs in the puddle. All noise and no action.
You can shout rhetoric till kingdom come, but nothing is going to derail the process in Burma. The SPDC won, the NLD lost. Even the US is abandoning the NLD and the opposition. You are right about one thing, though--the general did answer the call of the nation and protected its sovereignty, defended the nation from enemies, foreign and domestic.
Than Shwe Naing Wrote:
03/04/2009
Forgive Okkar, since he's still playing with Than Shwe in a kid’s way and not mature enough to think politics like Than Shwe.
Moe Aung Wrote:
02/04/2009
I was addressing Reality the commentator in the first instance, not Okkar till the last moment.
KKK Wrote:
02/04/2009
Okkar: Can you please tell me what the NLD did wrong? What mistakes did the NLD make? What do you want the NLD to answer? What are your questions? Give me some, Bro! I would love to answer that for you.
Kyaw Sein Wrote:
02/04/2009
Okkar, even if you might say that the NLD made mistakes, the NLD has never killed people and monks. Than Shwe has killed a lot of those so far.
Moe Aung Wrote:
02/04/2009
Reality, Okkar? Sorry, but you need a reality check. The so-called international community is basically made up of onlookers and you can't expect much more than some appropriate noises being made to suit their own image and endless awards being handed to Aung San Suu Kyi. Why would they go out on a limb to help in a concrete way (as far as most of them are concerned) a backwater place of no importance unless there appears to be some geopolitical advantage in their own interest. Seeing the plight of a heroic damsel in distress made them at least come up with sanctions.
So get real and support the opposition by showing some spine yourself, and not going with the flow, which is not just spineless but a lazy and bankrupt policy.
Rely on yourselves. Your own people power just needs to be forged into a more effective weapon. Stop hoping America will do something by sending in the cavalry, for goodness sake!
Yes, Okkar, your generals will be answering to the nation soon enough.
George Than Setkyar Heine Wrote:
02/04/2009
Remember, there is "no pain, no gain." Aung San Suu Kyi, Min Ko Naing and other heroes are not suffering in prison for nothing.
We did our part and now we are in alien lands to fight another day. Lest you forget, we will not rest until the military rules no more in Burma, take my word for it.
We courted death since we took up the fight in 1988, for the people—not for you guys.
But we fight to die another day, not today nor fruitlessly.
Trust me. If you believe in truth, then you will see us coming back to Burma among the victors, sooner than you think, and surely not among the vanquished, like Than Shwe and his thugs, already on their date with death by then.
Okkar Wrote:
01/04/2009
NLD answering their responsibilities? You must be joking! They have been ducking and diving from taking any responsibilities from the mistakes that have been made. They accuse anyone who points their mistakes out as regime apologists instead of gracefully admitting their failure.
As for those who are asking people to rise up, I would like to ask them if they would actually go back and join the revolution? It is no good sitting and giving orders in your comfortable "refugee" housing provided by the West. If you or your sons/daughters are not going to join the revolution, don't urge other people's sons and daughters to die for your rhetoric.
XcOm Wrote:
01/04/2009
I can't believe this. It almost seems like there is no hope to free the Burmese people. The West can't do anything as it would destabilize the area if they invaded. The only way to get the junta out of power is if China and Russia change their minds on selling them weapons and tells them to straighten up and fly right. Or get India, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam to lean on the Burmese junta.
George Than Setkyar Heine Wrote:
01/04/2009
Yes, Than Shwe has nothing for the people other than a life under his boots.
The people have failed until now to protect their chosen leader Daw Suu.
Than Shwe knew this fact after his attempt to murder her at Depayin in 2003.
It is the obligation and bounded duty of the people to protect their chosen leaders.
Look at Than Shwe hiding behind 400,000 fully armed men today.
There are more than 50 million people in Burma. And there was nobody to stand up for Daw Suu, when she was attacked at Depayin.
Today, Than Shwe is poised to substitute the 1990 election results with his farcical 2010 elections. And nobody has yet said or done anything about it. If he pulls this off then the people of Burma will be under eternal military rule.
Now is the time for the people to unite and overcome their fear and confront Than Shwe and his thugs before it is too late.
The NLD leadership has to answer to history if Than Shwe gets away with his 2010 farce.
Reality Wrote:
01/04/2009
No matter how bad Than Shwe is, the reality is as follows:
The opposition group led by the NLD has failed to persuade the international community to act against Burma in a united manner. What it has received from western governments is just verbal support for Daw Suu, ineffective sanctions and other lip services.
Meanwhile, the military has been handling international pressure well. The military has strengthened its grip on power with young blood coming into the hierarchy (contrary to the NLD). It successfully manipulated the outcome of 2008 referendum, and got its constitution approved without triggering any effective action from the international community.
Even some western countries see the 2010 election as a positive step.
In short, the opposition NLD lost the game, and the military won it. So, the opposition should accept the reality, make concessions to allow the military to play a significant role in politics, and work together with the military.
Moe Aung Wrote:
01/04/2009
“A recently dug well cannot be expected to produce clear water immediately.”
I've lost count the number of times I've heard this tired old cliche from the military, ever since Ne Win's reign.
MyoChitThuNYC, you flatter him (That Shwe). His guiding principle? Greed is good. Power is just a means to an end.
Su Su Wrote:
01/04/2009
Than Shwe is just stupid and knows how to lie to the people and also how to kill the people and monks. Whatever the 2010 election result is, Than Shwe will already have won it by 99 percent. Even if nobody turns out to vote, the result will be announced as a 99 percent win by Than Shwe. The reason is he already planned all votes in his favor as a national referendum was held amid the cyclone Nargis.
I wish another Nargis would come to Than Shwe. But this time, a Nargis just for him and his brothers-in-law in the jungle.
George Than Setkyar Heine Wrote:
01/04/2009
Yes, Than Shwe has made up his mind to rule Burma until to his death, no doubt about it.
Of course, the military rulers have no intention whatsoever to relinquish power.
After leading the UN and international community on a wild goose chase, Than Shwe has finally declared loud and clear that he has nothing for the people of Burma other than keeping them under his boot for eternity.
Daw Suu is now vanquished, lucky not to have been killed. The people have let her down, although she has given her life for them. The NLD is mostly responsible in this respect, no doubt.
Unity is the only answer to Than Shwe's weapon of fear. But Than Shwe can be vanquished by the unity and resolve of the people. Therefore, it rests on the people of Burma to stop Than Shwe's rush to eternal military rule.
Saw Dennis Wrote:
01/04/2009
Dictator Than Shwe has been acting like Hitler, Stalin, Polpot etc. It is clear that his hirelings tell him only what he wants to hear, as he is not above shooting the messenger. His monumental self-conceit will make him to go on defying the popular will of the people of Burma, world opinion and changing world order. His hard-line stance regarding the call for reviewing the constitution shows that he intends to go on building an empire of slaves out of Burma. People preaching compromise solution, beware.
Eric Johnston Wrote:
01/04/2009
Potential voters can perhaps be categorized as follows:
1. These want democracy but will not participate in the 2010 "elections." This group does not trust the SPDC.
2. These want democracy and will participate in the "elections." This group thinks it can beat the SPDC at its own game with hands tied behind the back. It may be confused with (3) below.
3. So-called “moderates” or “third force”—opportunists, the totally blind, and regime agents.
4. Ceasefire groups—controlled by the regime with bribery and threats of violence.
MyoChitThuNYC Wrote:
31/03/2009
Than Shwe is an evil man. He is in the same class as Hitler, Stalin, Ivan the Terrible, Kim Jong Ill, and Saddam Hussein.
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