This post is a little different from usual, but I wanted to at least share some thoughts about the recent news from Burma/Myanmar. Part of the reason I started this site was so that I could have some sort of record for M and A to look back on and read about when they are older. I think it'll be interesting to read about what their parents were up to, what their mom was thinking about as they were growing up, all the different schools they attended, the places we visited, and so forth. It'll also serve to show them how the world and their lives have changed over time.

My family immigrated from Burma in 1975, for reasons that are now again becoming clear to the rest of the world. J and I visited my grandmother there several years ago (she has since passed on), and I was taken by what a peaceful society it was (with the exception of the military, of course). Strangers everywhere would approach us and invite us into their homes, chat with us at the marketplace, and welcome us to their community. It is a tragedy that despite fair elections favoring a democratic government, the military regime has refused to cooperate. Schools close without any notice, currency is deemed useless on any given day, and the military pretty much bullies its way through the country. Raw sewage runs alongside many of the town sidewalks, and many people are poor, hungry, and helpless. And I feel helpless. I've got lots of relatives there, specifically in the small towns where the military has now settled. I'm not sure what I can do, but I feel like I have to do something. I'll be looking into ways I can get involved once our living situation is more stable (I hate living among unpacked boxes - I can't find anything), but if anyone has ideas, I'd appreciate any suggestions.

I don't know much about politics, but I do feel that if there was ever an appropriate time for our government to invade another country, this might be one of them. I guess teak and jade don't compare to oil.

Tags: travel, safety, J, me