Burmese Service

"Dear RFA,

Cyclone Nargi is a blessing in many ways. Yes, it is very unfortunate that thousands have died and millions [are] homeless, yet this is perhaps the catalyst that the democratic spirit of Burma needs. This is the time that the Burmese people of the world [must] unite and pressure their respective representatives to call for the Burmese military regime to step down for [a] democratic leadership and rightful elected representative—Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. With this disaster, the Burmese regime has no choice but to let the world help. As the world enters to help those who need the help, they will undoubtedly witness the social injustice, lack of infrastructure, planning, and thoughtfulness that a government should display to be lacking. This is the perfect time for the world to highlight the Burmese military regime's faults and their crimes on the people. John Locke proposed the idea of a 'social contract'—that there are tasks in a society that are too large and great for any one individual to accomplish alone. This is where the government steps in—to coordinate social action. Yet, the Burmese military junta has done nothing for social benefit and only committed social robbery instead.

"We must kill the snake by cutting off its head. Just as we know that if we give a homeless person money, they are likely to still be homeless in a month, or if we treat cancer by treating its symptoms, it will not cure the cancer itself; we must send the right message. And the message is this—that we cannot control disasters but we can control those in charge. Disasters are likely to happen again, yet if the same government is still in place after this incident, any aid without pressuring the government to step aside would only be like putting a bandage on a gunshot wound. Please reply and let me know how I can be of help. Thank you very much.—Submitted on May 6, 2008

"I live in a village near the Thai border. I am from the ethnic group where the women wear brass rings around their necks. We are called the Kayans or the Padaungs. Tourists come and see us all the time. I listen to RFA news every evening with great interest. By listening to RFA news I increase my general knowledge as well as my understanding of the latest news around the world. The voices from RFA on the radio are clear and full and whenever I hear the announcers on the air I have to imagine how they look. I would very much like to see their faces. At night from 7:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. I listen to RFA on the 19-22-25-31 meter bands.”—Burmese listener

"I listen to RFA at 7:30 a.m. and at 8:00 p.m…. There is nothing to complain about with regard to the RFA news. Amongst the weekly features I like ‘Letters from a soldier,’ ‘Bookshelf on the air,’ ‘Gyanbon’ (Burmese Calamity Jane), and ‘Stories for adults.’… I am from Monywa city in the Sagaing District in Central Burma. I landed in jail after being involved with drugs while I was working on a merchant ship. If circumstances permit, I shall write to RFA again."—Burmese listener in Thai prison