For Aung San Suu Kyi
A single slender woman who terrifies an army of generals
Thomas Carlyle, that prophetic voice of the 19C, delineated in Heroes And Hero Worship (1841) what he thought were types of world-historical individuals.
Among them he projected Cromwell as a type of hero whose strength lay in a species of obdurate conviction that had no need of any flamboyant oratorical skills.
Two other figures from the 20C/21C spring to mind as further exemplars of the type, namely, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and Aung San Suu Kyi.
No more true metaphor for them than the grass, which Whitman called the “handkerchief of the Lord,” fusing in a magnificently visionary way god with democracy.
The grass, it grows everywhere, however you trample on it. In its fecund unendingness, it symbolizes and manifests the will-to-life itself, and in its undefeatably cussed humility, it is the spirit of universal freedom and common democracy that refuse to be quelled.
And, as any good gardener knows, the more you cut the more it grows.
Which may be why the sensible British did not heed Hitler’s counsel in 1938: When Chamberlain went to reason with him, he mentioned Gandhi and how troubled the empire was by him.
Uncomprehending, the Feuhrer asked, “why don’t you shoot him?”
And had they done so, nothing might have brought about so early a collapse of the empire—and in predictably brutal ways.
Clearly, the two-penny tyrants in Burma who strut about in a prison of their own making—if Suu Kyi cannot leave her house, the Generals may not leave Burma, for they are reviled everywhere, including in those parts of the world who have shabby deals with them—have understood that much.
Thus, for their own wretched safety, they desist from doing that Hitler on her. So, we ask, are they winning or losing Burma? Losing, we think. And over that knowledge, Suu Kyi’s smile arches like that of angels, seeing far far beyond the events of any single day, beyond even her own life.
Meanwhile, the merchants of commerce and pelf the world over—a mining interest here, a military interest there, all clothed as high policy—speak from both sides of the crooked commercial mouth all at once.
Shamed by the radiance and the stature of the slender lady in Rangoon, a twitch of whose eye can bring all of Burma to the streets, they laud her spirit of resistance, remembering even that, after all, she had gone to college in India, but under the table, their grubby fingers make grubby transactions. And these include those in India who did the same to Gandhi. (Or to our own iron lady, Irom Sharmila, who remains on a forced, drip-driven hunger strike for close to a decade now.)
As though he (Gandhi) had not seen through their salivating cupidities. How he was to turn away from them just when they were prancing on the stage of a bloodied “freedom,” wanting not even to be told of it as he busied himself in quelling the butcheries in Bengal.
And those that proclaim themselves the ordained agents of the spirit of democracy, and cry hoarse how it is so throttled in Iran, China, Russia, Cuba find canny arguments to perpetuate tyranny in Burma, Saudi Arabia, Honduras and wherever else their greed so commands. And no Christian country as Christian and god-swearing as their’s. Even as they make sure Suu Kyi is awarded the Nobel prize for peace.
But here is what we say: no military uniform, however starched, in Burma can expect to snuff out the grass forever. Under their very nose, it grows and grows. And all the little millions of the world make of their opprobrium a clarion call.
You may think that the fate of a Prabhakaran in Sri Lanka and Baitullah Masud in AFPAK augurs well for the tyrants in Burma.
But think again. Using the gun, they made it easy for the guns on the other side, and difficult for the people who wished them well.
Not so the lady in Burma. She could not hurt a fly, but her patient, fearless eye bears the portents of a cloud-burst that, when it comes, shall sweep from sight the starched uniforms and the little men in them as though they never had been.
With some liberty of emendation, here is what the Bard might have said:
In the meanwhile, the well-meaning millions of the world must sharpen and deepen their noble contempt, until such contempt becomes too much for the oppressor to live with. And combine that with the force of argument, proferred daily in conclave, city square, street side, and among masses of men and women gathered to protest tyranny . And deploy on behalf of that contempt and argument those histories from the collaborating world which shame both the collaborators and those they collaborate with. For, be not cynical about shame. The power of shame is great. It hollows the innards of spit and polish, and renders the General a mere mannequin in time to come.
To the lady in Rangoon we say, we salute you. For your pitying smile renders your oppressors mere wanton boys who know not what chastisement awaits them.
What greater proof of your victory than that the mere thought of your free movement through town should send shivers down the military spine. Generals, little Generals, dressed in little, brief authority—they would much rather have preferred that you came swirling the sword like some modern Joan of Arc. Alas for them, your brahmastra (weapon of weapons) is a smile that is everyday fresh as creation, and a soul that knows no doubt. And an eye that forgives even in the hour of despair. And a spirit that waters the grass even through the brick and mortar.
They held Mandela for twenty six years. Look where he is now. You are but young, both in age and in confinement. And the future is yours, your people’s and of the world that stands by you and them.
ZNet Articles
Blog Posts
Suu Kyi is not wholly Burmese
By D'Sa, Eddie at Aug 17, 2009 12:18 PM
The west always rushes to defend and protect one of its own. One of the lady's parents is British - that makes her half European. So the West feels a certain connection with her - so it must make periodic noises to highlight her plight, denial of human rights etc.
I doubt they'd make such a fuss if Kyi was wholly indigenous.
Reply this comment
Re: Suu Kyi is not wholly Burmese
By Andrews, John at Aug 18, 2009 00:08 AM
Eddie
Aung's mother was Khin Kyi, born in Myaungmya in 1912. Aung's father was Aung San, born in Natmauk in 1915.
Sorry, which parent was British? Not that it would make any difference to the rights and wrongs of Burma.
Unless there has been a lot of hidden diplomatic activity, it is true to say that the British government have not aided Aung San Suu Kyi at all. She is the democratically elected leader of Burma and has spent at least fourteen of the last twenty years in prison / under house arrest. If an election was held in Burma tomorrow, her party, The National League for Democracy would win and she would be reconfirmed as prime minister.
Do you really believe that the fascist generals represent the Burmese people? They are an aberration and would be removed were it not for USA / British / Chinese collusion.
Can I suggest that you read some of John Pilger's writings about Burma (Distant Voices etc)? Hopefully they will change your mindset on the subject.
Best wishes
John Andrews
Reply this comment
Re: Re: Suu Kyi is not wholly Burmese
By H., Harry at Aug 18, 2009 02:34 AM
The USA would like nothing better than to bring the generals down, so that they can create a democratic playing field for American corporate capitalism. Now you will not find any McDonald's, or KFC's in Burma. That is what is sticking in the american craw. Hence the sanctions and constant villifications. And they can count on confused people like you to bolster their cause. Democracy is now only a code word for how freely a country will allow itself to be swallowed up by western corporatism. If Ms. Kyi comes to power it will be a victory for them.
Reply this comment
Re: Re: Suu Kyi is not wholly Burmese
By H., Harry at Aug 18, 2009 02:35 AM
The USA would like nothing better than to bring the generals down, so that they can create a democratic playing field for American corporate capitalism. Now you will not find any McDonald's, or KFC's in Burma. That is what is sticking in the american craw. Hence the sanctions and constant villifications. And they can count on confused people like you to bolster their cause. Democracy is now only a code word for how freely a country will allow itself to be swallowed up by western corporatism. If Ms. Kyi comes to power it will be a victory for them.
Reply this comment
Re: Re: Re: Suu Kyi is not wholly Burmese
By Andrews, John at Aug 18, 2009 04:33 AM
Harry
I oppose repression wherever it occurs. In the case of Burma, I would strongly recommend that you read John Pilger's writings on the subject. I would be amazed if you still held the same views about the Burmese Generals having read Pilger. It is a brutal dictatorship that benefits only a tiny percentage of the Burmese population. I oppose the Saudi regime for the same reason. Badri Raina wrote an excellent article about Burma / Aung San Suu Kyi - that is why we are 'singling out Burma' here.
You stated that Aung San Suu Kyi was nothing more than McDonald's Ambassador to Burma. This is an awful slur on the daughter of Aung San, a Burmese hero, and is without proven foundation.
I see that you reside in California. A nice place. No Generals there other than possibly Arnie. Going back 30-years ago there was a band that came from California, The Dead Kennedy's. They had a song called Holiday in Cambodia (So you've been to school for a year or two and you think you've seen it all..........). You should listen to it; you might recognise yourself in it.
Reply this comment
Re: Re: Re: Re: Suu Kyi is not wholly Burmese
By H., Harry at Aug 22, 2009 03:54 AM
Hi John,
I am very familiar with burmese generals - they're not much different than american generals. What makes yoy such an expert on brutality - have you ever lived in Burma. I have. Your expertise no doubt is derived from having lived in America. I must tell you that living in Burma is not that much different than living in California except without tthe contstant overwhelming bombardment of comercialism - what a relief. People go ahead with their daily routines not much concerned about politics or their need to express themselvees, much the same way the poeple of california do. I am very familiiar with john pilges work, and have agreat deal of respect for it. but if that is your only knowledge of Burma, then you rally dont know very much. perhaps you should try living there.
Reply this comment
Aung San Suu Kyi - the McDonalds Ambassador to Burma.
By H., Harry at Aug 16, 2009 23:22 PM
The hopes of Western corporate capitalism lie in her.
Reply this comment
Twisted Thinking?
By Andrews, John at Aug 17, 2009 04:44 AM
Harry
Would you like to live under the Burmese Dictatorship? Are you working on the basis that your enemy's enemy must be your friend? In the case of Burma, methinks you have a psychotic friend. Would you have given Pol Pot your stamp of approval as well? How deep does your democratic thinking actually go?
Badri - great article, as ever.
Best wishes
John Andrews
Reply this comment
Re: Twisted Thinking?
By H., Harry at Aug 18, 2009 02:00 AM
What is the purpose of singling out Burma. Are you happy living under the Obama regime? Killing Afghani's, pakistanis, anyone else anywhere in the world they feel like - Guantanomo, drones, the suspension of habeas corpus, the mexican border, the witchunt on immigrants etc. etc.. Are there no more repressive regimes in the world that should be picked on, but which dont because they're toady up up to western capitalism. How about Singapore, How about Thailand, How about saudi arabia? Is the western model the model for democracy? Are you showing your western condescension again. Now that you mention Pol Pot - who was complicit in his crimes - the US, and who else. If you keep taking this holier than thou attitude you will never see anything clearly.
Reply this comment
Re: Twisted Thinking?
By Raina, Badri at Aug 17, 2009 09:22 AM
dear john,
thou art such a good samaritan;
thank you;
i was a bit struck by Harry's take, but did not know how to meet with his position.
i wish him well, and hope that he will think about what you say.
all the best,
br
Reply this comment
Unions denounce corporate complicity in repression in Burma
By D'Arcy, Steve at Aug 17, 2009 12:28 PM
STATEMENT from CANADIAN LABOUR CONGRESS
The Canadian Labour Congress has adopted policy statements and resolutions reaffirming our conviction that peace and democracy are an integral part of the labour movement’s ongoing struggle for social and economic justice.
In recent weeks Burma has seen the largest popular and peaceful challenge to its brutal military dictatorship in 20 years. We have seen with outrage the military junta’s response with acts of extreme violence against monks and peaceful demonstrators, mass arrests and the killing of several hundred innocent people.
There is an urgency for strong voices of solidarity with the people in Burma.
The military junta has made Burma the only country ever to be sanctioned under the constitution of the International Labour Organization because of its responsibility in the ongoing use of forced labour; a practice that the ILO equates to a crime against humanity.
Indeed, at incredible cost to the Burmese people, the military have closed and isolated the country with complete disregard for no less than twenty-eight UN General Assembly and Commission on Human Rights resolutions calling for national reconciliation and an end to the crisis.
In Canada, Parliament passed a motion in May 2005 in support of comprehensive economic measures against the military regime. Neither government since then has gone beyond pious statements.
The Canadian Labour Congress in cooperation with the Federation of Trade Unions – Burma and the International Trade Union Confederation, is calling on the Canadian Government, in cooperation with the Opposition Parties, to take immediate steps to help the people of Burma and to respect human rights, workers’ rights, including the rights to freedom of association and freedom of speech, to desist from using force against peaceful protestors and to restore democracy.
In particular we call on the Canadian government to:
1. Call for the immediate release of all of Burma’s political prisoners including Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the National League for Democracy, trade unionists, and the thousands of monks, workers, and other protesters who were arrested en masse in Rangoon and across Burma in recent weeks.
2. Institute a comprehensive ban on investment in Burma by all Canadian registered companies and their subsidiaries as well as Canadian citizens, applying to new investments and to a requirement for divesting from existing business operations. This ban needs to include investment through joint-ventures, or similar arrangements, by Canadian-registered companies in all Burmese state-owned companies;
3. Implement a prohibition for all Canadian-registered companies from entering into joint-ventures or contracts or doing business with the military and state-owned entities;
4. Declare a ban on the import into Canada of goods and services from Burma, and as a matter of particular urgency, a ban on the import of those goods provided by entities owned and/or operated or produced by enterprises owned by or linked to the Burmese military, military personnel and/or their relatives; this includes a ban on those strategically important goods that are produced under a monopoly of the Burmese state, such as timber and gems;
5. Bring in a ban on international financial transfers and transactions to or from Burma by citizens, official entities or companies from Canada. This needs to include a ban for Canadian-based companies on making, approving, financing, facilitating or guaranteeing international financial transactions with Burmese government-owned banks.
6. Take actions to ensure that Canadian-originated arms are not sold to Burma via third countries; and
7. Ban extending export credits by Canadian governments to their companies in relation to any trade with or investment in Burma.
Canadian workers have joined in pickets, demonstrations, vigils, protest marches, letter-writing campaigns and countless other acts of solidarity. This outreach by international unionists for a strengthening of economic pressure on the generals is fully in line with what the FTUB has been advocating for over 15 years! We urge all affiliates and labour councils to support these demands and call on our government and parliamentarians to put real pressure on the military regime and to demand entrepreneurs to cease their business and cooperation with the junta.
The Canadian Labour Congress will continue to work with the International Trade Union Confederation, the Federation of Trade Unions in Burma and our social allies to pressure the government and Canadian companies to take real steps to bring democracy to Burma.
Reply this comment
Re: Unions denounce corporate complicity in repression in Burma
By Raina, Badri at Aug 18, 2009 00:01 AM
how fortunate my offering that it should draw so detailed and organized a response as this;
i am now well-instructed about the magnificent effort of the unions in canada, and elated that it is still the working people who have the most imagination and empathy as human beings.
enriched.
best/br
Reply this comment
Re: Unions denounce corporate complicity in repression in Burma
By Raina, Badri at Aug 18, 2009 00:00 AM
how fortunate my offering that it should draw so detailed and organized a response as this;
i am now well-instructed about the magnificent effort of the unions in canada, and elated that it is still the working people who have the most imagination and empathy as human beings.
enriched.
best/br
Reply this comment
Re: Unions denounce corporate complicity in repression in Burma
By Raina, Badri at Aug 18, 2009 00:01 AM
how fortunate my offering that it should draw so detailed and organized a response as this;
i am now well-instructed about the magnificent effort of the unions in canada, and elated that it is still the working people who have the most imagination and empathy as human beings.
enriched.
best/br
Reply this comment