Aung San Suu Kyi is the face of democracy, fighting hard for the people of Myanmar. She is now 61 years old but her determination and drive is still the same as the early 1990s. She is greatly influenced by the late Mahatma Gandhi for his philosophy for non-violence and from Buddhist teachings. Somehow, I really admire people like this who sacrifice their freedom, time, health and effort (in short their LIVES) for the greater goal of others.
The people of Myanmar were enlighted by democracy assuming from seeing how it's neighbouring countries were progressing well under this system. It was her drive to form the National League Democratic Union in 1988 and she felt that she could make a difference for Myanmar and it's people with democratization. To be honest with you, Myanmar is still way behind compared to other countries in Asia and can do with a person like Suu Ki to propel it to greater heights.
In 1990, she and her party won the national elections. Unfortunately, the party's victory was not recognized by the Myanmar Military @ Military Junta. The funny part is that the Junta were the ones who organized the elections. Such dumb assess!
In addition to not victoriously leading the new-Myanmar, she was placed under house arrest for the past 19 years since then. The only way for her to be released would be if she leaves her homeland, Myanmar.
In addition to not victoriously leading the new-Myanmar, she was placed under house arrest for the past 19 years since then. The only way for her to be released would be if she leaves her homeland, Myanmar.
During this time, she has painfully gone through the death of her husband in 1999. Throughout this time, they have only met 5 times since she was detained under house arrest. She has 2 kids whom are in their 30s and residing in the UK.
The Junta are probably having a smashing good time with wealth, booze and women, that they felt inferior for someone like Suu Ki, would be a party pooper by putting an end to their endless celebrations.
She has been recognized globally for her good intentions and efforts in bringing peace to Myanmar. In 1991, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Also, she won the Rafto Prize and the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought . In 1992 she was awarded the Jawarhalal Nehru peace prize by the Indian government.
Like many other famous but humble people who strive to make a difference, she too has her own quotes. One famous quote from Suu Ki :
"It is not power that corrupts but fear. Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it and fear of the scourge of power corrupts those who are subject to it".
Now I am sure you can just go to Google and search her. However, I wanted to provide a summary of her goals, achievements, her pain and her sacrifice for the good of the people of Myanmar from my perspective. The news about her from CNN caught my attention and made me draw interest to learn more about her quest for Myanmar's democracy.
The international leaders are clearly aware of this situation and have made many appeals to the Junta but to no positive effect. Perhaps now is a good time to jump in guys to take advantage of this delicate situation.
The situation is now at it's climax! She was promised to be released end of May 2009 by the Junta. Unfortunately, an American "clown" is in the picture. Nothing better to do one fine night, he claims he swam accross the river, where her house overlooks and got tired. So he seeked shelter and food from her house. Of all the houses and places to do a pit-stop, it has to be her house.
He is now being investigated for trespassing and interfering with Suu Ki's house arrest. Suu Ki is also now being trialed by the Junta for her offence in violating the house arrest by accepting and being in contact with the American. The American is nothing but bad news for her! If Suu Ki is found to be guilty, she will be jailed from 3 to 5 years(like has if the 19 years was nothing!).
I suspect, the Junta is using this as a reason to extend her arrest and put her out of politics for longer period. However, this would exceed the maximum punishment for person being placed under house arrest. Otherwise, she will be placed in prison just like the other pro-democracy activist who dreamt of building a new- Myanmar.
Please, let us join forces as global citizens and to rally for the freedom of Aung San Suu Kyi!
