FIGHTING BURMESE DICTATORSHIP

The Burmese dictators are hoping we all forget about the recent massacre of students and Buddhist monks. And all the companies that work with the Burmese dictators (Chevron most prominently among American companies) also hope we forget. I want to make sure people do NOT forget and that Chevron (and Texaco) feels some heat for their eagerness to do business with corrupt, brutal dictators.

As Bush continues the economic sanctions against Cuba, one wonders why the far more brutal, far more repressive dictatorship of Burma doesn't get much harsher and longer lasting sanctions from the US. We have from time to time applied sanctions on Burma, but the right wing ecstasy over sanctions against Cuba seem so far out of proportion to the situation in Cuba, and the half hearted sanctions against Burma always seem to be too little, too late given the brutality of the regime.

First off, let's remember that there IS a democratically elected government of Burma...and they never were allowed to take power. Aung San Suu Kyi IS the democratically elected President of Burma. Instead of taking power she has been held under house arrest by the dictators. Aung San Suu Kyi is not only the rightful leader of Burma, but she is also the world's only imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize winner.

The Burmese dictators are more brutal than the Iranian theocrats, and democracy is arguably healthier in Iran than in Burma (which is at best damning with faint praise). Yet we focus on Iran. Bush has spent more time condemning Hugo Chavez, unquestionably the democratically elected President of Venezuela who has committed no atrocities (even if I am concerned about his seemingly wanting to become President for Life) than he has spent condemning the blatantly blood thirsty and anti-democratic Burmese dictators. You can read about the US sanctions against Burma (originally imposed by Clinton) and its loopholes, as well as Chevron's support of the dictators here.

You want brutal. There is a Daily Kos diary, complete with a disturbing picture and links to very good coverage of Burmese news, that will give you an idea of the levels of brutality we are talking about.

We cannot forget the brutality of the Burmese dictators. We can't forget that Aung San Suu Kyi is the rightful leader of Burma. And we can't forget that if we don't act against the dictators, we risk enabling them, particularly when we support companies that do business with them.

Keep up pressure on Chevron. I am at the point where I really do recommend boycotting Chevron for as long as they are dealing with the military dictators of Burma. From the research I have done, Arco, BP (recent events aside, I guess) and Citgo are among the best of the bad lot that are oil companies. Chevron, Texaco, Shell and Exxon/Mobil are among the worst of a bad lot. Your dollars can make a statement if you spend them at the better companies.

Write Chevron and Texaco and tell them you are offended by their connection with dictators who imprison Nobel Peace Prize winners and who slaughter peacefully protesting students and monks.

Conatct Chevron here, or phone them: 925-842-1000

Contact Texaco here, or call them: 1-800-689-3998

Let these companies know how you feel about Burma and let them know that it will affect your opinion of their brand.

Please support the US Campaign for Burma.

This is our chance to have a small impact on the democracy of another nation. It will take time, but the eyes of the world are now on Burma. Let's keep them there.