Crisis in Burma
An Editorial by Ian Gibson

	Right at this second, there is a revolution in progress. Halfway across the world, 
on the other side of this little blue orb we call home, thousands of citizens are fighting for 
their rights in the face of a totalitarian regime. Burma is ablaze with protest and political 
activism as students and monks alike have taken to the streets in protest of increased 
Orwellian efforts by a militaristic regime. In response to the peaceful uprising, Burmese 
soldiers have killed thousands of innocent protesters and moved rapidly to censor the 
slaughter from foreign media. Underground bloggers and freelance photographers have 
risked their lives to bring the still-occurring massacre into the international limelight – 
it’s time for the modern world to act. 
	Burma has been ruled by a military regime since 1962 when a violent coup-de-tat 
overthrew the democratically elected government and instated a socialist system. Since 
then, a serious of increasingly tyrannical generals has ruled over the south Asian nation. 
Advocators of democracy in the small nation have stood strong throughout the decades - 
activist leader Aung Sun Suu Kyi was even awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 for 
her heroic efforts. Despite the signs of progress, the Burmese regime still reigns strong – 
protests in 1974 and 1988 ended in slaughter and Aung Sun Suu Kyi has been under 
house arrest for 17 years. 
	Today we see a new uprising in the streets of a troubled nation. For too long have 
the citizens of Burma struggled for freedom and democracy. As Americans who possess 
liberty thanks to our courageous forefathers, it is our humanitarian duty to help those who 
rise for their liberty. It is sickening to realize that even in the year 2007, regimes still rule, 
slaughtering those who ask for change. To date, 138 innocent civilians have died in 
Burma – the United Nations has done nothing in response. China, lone supporter of 
Burma’s socialist government, has defiantly vetoed numerous human rights resolutions. It 
is time for the international community to play its role in maintaining peace and human 
rights in the world. Be it through economic blockades, diplomatic talks, or even military 
intervention, the bloodshed must stop.
	The movement for Burmese liberation starts in our community as well. Petitions 
calling for intervention are circulating the halls, and peace rallies are currently being 
organized. Now is the time for free and independent Americans to help fellow humans 
remove the shackles of imperialism and tyranny. Democracy must prevail in Burma – too 
many innocent lives depend upon it.