Thursday, October 29, 2009

Burma news: Special Edition!

Everybody thank Christie from the Alt-Break group for finding this article!

Is Burma softening its stance?
By Alastair Leithead
BBC Asia correspondent 

(I had to mention this guy's name, I mean, how many Alastairs do you ever meet?)



Anne K Lynch

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

BY THE WAY...

So y'all know, I would love to see some comments on this thing, anonymous or not. Something so that I know I'm not just writing to myself.

Thank you!

Anne K Lynch

Burma Halloween: Scare the neighborhood as Than Shwe!

I know! I'm late! But I finally got the pipeline story I've been looking for because of it!

Japan: Burma Could Ease Aung San Suu Kyi's Detention
"Japanese officials say a top Burmese official has suggested the military regime could ease restrictions on opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi..."  but my uncle's wife's sister said...

Rohingyas Forced to Work on Border Fence
"The Rohingya are a stateless Muslim minority who face severe discrimination in Burma."

Rights Groups Call for China to Halt Construction of Pipeline in Burma
"...abuses appeared to have started in the project area, including attacks on local fishermen."

Your local news girl,
Anne K Lynch
 
P.S. Not exactly on topic, but because I have self-interest here:


Interested in Buddhism? Ever wonder why AU doesn't have a student organization for Buddhists? Whether you are a religious Buddhist, a philosophical Buddhist, or just curious about Buddhism, come to Kay Lounge today, October 28, 9:15 p.m., for a short period to assess student interest and discuss what a nonsectarian Buddhist youth group would look like. Contact Anne Lynch at al3281a@student.american.edu or Christine Gettings at gettings@american.edu for more information.

Don't hurt me!

Monday, October 26, 2009

Ward, "Ignite for Burma," 2:30PM

Today the AU Student Campaign for Burma is hosting “Ignite for Burma,” an event with over 100 colleges and universities in the U.S. participating to spread awareness for Burma by addressing the Senate.  The event will start at 2:30PM and finish by 4.  We will meet in Ward, watch Crossing Midnight, and then hold a short campaign on Burma's behalf, addressing our respective senators.  Food and drinks provided.  Hope to see you there!
Meeting location:
·        Main lobby of Ward; closest side to the main entrance.
Contact:
·      Please call with any questions: (850) 361-5263

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Fall takes breaks, but Burma doesn't!

Howdy all, once again! I hope you all had wonderful fall breaks if you're an AU student. And if you're not, well I hope you have you self a merry little fall break anyways!

Burmese border guards abduct seven Bangladeshi fishermen
Fishers of men

Rename the Streets for Neda
Primarily an article about Iran, but there's a good paragraph or two in there about Burma. And besides, the fight for human rights is universal.

Hopes high for Burma on Asean Summit’s eve
"The 15th Asean Summit during which the right commission will be adopted will be held in Hua Hin, Thailand..."

New Constitution Guarantees Junta Immunity: Report
Impunity Prolonged: Burma and its 2008 Constitution”...

With that, I conclude Burma's weekly news update a few days early (midterms= very yes)

news girl Anne K Lynch

Ignite for Burma! Announcement

In case anybody didn't get the e-mail, here's news on "Ignite for Burma!" E-mail auburma@gmail.com (for that last part) and ask to be put on the listserv if you didn't receive the e-mail and would like to get some in the future!

Dear Supporter,

A lot of you have asked how you can get involved with Student Campaign for Burma this year; next Monday, Oct. 26th is your opportunity as the Student Campaign for Burma will host "Ignite for Burma."  Below are the details. We hope you can make it!

In Solidarity,
Student Campaign for Burma
American University
Website: http://auburma.blogspot.com/
 
What is Ignite for Burma?
  • "Ignite for Burma" is a student-led campaign of over 100 colleges and universities around the country that will, next week, collectively and simultaneously demand action for Burma. 
How will it work?
  • This event is meant to be short but effective:
  • We will do a screening of the short (30 min.) but powerful new documentary Crossing Midnight, a story that documents health aid workers working in Burma's conflict zones.   
  • Following the film, a phone-in campaign will begin where each attendee will contact their Senator's office and demand action for Burma.
  • **FOOD AND DRINKS WILL BE SERVED**
When/Where is it?
  • ·         The event will be held in Ward (Room TBA) beginning at 2:30PM.  The event will end by 4PM. 

How do I sign-up?
  • Simply accept the invitation to this event by clicking "Add to Calendar."  You will receive another e-mail as the event's date nears.
  • If your e-mail operating system does not have a calendar feature, please just reply back to this email.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Burma: Supersized!

Australian Fashion Group Announces Burma Trade Ban
No more catwalks in Rangoon!

Trial of Burmese-American to begin
There really is no going home.

Burma, Bangladesh in Warship Standoff
Another game of who's got more guns (Sounds like a video game)

Burmese elections set for next year. So what?
Yay for opinionated people!

Burmese Trafficking Victims Freed in Raid
Thailand gets a "B" for improvement!

Than Shwe Meets India’s Army Chief
The bad news is...

Thank you for tuning in for an EXTRA portion of Burma news this week! Until next time,

Anne K Lynch

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Burma VJ

Sorry for the delay here! I'm kind of all over the place this weekend.

Thursday at 5:30, the documentary "Burma VJ" was shown at Katzen as part of the annual Human Rights Film Series (next week is a documentary about Wangari Maathai. Unrelated, but still cool!). I had never seen the documentary, and to be honest I think few have because only the film makers have the right to show it. In summary, it told the story of the Saffron Revolution-- from its roots in the unrest of the people caused by a wild increase in gas prices to the cataclysmic end-- from the point of view of "Joseph." He's part of the Democratic Voice of Burma, a news organization the sneaks footage out of Burma (no easy task). We never see Joseph's face, but his narration over a compilation of film paints a clear picture of his role, the role of DVB, and the role of the monks during the Saffron Revolution. Of particular interest (to me anyways) was the choice not to edit out the footage their cameras recorded while hidden in plastic bags, duffel bags, and jacket pockets.
The images were both startling and enlightening, particularly afterwords when one of the monks, U Gawasita, said that the film didn't begin to show just how bad the situation actually was. The monks explained that the monks of Burma hadn't planned on joining the sudden fervor of protests but that they joined because of their duty to the people. They further explained reasons why they thoroughly disapprove of the 2008 Constitution of Burma (and the manner in which it was passed). We (the audience) and the panel discussed topics relating to the film and Burma for about an hour-- even the translator, who was a student protester in 1988, got his two cents in.

All in all, a successful event!

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

News girl returns with more updates!

Howdy one and all! News should be free and organized. One out of two isn't a bad start!

Landslides in Burma kill three people
"...the fatalities occurred on Saturday in the southernmost town of Kawthaung, which borders Thailand."

Foster homes sought for Burmese youth
We can help Burma without even going there!

Suu Kyi in Burma government talks
"Reports suggest she has softened her views on sanctions in recent times, concluding that they are adversely affecting the lives of ordinary Burmese."
Overview of Burma sanctions
A quick reference, from BBC

Also, come see "Burma VJ" on Thursday! 5:30PM! Katzen! IT'S FREE!!!! And some of our good friends, U Gawasita and U Agga Nya (monks from Burma) will be there! Watch the trailer.

Signing off,
Anne K Lynch/ news-bane of your existence