Just like Mandela through which South Africa has maintained a status quo in the name of “Revolution”, Aung San Suu Kyi is simply like light in the angler fish.
Granted ASSK, married to an Englishman, was until recently Kalama to the ruling junta.
If Chinese remains Tayoke, even in the official title of the PRC in Burmese, why not Kalar for Indian? Both have been part of the Burmese language from the dawn of history, and in no way derogatory in their derivation. India became Eindiya to distinguish it from the other kalar (meaning humans crossed over or foreign) nations from Europe.
Anyone who can come up with an suitable PC term to replace Kalar will be very welcome, since this has become such an offensive term to those on the receiving end, rather like the N word even if did not have a similar negative origin.
“We have a large rubber stockpile in this country and farmers keep on growing more rubber trees. How about selling the produce on Mars in the future? Demand on this planet is no longer enough.”
Interesting speculation, but hopefully both countries have learn that raising nationalist fervor can lead to situations difficult to control and that border conflicts are in no one’s long term interest – especially in comparison with the gains that could be available from trade and economic cooperation under the ASEAN Economic Community.
Mr. Krugman’s credibility is weakened by some dubious factual claims.
One is that the “yellow shirts” again hold power. It would be more accurate to say the “green shirts” hold power. This government is clearly controlled by the army, with yellow shirt leaders such as Chamlong and Sondhi seemingly without position, power or influence.
A second inaccuracy is the claim that the military leaders “are continuing some of the populist policies that led them to overthrow Yingluck’s government, such as her economically dubious rice buying scheme.” The junta leader Gen. Prayut announced in June that the rice scheme was being closed down. However, he leave open the possibility of some form of rice price guarantee program being set up in the future. So far that has not happened. Soon after taking power the military complete payments to farmers under the Yingluck scheme, but that was payment of debts to farmers legally made by government — not continuation of the scheme. No further rice payment commitments were made or promised.
Nepal lies to the West of Burma, so by your definition, Buddha was a Kalar!
Anyway Nepal didn’t even exist as a country when Buddha was born. The language Buddha used was not Sino-Tibetan. Pali and Sanscrit are Indian languages and the Burmese language is written in a script derived from Brahmi. Maybe the Burmese should call themselves Kalar-nyo (brown Indians) since the whites are called Kalar-phyu (white Indians).
I thought part of Aung San Suu Kyi’s appeal is that she could bridge the divide between the ethnic minorities and the Burmans. I think she’s thrown that away.
A meeting of four VVIPs was proposed, rejected, declined, re-proposed, awaited . . . . life goes on!
It has been said that ‘great minds think alike!’ And it seems these four great minds have been thinking alike: Being President of the Golden Land.
If and when they meet, what will they discuss? Bringing down food prices? I doubt it! Who should be the next President? Most definitely! Will they have an agreement? Definitely not!
Meantime, the cronies get richer! And the 50 million odd people become desperately poorer!
By some ‘definition’ anyone who originates from west of Myanmar is kalar! And yes, it does have a strong derogatory intonation!
The negativity entrenched in the word is so overwhelming that the title ‘wife of kalar’ would sweep away the ‘accolades’ and the ‘standing ovations’ in Oslo and in Washington!
And all respectable people know that this particular ‘kalar’ deserves respect in his own right.
One infamous monk’s liberal use of the word reveals his ‘obsession’!
And when someone queried if Lord Buddha belonged to one noble kalar tribe, someone has a ‘perfect answer’. Buddha was not kalar as he was from Nepal!
The generals have their stranglehold through dedicated Cronies.
All the west need is their own dedicated cronies to move more freedom forward.
Instead Myanmar westerners cronies are NGO, HR and armchair academics who see Myanmar as another country to counter China through democratic changes.
A dedicated cronies of the west will see that infra structures improvements staring with roads will bring more freedoms to much needed rural populations.
As example: Myanmar only super highway to the capital benefited all along this road.
Perhaps Suu Kyi is part of the problem and not the solution for Burma. A small feudal oligarchy consisting of Chinese, half-Chinese and their cronies will continue to rule Burma with or without Suu Kyi.
Min Aung Hlaing might become the next President of Burma if Thein Sein wants to step down.
Prayuth’s WISE words were rendered into a poetic rhythm as followed and delivered to the media by OBEC today for the further indoctrination of students:
“One, love the Nation, Religion, Monarchy”
What nation? Thailand remains colonized by the Chakri dynasty, which is supported by royalist military and Sino-Thai elites whose power base mostly hail from traditional Bangkok. This colonization includes numerous disputed borders and a bloody history conveniently erased and being erased from the textbooks.
Which religion?
Love the monarchy? This must include loving the insane deified power climaxing with the most archaic form of lese majeste laws currently still in existence.
“Two, honesty, sacrifice, endurance”
The people who have substantially displayed these qualities have been the serfs of this kingdom (non-nation).
“Three, gratitude to your parents with all your hearts”тАи
Including the parents that deem you to be their personal property and ‘self-sufficiency’ meal ticket.
“Four, strive to learn and be diligent in studies”
Even when it is almost impossible for your teachers to fail you? Even if you choose to learn you will have to navigate the draconian censorship designed to limit your learning and albeit understanding.
“Five, preserve the national culture” тАи
Which one? Whose culture? What nation?
“Six, do not lack in morality and religion”тАи
Whose morality? Whose religion?
“Seven, learn about sovereignty of the people”тАи
Is this a vague reference to democracy? Which people have actually been referred to in this 12-point propaganda exercise as being eligible for sovereignty? Martial law and sovereignty is mutually exclusive.
“Eight, maintain discipline and Thai law”тАи
If you can keep up with it! Thai law is tossed out and re-written (lately re-written daily) at the whims and political needs of the unelected rulers.
“Nine, practice the Royal Teaching”тАи
Not unlike the teaching of precept ‘Ten’ …
“Ten, you can live on Self-Sufficiency” тАи
This is the insane idea spoken by the wealthiest king in the world. (Probably given to him by the privy council).
“Eleven, be strong in body and mind”тАи
But not so strong as to oppose (with free thought or more) the evil that is physically and intellectually incarcerating the bodies and minds of this so-called nation.
“And twelve, think of the greater good”
… whilst at the same time being self-sufficient (sarcasm intended).
A lot of ideas and arguments and proposals have been generated by fertile minds!
I wish and hope however that the product of such super quality and well-meaning minds would, at the end of the day, bring some tangible benefit to the unfortunate majority who live in Myanmar!
The US scholar Donald Weatherbee has written that Indonesia’s leadership of ASEAN “is unchallenged, though frequently ignored”.
It is hard to say what leadership of an organisation that guarantees to its member states freedom from interference actually amounts to. Indonesia has admittedly at times successfully mediated disputes between fellow ASEAN members, such as the temple dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, but one issue where Indonesian leadership is conspicuously absent is the South China Sea.
Although Indonesia and the Philippines qualify as the most democratic states in ASEAN, Indonesia has shown virtually no solidarity with the Philippines over its dispute with China in what it calls the West Philippine Sea.
Similarly, Indonesia once set out to cultivate Vietnam as a fellow revolutionary state, although their revolutions had been very different in nature. But with Vietnam too Indonesia has shown little solidarity in its alleged fellow-revolutionary state’s dispute with China.
And the common denominator in the sinking healthcare standards, the stirring up of the Islamic threat as well as the continuing constitutional stranglehold on economic and political life of the country is?
If it isn’t the useless careless west it must be ASSK. A no brainer when you prefer reality according to the generals.
Hi Matt, I like to be one of the few voices on this leftist widerness site who doesn’t just follow the pack in their denigration of all things not of and by thaksin. And their unstinitng negativity towards HMK who is perhaps one of the best examples of a compassionate Royal in the world.
Kinda sad to see such blind one-mindedness instead of open-mindedness in a group of intellectual people who populate this wilderness.
We would like to invite to see our cultures and triditional festivals. For example Chavang Kut ect. Thank you for loving us.
When u come to us do not forget to use one word. which is the Kuki peoples’ favourite word Kakipah E.
Kakipah e means Thank you.
Ms Cranston base all her observation and conclusions strictly w/o basing on the realities of present Myanmar.
Realities 101:
1) Every event that has transpired or will transpire MUST and WILL fits under the “Discipline Democracy” mantra of Ret SG Than Shwe.
2) There are more urgent difficulties that Myanmar will face in light of ongoing world events having to do with Islamist.
3) The changes since the end of useless careless of the west that allow the most needed progresses in rural Myanmar, where 2/3 of population are still so miniscule even with NLD offices in villages, DASSK becoming president or not is the least of concerns.
4) Every village has someone in the Tamadaw.
5) In these villages the standard of Buddhism, the monks see the diseases and Islam as more of a threat than the constitutional matters.
Espousing the principles above observable to anyone willing to spent a fortnight among the true Myanmar then DASSK and the constitutional matter as well as necessary changes might be more obvious, and be given support TO.
You’ll get voted down on this site, Notdisappointed. I always am. I assume like me you’ve met you know who and know his agenda. With reservations, I see positivism in the new giovernment. Thais do too although it’s not reported
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Game over for Aung San Suu Kyi?
Just like Mandela through which South Africa has maintained a status quo in the name of “Revolution”, Aung San Suu Kyi is simply like light in the angler fish.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglerfish
Yet as well calculated, great one for hopeless, hapless people to latch on.
Rumour, religion and riots in Mandalay
Granted ASSK, married to an Englishman, was until recently Kalama to the ruling junta.
If Chinese remains Tayoke, even in the official title of the PRC in Burmese, why not Kalar for Indian? Both have been part of the Burmese language from the dawn of history, and in no way derogatory in their derivation. India became Eindiya to distinguish it from the other kalar (meaning humans crossed over or foreign) nations from Europe.
Anyone who can come up with an suitable PC term to replace Kalar will be very welcome, since this has become such an offensive term to those on the receiving end, rather like the N word even if did not have a similar negative origin.
Wisdom of General Prayuth
On rubber prices:
“We have a large rubber stockpile in this country and farmers keep on growing more rubber trees. How about selling the produce on Mars in the future? Demand on this planet is no longer enough.”
Watch the border…
Interesting speculation, but hopefully both countries have learn that raising nationalist fervor can lead to situations difficult to control and that border conflicts are in no one’s long term interest – especially in comparison with the gains that could be available from trade and economic cooperation under the ASEAN Economic Community.
Mr. Krugman’s credibility is weakened by some dubious factual claims.
One is that the “yellow shirts” again hold power. It would be more accurate to say the “green shirts” hold power. This government is clearly controlled by the army, with yellow shirt leaders such as Chamlong and Sondhi seemingly without position, power or influence.
A second inaccuracy is the claim that the military leaders “are continuing some of the populist policies that led them to overthrow Yingluck’s government, such as her economically dubious rice buying scheme.” The junta leader Gen. Prayut announced in June that the rice scheme was being closed down. However, he leave open the possibility of some form of rice price guarantee program being set up in the future. So far that has not happened. Soon after taking power the military complete payments to farmers under the Yingluck scheme, but that was payment of debts to farmers legally made by government — not continuation of the scheme. No further rice payment commitments were made or promised.
Rumour, religion and riots in Mandalay
Nepal lies to the West of Burma, so by your definition, Buddha was a Kalar!
Anyway Nepal didn’t even exist as a country when Buddha was born. The language Buddha used was not Sino-Tibetan. Pali and Sanscrit are Indian languages and the Burmese language is written in a script derived from Brahmi. Maybe the Burmese should call themselves Kalar-nyo (brown Indians) since the whites are called Kalar-phyu (white Indians).
Game over for Aung San Suu Kyi?
I thought part of Aung San Suu Kyi’s appeal is that she could bridge the divide between the ethnic minorities and the Burmans. I think she’s thrown that away.
Game over for Aung San Suu Kyi?
A meeting of four VVIPs was proposed, rejected, declined, re-proposed, awaited . . . . life goes on!
It has been said that ‘great minds think alike!’ And it seems these four great minds have been thinking alike: Being President of the Golden Land.
If and when they meet, what will they discuss? Bringing down food prices? I doubt it! Who should be the next President? Most definitely! Will they have an agreement? Definitely not!
Meantime, the cronies get richer! And the 50 million odd people become desperately poorer!
Rumour, religion and riots in Mandalay
By some ‘definition’ anyone who originates from west of Myanmar is kalar! And yes, it does have a strong derogatory intonation!
The negativity entrenched in the word is so overwhelming that the title ‘wife of kalar’ would sweep away the ‘accolades’ and the ‘standing ovations’ in Oslo and in Washington!
And all respectable people know that this particular ‘kalar’ deserves respect in his own right.
One infamous monk’s liberal use of the word reveals his ‘obsession’!
And when someone queried if Lord Buddha belonged to one noble kalar tribe, someone has a ‘perfect answer’. Buddha was not kalar as he was from Nepal!
Game over for Aung San Suu Kyi?
Ko Moe Aung
The generals have their stranglehold through dedicated Cronies.
All the west need is their own dedicated cronies to move more freedom forward.
Instead Myanmar westerners cronies are NGO, HR and armchair academics who see Myanmar as another country to counter China through democratic changes.
A dedicated cronies of the west will see that infra structures improvements staring with roads will bring more freedoms to much needed rural populations.
As example: Myanmar only super highway to the capital benefited all along this road.
Game over for Aung San Suu Kyi?
Perhaps Suu Kyi is part of the problem and not the solution for Burma. A small feudal oligarchy consisting of Chinese, half-Chinese and their cronies will continue to rule Burma with or without Suu Kyi.
Min Aung Hlaing might become the next President of Burma if Thein Sein wants to step down.
Wisdom of General Prayuth
Shrewd and sadistic …. curious choice of words.
Prayuth’s WISE words were rendered into a poetic rhythm as followed and delivered to the media by OBEC today for the further indoctrination of students:
“One, love the Nation, Religion, Monarchy”
What nation? Thailand remains colonized by the Chakri dynasty, which is supported by royalist military and Sino-Thai elites whose power base mostly hail from traditional Bangkok. This colonization includes numerous disputed borders and a bloody history conveniently erased and being erased from the textbooks.
Which religion?
Love the monarchy? This must include loving the insane deified power climaxing with the most archaic form of lese majeste laws currently still in existence.
“Two, honesty, sacrifice, endurance”
The people who have substantially displayed these qualities have been the serfs of this kingdom (non-nation).
“Three, gratitude to your parents with all your hearts”тАи
Including the parents that deem you to be their personal property and ‘self-sufficiency’ meal ticket.
“Four, strive to learn and be diligent in studies”
Even when it is almost impossible for your teachers to fail you? Even if you choose to learn you will have to navigate the draconian censorship designed to limit your learning and albeit understanding.
“Five, preserve the national culture” тАи
Which one? Whose culture? What nation?
“Six, do not lack in morality and religion”тАи
Whose morality? Whose religion?
“Seven, learn about sovereignty of the people”тАи
Is this a vague reference to democracy? Which people have actually been referred to in this 12-point propaganda exercise as being eligible for sovereignty? Martial law and sovereignty is mutually exclusive.
“Eight, maintain discipline and Thai law”тАи
If you can keep up with it! Thai law is tossed out and re-written (lately re-written daily) at the whims and political needs of the unelected rulers.
“Nine, practice the Royal Teaching”тАи
Not unlike the teaching of precept ‘Ten’ …
“Ten, you can live on Self-Sufficiency” тАи
This is the insane idea spoken by the wealthiest king in the world. (Probably given to him by the privy council).
“Eleven, be strong in body and mind”тАи
But not so strong as to oppose (with free thought or more) the evil that is physically and intellectually incarcerating the bodies and minds of this so-called nation.
“And twelve, think of the greater good”
… whilst at the same time being self-sufficient (sarcasm intended).
Red Fury in Lampung
[…] article, which is entitled ‘Red Fury in Lampung’, is copied below and could by found here on the New Mandala […]
Forced relocation and impoverishment of ethnic communities: Myanmar’s Tamanthi Dam
Blame the West,
They’re such a pest.
Blame Daw Suu,
A vexed thorny issue.
Poor generals from pillar to post,
Suffer the country the bottom most.
Humor them, favor them,
They aren’t to blame, er, ahem?!
Make ’em rich forever more,
Forests, gems and gas galore.
In the end they strip us bare,
Blinkers or brass you’ll get nowhere.
Rumour, religion and riots in Mandalay
A lot of ideas and arguments and proposals have been generated by fertile minds!
I wish and hope however that the product of such super quality and well-meaning minds would, at the end of the day, bring some tangible benefit to the unfortunate majority who live in Myanmar!
SBY’s mixed legacy
The US scholar Donald Weatherbee has written that Indonesia’s leadership of ASEAN “is unchallenged, though frequently ignored”.
It is hard to say what leadership of an organisation that guarantees to its member states freedom from interference actually amounts to. Indonesia has admittedly at times successfully mediated disputes between fellow ASEAN members, such as the temple dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, but one issue where Indonesian leadership is conspicuously absent is the South China Sea.
Although Indonesia and the Philippines qualify as the most democratic states in ASEAN, Indonesia has shown virtually no solidarity with the Philippines over its dispute with China in what it calls the West Philippine Sea.
Similarly, Indonesia once set out to cultivate Vietnam as a fellow revolutionary state, although their revolutions had been very different in nature. But with Vietnam too Indonesia has shown little solidarity in its alleged fellow-revolutionary state’s dispute with China.
Game over for Aung San Suu Kyi?
And the common denominator in the sinking healthcare standards, the stirring up of the Islamic threat as well as the continuing constitutional stranglehold on economic and political life of the country is?
If it isn’t the useless careless west it must be ASSK. A no brainer when you prefer reality according to the generals.
Thailand’s National Legislative Assembly
Hi Matt, I like to be one of the few voices on this leftist widerness site who doesn’t just follow the pack in their denigration of all things not of and by thaksin. And their unstinitng negativity towards HMK who is perhaps one of the best examples of a compassionate Royal in the world.
Kinda sad to see such blind one-mindedness instead of open-mindedness in a group of intellectual people who populate this wilderness.
Forced relocation and impoverishment of ethnic communities: Myanmar’s Tamanthi Dam
We would like to invite to see our cultures and triditional festivals. For example Chavang Kut ect. Thank you for loving us.
When u come to us do not forget to use one word. which is the Kuki peoples’ favourite word Kakipah E.
Kakipah e means Thank you.
Game over for Aung San Suu Kyi?
Ms Cranston base all her observation and conclusions strictly w/o basing on the realities of present Myanmar.
Realities 101:
1) Every event that has transpired or will transpire MUST and WILL fits under the “Discipline Democracy” mantra of Ret SG Than Shwe.
2) There are more urgent difficulties that Myanmar will face in light of ongoing world events having to do with Islamist.
3) The changes since the end of useless careless of the west that allow the most needed progresses in rural Myanmar, where 2/3 of population are still so miniscule even with NLD offices in villages, DASSK becoming president or not is the least of concerns.
4) Every village has someone in the Tamadaw.
5) In these villages the standard of Buddhism, the monks see the diseases and Islam as more of a threat than the constitutional matters.
Espousing the principles above observable to anyone willing to spent a fortnight among the true Myanmar then DASSK and the constitutional matter as well as necessary changes might be more obvious, and be given support TO.
Thailand’s National Legislative Assembly
You’ll get voted down on this site, Notdisappointed. I always am. I assume like me you’ve met you know who and know his agenda. With reservations, I see positivism in the new giovernment. Thais do too although it’s not reported