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Showing posts with the label Myanmar

Spotlight Myanmar

Myanmar has various ethnic groups and one of them is the Karen (KNU). They have an independent military and they have put others on notice that they're willing to fight. ( source ) There was a military Junta in Feb. 1, 2021. They want democracy. As a force resisting the current military regime, 600k Karen have been displaced due to conflict with the regime. They wish the international forces would step in to rebuild the democracy. Corruption with Chinese crime syndicates is a problem. The KNU operates almost as a government within a government, with its own bureaucratic center. "There are more than 1.2 million people under KNU administration, which oversees vital services such as health, education, agriculture, forestry and transport as well as dealing with humanitarian emergencies alongside military affairs." Burma was ruled by Great Britain, and they gained independence in 1948. It is bordered by Bangladesh and India to its northwest, China to its northeast, Laos and Th...

Burmese Days by George Orwell

George Orwell is the pen name for  Eric Arthur Blair . Seems like he was in Burma from 1922-1927, 5.5 years. Burmese Days came out in 1943. Orwell is great at observing corruption, authoritarianism, hierarchy, no basic dignity or respect, the need to other and put people down. Growing up in Wisconsin, which swung right since I left, we read Animal Farm and 1984. Right wing people can get the feels about left wing authoritarianism, and right wing people also like to call him a communist ( example ). I'm not sure I want to complete reading this novel. Lots of interesting books, and I dipped my toe in for a taste.  Links: GEORGE OF THE JUNGLE The Characteristics of Burmese Days Chomsky on Orwell