If there is anything inherent, organic and visceral in the human condition it has to be the right to make a living, to fight against social and economic inequities and injustice they face in doing so. This is what we are witnessing in Burma since people as never before have the chance now to air their grievances. Poor pay and unsafe working conditions or joblessness in towns and cities, farmers… Read More »

It goes without saying that anyone who doesn’t wish for a smooth and peaceful transition in Burma needs their head examined. But that is obviously the best case scenario. When all the window dressing and fanfare are seen for what they are the so called progress made in the peace process as well as the transfer of power to the democratically elected government to be formed by the NLD with… Read More »

As Marx rightly pointed out, the oppressed will be allowed in November ‘to decide which particular representatives of the oppressing class are to represent and repress them in parliament’. Most people will vote in the hope of breaking free from prolonged social and economic ills. Yet, election under the 2008 constitution is the opium of the people simply fostering a culture of false hopes among the oppressed. Over the past… Read More »

Crisis? What Crisis? As Cyclone Komen wreaked havoc and continues to cause countrywide inundation and devastation, the nominally civilian government is once again found wanting in coming immediately to the rescue with emergency services and vital assistance, even by their own admission.[1][2][3][4] Into the breach stepped in local volunteers and civil society groups mustering resources – funds, personnel and material help of essential supplies and food.[5] The Hand of God… Read More »