.png)
atching the film and seeing the extent of the suffering, one can only begin to grasp the level of greed and corruption employed by the military regime’s control. “It's a real shame. Burma has the largest reserves of gas in Southeast Asia—she's rich in rubies and jadeite, but Burma is the poorest country outside of Africa. Senior General Than Shwe and his cohorts are plundering Burma's wealth for themselves.”
The film coherently explains the historical background of how Burma was a peaceful democracy after gaining independence from Britain following World War II. However, in 1962, a military general staged a coup and established the ruling junta, effectively ending freedom and legitimate democracy in the country.
“Every time Burma's people and clergy march in the street seeking democracy, freedom, and human rights, they get gunned down. The junta doesn't care if they shoot thousands and thousands of people dead. They've done it before; they'll do it again. The people know it. They’re living in fear. They're terrified.”
Like in other areas of the world where totalitarian regimes are able to operate, one must look to the country’s backers and follow the money trail. “China has the most influence over Burma. China keeps the junta off the U.N. Security Council agenda. China's government has a sweetheart deal with Burma's Than Shwe for Burma's gas. China's building a pipeline through Burma to Yunnan Province.”
When asked what an average person can do to help, Taylor encouraged people to go to his organization’s website: www.freeburmaalliance.org. Here you can learn more about the situation in Burma to share with others, sign a petition, and donate to the cause. “Ninety-five U.S. dollars provides one Burmese child with food, school supplies, and shelter for one year at the NLD-LA child compound,” says Taylor.
You can also watch “Burma, an Indictment” this Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Tribeca Cinemas, 54 Varick Street, as part of the VisionFest Film Festival. For more information, visit VisionFest.com.
