Getting the word out

FEER-novermber 01

Bravo for your fascinating report, Wordsmithery [Sept. 20], on circumventing censorship in Burma. In the 1990s, while reporting from Burma for the Voice of America, I saw many of the things discussed in the article.

One element missing, however, is some mention of the absolutely critical role that foreign broadcasters play at this important point in Burma's history. Recently, we in the VOA Burmese service broadcast live, and in harrowing detail, the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.

By doing so, and adhering to the highest journalistic principles, we hope to help a new generation of journalists in Burma learn their craft. I know there are young people in Burma, as well as in the diaspora, who want this to happen.

DANIEL A. ROBINSON
Washington