I`m shocked : Goldwyn

Saturday June 16, 2001
The Guardian

I am shocked that you printed such a spiteful and factually incorrect article, Backpacker's Crusade (June 9). I am neither on a "moral crusade" nor a "terror tourist", but simply someone who was asked by refugees on the Thai-Burma border to teach them English.

My demonstration was not a publicity stunt, my primary aim was to send a message of support to the Burmese people. I have heard from many Burmese who were insideBurma at the time of my arrest that the message got through, and they took courage from it. For me, that is all that matters.

Many others have taken a similar stand before: lawyers, academics. We all remain humble in the knowledge that our white skin saves us from the worst of the junta's violence.

NGOs, by definition, must take a different tack. Where would you find donors willing to fund such dangerous non-violent direct action? I respect those supporting refugees and internally displaced people. I have no quarrel with them.

If the authors had done their homework, they might have known of the work I have done for Burma since my release, and my ongoing education. I simply prefer a low-profile role. They are also wrong to say that my father did a deal with the military to get me out.

What a pity it takes a Brit to be put in jail for the media to bother to remember Burma.

Rachel Goldwyn
London SW13

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