Burma's not all badsource : The Gurdian Wednesday June 7, 2000 When we went to Burma to plead for clemency for our daughter Rachel Goldwyn, imprisoned there last September for demonstrating against the government, we took the Lonely Planet Guide. I believe it is a very fair book. It gives the history and suggests the reader make their own mind up about travelling to a country with a military dictatorship. People desperately need jobs in Burma. It was sad to see the idle waitresses and to know that the taxi drivers, stall holders and other poor people who rely on the tourist industry are being deprived of a living. Meanwhile tourists rush to China. How many travellers check out the history of torture and repression of the countries they are visiting? What about Turkey, and even Singapore? The US and Europe greedily hurry to do business with the billions in China, while holding up their boycott of the 40m in Burma as an example to appease the human rights defenders. I do not believe in sanctions, they only hurt the poor. In many countries, Aung San Suu Kyi would have been disappeared long ago. Thankfully she is still there and has recently been released from house arrest. Our daughter was not physically harmed in prison and was liberated to come home with us. Burma is one of the poorest countries in the world. We should encourage the ethical involvement of the west to raise the standard of living and improve the health and education of the disadvantaged. Charmian Goldwyn London chum.goldwyn@virgin.net |