My Dear UKmyaing,

Everyday is a new day. Let us start with a new page. reading yesterday news.

In my previous message I talked about Myanmar society in which “personality”is very important. That is why Myanmars have their own saying, ” Pote Go Khin Mha - Tayar Min ”.

Sorry, I cannot accept that. For me, “ performance “ is important not the, “personality“ Especially when it comes to a government the performance that government is what it counts. A government is a team Ukmyaing , it is a team. Performance of a government is a team work.

Many times I mentioned in my messages about Myanmar had a long march from Dagoung and Bagan to the last Konboung Dynasty. Starting from Pyu. Kayan and Thet. I am glad to know you have read some of those books so you know what I was taking about.

I have read about Myanmar and Myanmar Yazawun in the Encyclopaedia and some many small ones written by none Burmese ( Myanmar ) they all irritates me Ukmyaing. For example, just because I have not been to the moon. I cannot say nobody has. Whether I believe it or not when somebody said he/she has been . I have to accept it I cannot proof he/she has not been there. Look at the film called ,“ Capricorn One ”. If you don’t believe it or if you reveal the truth, you are a dead man.

In the world of politic, in the foreign relations. Wording are very important. The meaning of those word you use have to be thoroughly understood by both parties.
The United Nations is for another example. You were working at Myanmar Foreign Office so you know exactly what I am talking about.

But our interpretation or translation may be different , they can’t be exactly the same even though we have read in Myanmnars language. Ancient Myanmars sometimes had hidden meanings. double meanings . U Pho Kyar Myanmar Yazawin is good enough for me Ukmyaing.

When we come to the Myanmar Yazawun, the Myanmar saying is “ Dote Htan - Dah Htan Pyaw Ya De” Myanmar Yazawun written by Myanmar, Myanar Yazawun written by the Thais will be different. We have to admit we don’t know who is right or who is wrong. The truth that we can if we want t0o accept is that Myanmar and Thais fought a war in those days and many lives were lost. That much of the truth we have to accept.
We have to accept the truth that

As a matter of fact. And frankly speaking Myanmar Yazawun does not tell us very much. It did not give us the whole picture of Myanmar politically, economically, socially. If you go back to Myanmar Yazawun we will be going round the circle

You may notice that my message are longer than average. I am sure you do understand why. You said it yourself. “ I think it is good for us to analyze and talk about the past so that we can use that knowledge to guide our future actions and plans.” You said it all. If it is too short to the point there could be misunderstanding, if it is too long it could confused and there could be misunderstanding. And so on.

If we are open minded not a bit narrow, if we are frank, straight forward talking on the same level with respect to one another misunderstanding may be rare. If there are some it could be solved.

If there is a misunderstanding a pure misunderstanding, we can clear it. I am talking
about the possible pure misunderstanding between you and I. We are just two people we cannot harm the nation or the people. When we have some supporters or followers behind us that may be something. Especially when we are leading them it is more important than ever. Because this misunderstanding will lead us to misleading our supporter or followers. If there is a deliberate one that is dangerous and a whole lot more. Some deliberate one in political circle can harm the whole nation . It could create even war. You know that. What is a remedy or a medication to cure a stubbornness UKMyaing?

One of the books of U Nu, “ Saturday Born “ U Nu’s memoirs has told us many things
Much better than U Kalar Mhan Nan or U Kalar Maya Yazawun Daw Gyi. U Maung Maung’s Konbonset Maha Yazawun Dawgyi

U Maung Maung Tin’s Konbon , Htate Tin Htwe and U Nu’s memoirs together with some Reginald Dorman Smith’s memoirs will give us Myanmas Thamaing which are totally different from Yazawuns and are meaningful.

By the way did you know one of his sons Aung Ye Myint the Maya Kho adulterant was furious, angary with his father because his name was never mentioned in that book. Only San San, Thoung Hteik, Than Than and Maung Aung were there. Do you want to know how I know? Your little birdie told me so. That is not important.

Ukmyaing do you remember, “ peace within a year ”? “ Ta Hnit Atwin Nyain Jan Yey ” That was the cry“ by U Nu. Written on top of the front page of the daily news paper, “ Bama Khit ” .

UKMyaing, military coupe in 1962 March 2, or any other time was supposed to be a top secret If U Nu did not know, what was coming to him, I don’t blame him., I don’t call him any name for that purpose. He was not supposed to know. If he said he knew, that will make him conspiracy to the coupe or a lier. Even if he knew in advance he must deny that. That is politic that is a military coupe. Remember Col. Saw Myint. He leaked out the plans to demonetise K/100 and K/ 50 notes, which was a secret He had to pay the price.

US spy plane U2 on U.S.S.R, air space, Cuba invasion (Bay of Pigs) by Cuban exiles. Many US covert operations in South East Asia were all denied by all the respective US Presidents of the time. Even Mr. Peter Borne who was the adviser to US President Jimmy Carter visit to the late Khun Za’s MTA, HQ in Ho Mong was denied. The late Saw Bo Mya(KNU) denied that he has nothing to do with Khun Za, until his photograph came out that he was receiving funds from Khun Za. All the proofs with photo graphic evidences were submitted.

UKMyaing, if you are enlightening the younger generation that is a right thing with all the good reasons but how many of these younger generation would like to know?
U Nu was rejected in 1988 by younger generation, U Ne Win you already know. But your effort won’t be in vain.

Ukmyaing, Myanmar in 1958 AFPFL was divide, U, Bo Thakin. Thant Shin , Te Mye and so on. U Ne Win was the head of a care taker government in Nov.1958 - Feb 1960. With the approval of the then Parliament U Nu requested him to head care taker government for 6 months. U Nu urged U Ne Win just one thing which was to up hold . none aligned , neutral foreign policy.

During the caretaker government of U Ne Win, Myanma Tatmadaw’s operation Aung setkya and Yan Lin managed to make many multi coloured insurgency of White flag communist headed by Commanders such as Tun Kyi , Lwin Maung, Nyunt Maung and their followers , Red flag communist KNDO(Kayin) headed by Saw Posi, Saw Maung Ei, Naw Win Thet Pyin and Saw Tun Nay MNDO (Mon), Shan insurgents , Chinese nationalists(KMT) and Mujahidis or Rohinjas who were moving to and fro across the border surrendered. The rest of them were pushed away to where they are today, the border areas. Because of many reasons Tatmadaw couldn’t finish them off totally. And during RC Gen Ne Win again managed to make peace with some more insurgents who desired peace including Saw Hunter Thamhwe..

Under circumstances U Ne Win had to over stay. Parliament happily extended the period. As promised in 1960 elections were held. Thant Shin won land slide , formed a government. AFPFL (clean) ruled.

Up to this day what is not clear for me is why U Nu handed power over to the then President of the Union Mahn Win Maung?, Why President Mahn Win Maung did not pick somebody or even U Ne Win by himself with the recommendation of U Nu and the parliament to form care taker government and to see election and they are fair and free. Was it possible U Nu and U Ne Win , “Nha Pout Da Paut Yite ”.Nobody but only two of them will know , they are gone. There were many theories on this. I am not very much in favour of theories.

You may noticed I was referring to U Nu’s attempts to amend the 1947 constitution. After he was elected for the last time in 1960 elections. He planned to convene at BBS hall. What shall I say, “ Sit Ma Yout Kin - Mhyar Kon ”. He knew he could not U tern on 1947 constitution because Kayin and Kayah won’t allow him. There was a possibility that other States would like to have as well.

Ukmyaing, in the government from 1948 and the governments there after, there were parliamentarian or people’s representatives from respective ethnic races including Chin special division were there.

There was a time Myanmar was in flames. I remember I was one of the younger generation of that time together with other youngsters going round the blocks collecting food parcels , loaded them on the trucks and delivered them to the front line troops at a camp in Thamaing near Khaweijan . Fire engines carrying fresh water for the troops . Sein Be Da was in the Yangon University compound pounding towards Insein. That was the time Myanmar under the Communists and the Broitish trained Kayins(KNDO).

Government of AFPFL, care taker government Gen. Ne Win and the Tatmadw and the people brought Myanmar back to the true owners of all Myanmar.

As I have said above in 1962, U Nu tried to amend the constitution or he tried to talk with Kayin and Kayah. It was hopeless position . The situation was getting worse. So before that convention was held Gen Ne Win took over in March 2, 1962 at dawn. That was the same date U Nu was to have a convention at BBS hall. That was the reason that was the whole reason accept it or not, believe it or not.

In a simple language, that 1947 constitution must be scrap. New government should take over, new constitution should be introduced. To be able to do this Gen Ne Win founded a one BSPP party. Held peace talks with various multi coloured insurgents including Kayin (KNU) and BCP communist and many other smaller ones as well. Shan Sawbwas relinquish their powers. Sao Hompha,(Shan) Sao Wunna(Kayah) , Duwa Zaw Lawn (Kachin), U Rai Hmung (Chin) Saw Hla Tun (Kayin) are you familiar with these names. They were the leaders of the ethnic minority they were the government of Union of Myanmar’s ministers.

Of course there were some smaller groups. Or some stubborn people in Kayin (KNU) or Communist or even in the Shan group did not agree , let alone to approved it. As long as the majority agree, that is democracy isn’t it? Government will work with those who they can work with. It is for the nation it is for the people. No government will give into the terrorists demands.

In 1974 the new constitution was adopted by the majority of Myanmars. With that constitution BSPP headed by U Ne Win governed Myanmar. Can you make each and everyone of 50 million people agree to your plans ? Buddha could not make the whole Buddhist, Jesus could not make the whole world Christians, and Mohamed could not make the whole Muslims. U Ne Win was just an ordinary man, there was no mentioned about him that he wanted to be next Buddha or he prayed to be the Buddha like many other Myanmar men would do.

U Ne Win’s socialism was the dream of Ko Aung San. The dream of the leaders of Myanmar. Even if Ko Aung San was alive, I doubt he could do it. Because it would be very hard for him to lead the people. Besides, it was mentioned that Ko Aung was in favour of joining British Commonwealth Nations after the independence. But the he couldn’t go against other leaders. If we want to interpret it as his weakness or as his strength, that will be up to us, individual. Even Ko Aung San may not escape from critics.

There were two factors Communism was at the top in that part of the world at the time, Myanmar was only one step away from the communists. Myanmar had already expelled Communist from AFPFL because of the pressures from the British. Ko Aung San mede it clear that he intended to nationalise some of the industries. U Nu did it eventually. U Ne Win finished it.

Socialism of U Ne Win, Myanmar being neutral none aligned status had saved Myanmar from disaster or Armageddon or apocalypse . Compare to Vietnam. Cambodia, Laos and Korea.

From Ko Aung San to tU Nuthere was no much rooms to move, U Ne Win to the present leaders have to create rooms.

As you have said if we go back to Myanmar history, the same as other nations there were warlords roaming around. It is said the great warlord Kublai Khan reached Myanmar once. Warlords in Myanmar were fighting each other SO a few warlord realised that it was of no use, some body should unite these brave warriors together as one and created a nation to live and to serve each other.

That was how Myanmar Naing Gan Daw was founded. In the history of United Sates of America, disunity of many tribal people in the same land created opportunities for the European to conquered them, they lost everything, yes everything. Chief Sitting Bull or Chief Crazy Horse were too late to unite all tribes.

These are the histories from which we should learn, the said younger generation should learn. Especially when we are talking about democracy, we should first learn to talk . That is the “ common sense” I am talking about The making of United States of America. The making of a nation.

If I have to give you an example , the first time I came to London in 1974 one gallon of petrol ( 3.784 litre ) was 65 pence. Now one litre is £1.04 pence. How much for one gallon, you can work it out UKMyaing.

You may argue the point that Englander can pay because of their earnings. It is true. very true. Most Myanmars have no jobs because of economic sanctions SPDC can not create jobs. Those who have jobs and self employed evade tax, smuggling business at the borders. Instead of paying tax to the government they pay bombs and explosions . And you want to know where the money went.

What would you like to say to that, a pure misunderstanding without offending anybody?

UKmyaing I remember so well that U Nu launched “ Pyidaw Thar Si Man Gain “ from Tamwe Race Course which got Myanmar no where. Sorry to Socialism as well
U Nu was right to say, "pyat thanar baung thaung chauk htaung". But did the people know what the “Pyat Thanars ” were.

Military government to clean up the mess that U Nu had created ? With due respect UKmyaing , in the Myanmar society it is said “ Thajar Min Kywe Yong Phan Zin Pya Da Toung - Gyo Karr De Lo Pyaw ”. I think you understand that very well.

True again “ man matters most “ U Nu may had a good plan, but if the people could not follow them , it is as good as no good. What about U Ne Win’s socialism the same . People are not ready they are not prepared. Myanar were never prepared and never prepared. Like Ko Aung San had said “ hoping for the best, prepared for the worse” .
That may be Ko Aung San but not Myanmars Myanmars only hope for the best never prepared for the worse.

You may also notice that in many of my messages I mentioned this Government should act like Thajar Min ( Thajar Thar tha nar ) Clean up the mess with his weapon of Thunderbolts.( Mogyo Lat Nhet - Thajar Set )

That can be done only without the interference of the outsider at the time we are talking about democracy and human rights. For Myanmar, in my view at the moment democracy and human are hindrances. Democracy is the colonial way of deterring violence, to prevent the violent revolution. to deter change with violent means, revolt, rebellion. To give time to have breathing space. If it is not a trick as some people interpreted it.

I think it was you who mentioned “ Mao Tse Tung “ if my memories serve me. if the people did not follow him he was nothing. Don’t say it was through the western styled multi party democracy that Mao had done, please.

Even Ma Su Kyi will be put under the gelatine with the first six months. If somebody impose economic sanctions on her government because they don’t know where Ma Su Kyi would be heading.

Myanmar is no enemy to anybody. SPDC is no enemy to anybody. It is only doing what it is suppose to do, which is making Myanmar as a nation. Some people don’t want Myanmar as their friend. What can you do about? I said it many times Myanmar is not a puppet of anybody. Myanmar history has shown who are making Myanmar their enemy. If they don’t see it they are blind.

Ganging up on Myanmar, because Myanmar is very close to China, very friendly with China. You have learned Myanmar history about Myanmar and China way bck to Anawrahta time didn’t you?

Ukmyaing, beautiful Myanmar , beautiful people of Myanmar their beautiful Myanmar culture, beautiful tradition and beautiful customs are nearly gone do you know that? Togetherness of Myanmars, community spirit , helping one another.
Together Myanmar Tadar Saut, Kyaung Saut, Lan Phaut. Kan Tuu. Myaung Tuu are gone. Cleaning your village, your town and your city by yourself for your self days are gone. Volunteering was so valuable. So precious, now they translated into forced labour, interpreted into violation of human rights .

Remember you asked me about Mao Tse Tung and the Chinese people. Myanmar did not listen to Ko Aung San, they did not listen to U NU. No Myanmar listened to U Ne Win. Myanmat don’t listen to anybody. How can you be sure they will listen to Ma Su Kyi. She should be happy and glad. She is inside. Because if she can not delive what the people hoped for,. She is as good as dead.

“ Clean up the mess ” what mess? Who have done these messes. These mess did they drop from the sky, did they pop up from the ground? No that mess was by the british . British left Myanmar leaving the mess. Ko Aung San Ko Nu and everybody were caught. Independence was the priority. Some people have done these messes by themselves, they have to clean them by themselves. That is why I said, Myanmars must change the way they think, the way they eat, the way they sleep, the way they piss and the way they shit.

If they do not understand that, they rather be like this, they don’t deserve what is more than what they have now. Don’t blame the leaders, the leaders are from the people especially when Myanmar was democratic. Myanmar democratic. Even Under U Ne Win and BSPP. Myanmar was under socialist democracy. Never fare away form democracy.

“ U Nu trusted U Ne Win too much ” You can say that . You can also say, U Nu trusted the ethnic leaders, especially fron Kayin and Kayah. Gen Ne Win was the chief of staff the head of the defence forces (army navy and the air forces. U Nu had no reasons to mistrust him. It was Gen Ne Win and the Tatmadaw who saved Myanmar not once but twice, thrice. Think about it Ukmyaing, think about it.

Ukmyaing, if we study Myanmars modern history ( Thamaing ) with our open mind we will find U Nu and U Ne Win under all circumstances they have done their very best for Union of Myanmar and all people in Myanmar. What were the circumstances you know very well . Up to this day there are ,many things government of Union of Myanmar cannot do what should be done. Their hands are tight If you want to call it,
“a corrupt government” you are entitle to it, but you can’t be right you won’t be right.

Carrot and sticks or peace and war throughout their time. You can not say they had not done this or that. All options were exhausted. Insurgents groups today if their position is weak they will make peace. Tomorrow if they have their energy built up they will make war a gain. That happened since olden days, if you have read Myanma Yazawun by U Kalar or U Pho Kyar. Doesn’t matter.

The policy of Myanmar governments always been , Myanmar is a friend to all no ally to anyone.

Suddenly it reminds me of one thing. During Gen Ne Win caretaker government he went to Yangon University and gave a speech. He was not given that speech like a politician, he was given it as a soldier. Lack of diplomacy should I say, no political catch phrases, no political catch words. He was talking to the university students as if they were kinder garden kids.

Ukmyaing the back ground history of Myanmar we talked about is more than enough don’t you think so? We are not writing a book, are we? Let no younger generation thing that we are treating them like kinder garden kids.

Our leaders know more than what we know they have their own experience as well. What can be done what cannot be done and why? What are the obstacles and what are the obstructions . How will they overcome? You me and others are just talking.

The main part is the people must be educated, how will they educate the people? Like I said our leaders have same aims and objectives. They all love Myanmar and they all love the people of Myanmar. There were some Kayins (KNDO) racial views campaigning against Bamars openly. Some other racial groups echo Kayins(KNDO). They are the ones who used the words “ Bamar Domination ”. Nobody tried to dominate nobody, Bamar as one of the ethnic races in Myanmar happened to be the majority by population, what can anybody do about that? Do we have to reduced the population of the Bamar race by slaughtering all the extra Bamars?

Having said that, there never was a Bamar political party or a insurgents group or an organisation. But I don’t know about in the future, if the situation demands , there might be one. Like we had when we were under British. Myo Chit, D Bamar Asiayone and so on.

“ let me write the news paper of a country and I do not care who rules it ” U Law Yone can say what he likes. As long as he c an write his news paper. There are news paper correspondents who reports the news . There are those correspondents who makes the news. . U Law Yonw of Nation was with U Nu. What was he going to write in his news paper is the question? I won’t guess anything, you guess.

Again “ Animal firm “ was propaganda against communists. “ Lu Du Aung Than” by U Nu was against communists. The movie was made with the help of US and Hollywood Director . The AFPFL members were socialists including Ko Aung San, please don’t forget that Ukmyaing . If U Nu was against socialism he should not accept the offer from Hubert Rance to form a government. He said he had agreement with Ko Aung San he will leave politic and be a write after a certain task, for me its all bullshit. He was undecided. He came back from exile too the pension He even formed De-Nyein Party He passed away before 1990 elections , but the party took part . That why I said bull shit. Let him rest in peace Ukmyaing.

U Ne Win also had good relation with every country , even Prince Philips the husband of the Queen Elizabeth II visited Myanmar when U Ne Win was in power. SO were the American, Germans and many other the whole list of them.

I am sorry to say that I am surprise very surprise that a man like you don’t know that Myanmar is friend to all but no ally to anyone. What is that you don’t understand or what is that you misunderstood?

Myanmar is being VICTIMISED for not being somebody’s puppet. Myanmar is being VICTIMISED for not transferring the power to that British trained Ma Su Kyi.

Cleaning the mess up is not an easy job Ukmyaing. Tatmadaw after U Ne Win still facing the difficulties in the process of cleansing of Myanmar . Especially where there are those who have no idea of what the Tatmadaw is doing.

I have said many times, I will say it again. When is an elections not an election? An election is not an election when they are not won by the opposition. Do you honestly
think 1990 elections where NLD supposed to have won were fair and free?

No matter what your answer might be, my own observation was in my view that election was greatly influenced by the west, through the western media especially by the BBC, VOA, ABC . etc etc. If the NUP genuinely won it the west will still it was not free and fair. How could it be free and fair when the whole world was campaigning for NLD, the world was campaigning against NUP. All other parties were underdogs. I am not going into details, you can work it out. What was their business I’d like to ask. What was their business in and out of Ma Su Kyi’s house.

Now have you seen Kanya of today after the elections. Myanmar is still lucky very lucky. Thanks to Tatmadaw or SPDC .

True the future of Myanmar is in the hands of young one. Shall we leave it as “ the fate of Myanmar ” or how can we help. U Nu tried to help during 1988, but he was rejected remember?

Ukmyaing, most of thes what I am saying here were in the old forum already. I will never get bored to repeat them. As you have said for younger generation opr the new comers to learn something if they want, to take what they need and leave the rest.

It is very nice to talk to you, really nice. It is regretful that we can do nothing more. The fate of Myanmar is in the hands of younger generation of the Myanmar people.
National Reconciliation has been tried and tried again and again during these 60 long years, by the government of Union of Burma through carrots and sticks And it is sill National Reconciliation is needed. The old ones are gone the new ones have come still National Reconciliation. As I have said yesterday. They have nothing important to do They are idle, so they seek some thing to do, regretfully it is rebellion , insurrection .

Those who are talking about peace , those who are talking about none violent means. are those who wants war, who wants violent means.

It reminds me of a song written by Paul Anka and sang by Frank Sinatra,it cam very popular “I did it my way.” Would it help Myanmar I wonder.

Thunderbolts.

Dear Thunderbolt,

First let me thank you for your long reply. I enjoyed reading it although I may not agree with every thing you have said.

Like you I also support the dictum "Kaung thu kai, ma kaung thu pai". So who will decide who is "Kaung de" and who is "Ma Kaung Buu". Is it God, Buddha, Jesus Christ or the Internatioanal Community or the Five Precepts. (or the PEOPLE or the representatives of the PEOPLE).

Let me write down here some of the points that may be on the minds of many political observers and political activists (inside and outside the country):

1. I want Burma to have a representative form of government where the representatives are TRUE representatives of the people who vote for them. (no one, NO one must coerce the people or bribe the people to vote this way or that. The election law should state that CLEARLY). For that to happen, the Elections Commisison should be set up with the agreement of all the major political actors in the country. There may be a role for the UN and UNDP to provide necesary logistical assistance for the Elections Commission in the form of equipment and consultants (as needed).

2. The names are not important but if it is a democratic form of government, it should be based on the traditions and cultures of our country. It CANNOT be a carbon copy of any country.

3. All the registered political parties should be given a level playing field. This means that if the SPDC government wishes to transform the present USDA into a political party (many political observers already know this trend), then who will decide the rules and regulations for the use or misuse of government personnel, cars, equiptment for the political party that the ruling government (i.e. SPDC) will form in the future. In the past, the SLORC government always stated that they would remain neutral and that after the elections, the army would return to the barracks. What happened to General Saw Maung, we all know.

4. There should be Election Rules which will specify how much money can be used for political campaigns and the maxiumum amount of money that can be donated to the political parties by any individual or company. As it stands, there are many private companies which might decide to donate tons of money to the political party of the ruling government for they know that they would surely get benefits from the government. How will we solve this.

5. Should there be an Election Rule which will require all persons who stand for elections to the new Parliament to fill out a form to declare their official wealth. This can serve as a very good monitoring mechanism to make sure that all elected officials to the new Parliament stick to their promises to serve the PEOPLE and not only their self interest. This point has been a sticky point even in mature democracies like the United States of America.

The basic principles for reconciliaiton are as follows: (I did not make these up. Many learned scholars have written many books on this subject).

1. Promote trust.
2. Promote confidence.
3. Go step by step.
4. Keep the negotiations secret as long as necessary.
5. Issue joint statements on points of agreement reached.
6. Never forget the PEOPLE. Always bear in mind that all political leaders are working for the people. Trust begets trust and respect begets repsect. The PEOPLE should be informed at all phases what is going on. This involves a good Public Relations office which will not churn out one-sided propaganda but real facts and real news which the people can understand. This will help alleviate any further frustrations among the citizens of our country and all countries who are watching the developments closely. There is a big difference between PROPAGANDA and Public Relations. In true public relations, the interest of the public is first and foremost in the mind, whereas PROPAGANDA treats the people as ignorant and stupid and insults their intelligence. In any country, the mass of the citizens may be ignorant but the intelligensia is not stupid nor ignorant. In the case of Burma, the intelligensia and the intellectual classes are now in many countries of the world holding key positions where they can influence public opinion. (When the people feel that all they get is propaganda, it is natural for them to turn to other news sources to counter check. This is a normal human behaviour in any country, not only in Burma.)

7. In democratic countries, unlike in dictatorships, the governments have to closely monitor what the public opinion is. A government that does not keep a close watch on what the public is thinking risks a big uprising (as what happened in 1988 and what happened in September 2007). So it pays to keep your eyes and ears open. Public opinion is important because the electorate can bring down a democratically elected government very quickly (look what happend in Spain after the bombing of the trains.). They also have to take into account what other governments are thinking and saying (that is the job of the Foreign Officers and Foreign Service officers. If the officers cannot understand the nuance or the hidden meanings of the messages that other governments are trying to communicate, this can even lead to war. That is why during the period of the cold war, the USSR and the US had to keep a hot line to prevent a nuclear holocaust. Some times, misunderstanding of the intentions of a neighbor or a government can lead to war, or border war (as in the case of the border war between India and China a long time ago).

8. Some form of light humour always helps. They serve as escape valves for the people to let out their frustrations. Trying to close all the valves or leakages in a social system may create a situation for the volcano to erupt. Nobody wants that, I think. Some times people laugh when they cannot weep in public. That is why Reader's Digest has a special section called "Laughter the best medicine".

So the bottom line is this:

1. Create conditions that are favorable to promote TRUST and CONFIDENCE.

2. All leaders need to meet their followers. They cannot hide in their offices and hope that every thing will be fine and dandy. In the days of the ancient kings, they even have to go out at night in disguise to find out who is doing what (especially your own people who are supposed to be serving you loyally). One can never know. You can never trust a report at face value. All reports have to be counter checked to give them proper weightage.

3. Clear the air and clear the political climate. All words and printed materials that poke fun, demean or create mistrust and misunderstanding should be avoided by all major political parties during the period of transition (i.e. during the period of National Reconciliation). We are not living in a country of Arahats but normal people with flesh and blood and normal people have their own human weaknesses. Their minds can be influenced for the better or for the worse. This is what ALL leaders should remember.

4. National Reconciliation is not only the duty of the government in power but it is the duty for all citizens of Burma (present and former citizens) so that they can ALL help to create the proper climate for this National Reconciliation to happen.

Finally "My Way" was sung and made famous by Mr. Blue Eyes, Frank Sinatra.

Do you wish to communicate with me by email directly.

Just some of my thoughts for discussion.

Km

Dear Thunderbolt,

First let me thank you for your long reply. I enjoyed reading it although I may not agree with every thing you have said.

Like you I also support the dictum "Kaung thu kai, ma kaung thu pai". So who will decide who is "Kaung de" and who is "Ma Kaung Buu". Is it God, Buddha, Jesus Christ or the Internatioanal Community or the Five Precepts. (or the PEOPLE or the representatives of the PEOPLE).

Let me write down here some of the points that may be on the minds of many political observers and political activists (inside and outside the country):

1. I want Burma to have a representative form of government where the representatives are TRUE representatives of the people who vote for them. (no one, NO one must coerce the people or bribe the people to vote this way or that. The election law should state that CLEARLY). For that to happen, the Elections Commisison should be set up with the agreement of all the major political actors in the country. There may be a role for the UN and UNDP to provide necesary logistical assistance for the Elections Commission in the form of equipment and consultants (as needed).

2. The names are not important but if it is a democratic form of government, it should be based on the traditions and cultures of our country. It CANNOT be a carbon copy of any country.

3. All the registered political parties should be given a level playing field. This means that if the SPDC government wishes to transform the present USDA into a political party (many political observers already know this trend), then who will decide the rules and regulations for the use or misuse of government personnel, cars, equiptment for the political party that the ruling government (i.e. SPDC) will form in the future. In the past, the SLORC government always stated that they would remain neutral and that after the elections, the army would return to the barracks. What happened to General Saw Maung, we all know.

4. There should be Election Rules which will specify how much money can be used for political campaigns and the maxiumum amount of money that can be donated to the political parties by any individual or company. As it stands, there are many private companies which might decide to donate tons of money to the political party of the ruling government for they know that they would surely get benefits from the government. How will we solve this.

5. Should there be an Election Rule which will require all persons who stand for elections to the new Parliament to fill out a form to declare their official wealth. This can serve as a very good monitoring mechanism to make sure that all elected officials to the new Parliament stick to their promises to serve the PEOPLE and not only their self interest. This point has been a sticky point even in mature democracies like the United States of America.

The basic principles for reconciliaiton are as follows: (I did not make these up. Many learned scholars have written many books on this subject).

1. Promote trust.
2. Promote confidence.
3. Go step by step.
4. Keep the negotiations secret as long as necessary.
5. Issue joint statements on points of agreement reached.
6. Never forget the PEOPLE. Always bear in mind that all political leaders are working for the people. Trust begets trust and respect begets repsect. The PEOPLE should be informed at all phases what is going on. This involves a good Public Relations office which will not churn out one-sided propaganda but real facts and real news which the people can understand. This will help alleviate any further frustrations among the citizens of our country and all countries who are watching the developments closely. There is a big difference between PROPAGANDA and Public Relations. In true public relations, the interest of the public is first and foremost in the mind, whereas PROPAGANDA treats the people as ignorant and stupid and insults their intelligence. In any country, the mass of the citizens may be ignorant but the intelligensia is not stupid nor ignorant. In the case of Burma, the intelligensia and the intellectual classes are now in many countries of the world holding key positions where they can influence public opinion. (When the people feel that all they get is propaganda, it is natural for them to turn to other news sources to counter check. This is a normal human behaviour in any country, not only in Burma.)

7. In democratic countries, unlike in dictatorships, the governments have to closely monitor what the public opinion is. A government that does not keep a close watch on what the public is thinking risks a big uprising (as what happened in 1988 and what happened in September 2007). So it pays to keep your eyes and ears open. Public opinion is important because the electorate can bring down a democratically elected government very quickly (look what happend in Spain after the bombing of the trains.). They also have to take into account what other governments are thinking and saying (that is the job of the Foreign Officers and Foreign Service officers. If the officers cannot understand the nuance or the hidden meanings of the messages that other governments are trying to communicate, this can even lead to war. That is why during the period of the cold war, the USSR and the US had to keep a hot line to prevent a nuclear holocaust. Some times, misunderstanding of the intentions of a neighbor or a government can lead to war, or border war (as in the case of the border war between India and China a long time ago).

8. Some form of light humour always helps. They serve as escape valves for the people to let out their frustrations. Trying to close all the valves or leakages in a social system may create a situation for the volcano to erupt. Nobody wants that, I think. Some times people laugh when they cannot weep in public. That is why Reader's Digest has a special section called "Laughter the best medicine".

So the bottom line is this:

1. Create conditions that are favorable to promote TRUST and CONFIDENCE.

2. All leaders need to meet their followers. They cannot hide in their offices and hope that every thing will be fine and dandy. In the days of the ancient kings, they even have to go out at night in disguise to find out who is doing what (especially your own people who are supposed to be serving you loyally). One can never know. You can never trust a report at face value. All reports have to be counter checked to give them proper weightage.

3. Clear the air and clear the political climate. All words and printed materials that poke fun, demean or create mistrust and misunderstanding should be avoided by all major political parties during the period of transition (i.e. during the period of National Reconciliation). We are not living in a country of Arahats but normal people with flesh and blood and normal people have their own human weaknesses. Their minds can be influenced for the better or for the worse. This is what ALL leaders should remember.

4. National Reconciliation is not only the duty of the government in power but it is the duty for all citizens of Burma (present and former citizens) so that they can ALL help to create the proper climate for this National Reconciliation to happen.

Finally "My Way" was sung and made famous by Mr. Blue Eyes, Frank Sinatra.

Do you wish to communicate with me by email directly.

Just some of my thoughts for discussion.

Km

Dear U Kyaw Myaing,

We, Burmese people, are renowned for their 'phyat-htow-nyan'. The saying was 'a-yeik-pya; a-kaung-htin' (you only need to hint for the people to get the point) but none of us want to see the 'elephant' in the room when it comes to 'national reconciliation'.

Daw Suu was being frank to warn the party officials not to expect much out of the 'so-called' talks. In post cold war history Gorbachev must be the only politician who make policy changes to get him out of office.

Do you sincerely believe that the military regime will reconcile with civilian politicians putting the good of the country ahead? Pinch yourself out of your daydreaming, it will not happen. They will never let go of power when under present conditions (when the military is all the way behind them even if they were to shoot to kill monks) there is no hope of them 'negotiating' themselves out of power.

You mentioned Frank Sinatra's song "My Way" but some are more atuned to Leonard Cohen's "Waiting For the Miracle". Well, like they say, "you'll have plenty of hope in your heart when you pray a lot; but you'll have plenty of soap in your a*se if you bathe a lot." The military regime will still be the 'elephant' in the room when it comes to reconciliation.

Socrates famously said that 'the unexamined life is not worth living' and according to Epicurus the key ingredients of happiness is 'friends', 'freedom' and 'to have an analysed life, ready to reflect on your life, to make time to think of your anxieties.'

In spite of the amount of wealth they have accumulated whether by fair or foul means (more likely by unfair means), do you think that the general in the military regime (and their family) will be happy, have a good life?

I have no doubt that they will have (at least) fair weather friends; they definitely have 'freedom' to do what they like; but I doubt that they have little or no opportunity to either analyse or reflect on the lives they lead. I'm sure they harbour anxieties of being charge on 'crimes against humanity' while alive and descending into the 'nether' world when they die.

However, despite being the least 'nominal Buddhists' the generals must held the views (like their benefactors Pyigyi Tayoke Pauk Phaws and Pyidwin Tayoke Pauk Phws)that the good things in life are 'material comforts' they have no intention of changing their status quo.

Please forgive me if I wake you out of your day dream but sooner or later you'll have to come back down to earth and face reality. You don't have to look that far, ask your brother whether he would prefer going back to his prime duty as a military officer or just be content with working as consultant to Martin Pun. I'm sure you'll get your answer.

Dear U Kyaw Myaing,

We, Burmese people, are renowned for their 'phyat-htow-nyan'. The saying was 'a-yeik-pya; a-kaung-htin' (you only need to hint for the people to get the point) but none of us want to see the 'elephant' in the room when it comes to 'national reconciliation'.

Daw Suu was being frank to warn the party officials not to expect much out of the 'so-called' talks. In post cold war history Gorbachev must be the only politician who make policy changes to get him out of office.

Do you sincerely believe that the military regime will reconcile with civilian politicians putting the good of the country ahead? Pinch yourself out of your daydreaming, it will not happen. They will never let go of power when under present conditions (when the military is all the way behind them even if they were to shoot to kill monks) there is no hope of them 'negotiating' themselves out of power.

You mentioned Frank Sinatra's song "My Way" but some are more atuned to Leonard Cohen's "Waiting For the Miracle". Well, like they say, "you'll have plenty of hope in your heart when you pray a lot; but you'll have plenty of soap in your a*se if you bathe a lot." The military regime will still be the 'elephant' in the room when it comes to reconciliation.

Socrates famously said that 'the unexamined life is not worth living' and according to Epicurus the key ingredients of happiness is 'friends', 'freedom' and 'to have an analysed life, ready to reflect on your life, to make time to think of your anxieties.'

In spite of the amount of wealth they have accumulated whether by fair or foul means (more likely by unfair means), do you think that the general in the military regime (and their family) will be happy, have a good life?

I have no doubt that they will have (at least) fair weather friends; they definitely have 'freedom' to do what they like; but I doubt that they have little or no opportunity to either analyse or reflect on the lives they lead. I'm sure they harbour anxieties of being charge on 'crimes against humanity' while alive and descending into the 'nether' world when they die.

However, despite being the least 'nominal Buddhists' the generals must held the views (like their benefactors Pyigyi Tayoke Pauk Phaws and Pyidwin Tayoke Pauk Phws)that the good things in life are 'material comforts' they have no intention of changing their status quo.

Please forgive me if I wake you out of your day dream but sooner or later you'll have to come back down to earth and face reality. You don't have to look that far, ask your brother whether he would prefer going back to his prime duty as a military officer or just be content with working as consultant to Martin Pun. I'm sure you'll get your answer.

My dear Warazein,

Even though you addressed to U Kyaw Myaing, I take it that it was meant for me. Thunderbolts,

W. We, Burmese people, are renowned for their 'phyat-htow-nyan'. The saying was 'a-yeik-pya; a-kaung-htin' (you only need to hint for the people to get the point) but none of us want to see the 'elephant' in the room when it comes to 'national reconciliation'.

T. If you don’t want to see the elephant I don’t blame you, I know you are bl;ind , only thing is you don’t admit that you are blind. Six blind “Ponnas”, though the couldn’t see, have to feel with their hands to be able to say what an elephant could be. A wall, a fan or a tree. a rope a snake or a pair of spears. They are right in their own way but that was not the whole truth. Only all six come together, the picture of the elephant is there, it wasn‘t a true elephant, it looks like an elephant. If they have not to feel the real elephant and the wall.

We Burmese know how to make the bamboo wall to a “ Chee Dote Ka Noung “ if that ‘s what you call “ phyat htow-nyan” you are right, absolutely right, Burmese can destroy everything before they can build anything. By the way do you know what, a
“ Chee Dotre Ka Noung “ is? Ask some Buddhist monk near you.

W. Daw Suu was being frank to warn the party officials not to expect much out of the 'so-called' talks. In post cold war history Gorbachev must be the only politician who make policy changes to get him out of office.

T. Your Daw Su never had any intention to talk to SPDC . She is holding the nation and the people as hostage and demanding the power to be transfer to NLD. By hook or by crook.

How true. But it was the communists in the parliament of U.S.S.R who did not want to change and Gorbachev intention was continuity and change to go together. It was Yelsin who took the opportunity. It was too late when Russia realised that they had a mad man on the throne. That was the democracy at the barrel of a gun. Wahjt happened to those who were taken away from the Parliament? Who asked any question who cares? The same as in Afghanistan, the same as in Iraq. Gregory Rasputin was not the only mad man in the history of Russia.

W. Do you sincerely believe that the military regime will reconcile with civilian politicians putting the good of the country ahead? Pinch yourself out of your daydreaming, it will not happen. They will never let go of power when under present conditions (when the military is all the way behind them even if they were to shoot to kill monks) there is no hope of them 'negotiating' themselves out of power.

T. Military, since 1962 to this day holding the country together, in the interest of the nation, in the interest of the people. If it was not military, you would not be able to find where Myanmar would be. That’s for sure. Naturally a Tatmadaw like Myanmar Tatmadaw who fought against the British who fought against the Japanese, who fought against Communist, who fought against thematic coloured insurgencies , who fought against KMT white Chinese, who keeps Union of Myanmar intact won‘t be popular won‘t be the liking people like Ma Su Kyi and your kind of people.

When did Ma Su Kyi start thinking the interest of Nation( Myanmar )and the people of Myanmar? What was her interest before 1988? I know what were her interests, but I want you to tell me.

W. You mentioned Frank Sinatra's song "My Way" but some are more atuned to Leonard Cohen's "Waiting For the Miracle". Well, like they say, "you'll have plenty of hope in your heart when you pray a lot; but you'll have plenty of soap in your a*se if you bathe a lot." The military regime will still be the 'elephant' in the room when it comes to reconciliation.

T. “ Waiting for the Miracle “ if you believe in Miracle, yes , why not. You can wait till you die. Nobody will stop you. That is your right.

What I meant by “ I did it my way “ is NLD is for democracy, SPDC is also for democracy. NLD is doing whatever it is doing “ in the interest of the nation “ SPDC is also for the nation, for the people . What is the difference? Ma Su Kyi want to do it her own way, SPDC wants to do it their own way. You believe in who you want to believe. That is not my problem.

If the National Convention is not for national reconciliation, what is it for then? There civilians in the national convention . They are neither monkeys or dogs or buffalos or cows and oxen.

As the first step they have their military representatives in the Hluttaws.
That could be seen as confidence building, trust building between military and the civilian, and so on. Just because Ma Su Kyi and NLD are not there by their own choice
How could you say this National Convention has nothing to do with National Reconciliation?

Later nobody know it depends on the people., the military will be standing by in the Hluttews or still inside it.

W. Socrates famously said that 'the unexamined life is not worth living' and according to Epicurus the key ingredients of happiness is 'friends', 'freedom' and 'to have an analysed life, ready to reflect on your life, to make time to think of your anxieties.'

T. Do we need to go to Socrates , Epicurus. Don’t we have Buddha and Confucius and others of our own? Why do you think Socrates and Epicurus are so great? Do you think Buddha and Confucius are not good enough for you? .

W. In spite of the amount of wealth they have accumulated whether by fair or foul means (more likely by unfair means), do you think that the general in the military regime (and their family) will be happy, have a good life?

T. What amount of wealth, you are talking about? Can you proof it, do you have any evidence? Or you are just slandering and blundering as always? Why don‘t you come up with something solid. To start with give us a list of what Ma Su Kyi is receiving from all the sources with out declaring to the revenue department in Myanmar. How is she living in Myanmar, on whose financial support? If she is a dependent on who is she depending? Is she employed? Who is her employer? What kind of job is she doing, and what are her earnings ? The generals are employed they are still working they have regular income, salaries and other benefits foir serving the nation and the people.

W. I have no doubt that they will have (at least) fair weather friends; they definitely have 'freedom' to do what they like; but I doubt that they have little or no opportunity to either analyse or reflect on the lives they lead. I'm sure they harbour anxieties of being charge on 'crimes against humanity' while alive and descending into the 'nether' world when they die.

T. Freedom is a limited thing. There is no such thing as total or absolute freedom
whether you are wealthy or rich with money. Whether you are a common citizen or a general. All leaders of nations are under protection , which limits their freedom of movements, including the Generals, if you look at it that way.

W. However, despite being the least 'nominal Buddhists' the generals must held the views (like their benefactors Pyigyi Tayoke Pauk Phaws and Pyidwin Tayoke Pauk Phws)that the good things in life are 'material comforts' they have no intention of changing their status quo.

If you want to look at the Generals in Buddhist way, they are there by virtue. They must have done something good or bad in past to live this life, like this . Don’t forget, they are not as free as you think they are.
.
If it is not Pyigyi Paut Phaw or Pyidwin Paut Phaw, what do you want to see, Americans and British or the Ka-byars ?

W. Please forgive me if I wake you out of your day dream but sooner or later you'll have to come back down to earth and face reality. You don't have to look that far, ask your brother whether he would prefer going back to his prime duty as a military officer or just be content with working as consultant to Martin Pun. I'm sure you'll get your answer.

T. Day dreams, night dreams what is the different. Don’t you ever dream? As long they have no nightmares or day mares. It is true in a sense, what goes up must come down. That is the law of nature. So Somebody must do his/best to do good deeds., to get a place in the Tar-wadain-thar., at least. Brecause ManoteThata Bawa - Donlaba to become human being is so difficult. While you are you don’t waste it.

Thunderbolts.

thunderbolts, warazein and all,

I would like to acknowledge kmyaing for his elegant and simple post. There is no doubt in my mind that Leonardo Da Vinci and kmyaing have something in common.

You see when you step into the Louvre museum in Paris and shuffle past all the white marble statues of beautiful women and roman looking men in armor, place one foot after the other onto the white worn stairs and ascend to the second floor of this huge museum you come to a room where Leonardo's painting called Mona Lisa is hanging on a wall. The room is filled with a hundred people admiring Mona's simple but feverishly stimulating smile. By some magic Mona looks back at you with eyes that snatch your breath and strip away the hundreds of years since she was painted. The room feels empty except for the lips and the pupils and the smile as if for an instant she were a lover.

kmyaing makes me feel like that about Burma-Myanmar's future even though it is a very strange far away place for me. Where rivers of monks and nuns shout loving kindness through eyes that make Manchester United football fans look like children at play, kmyaing says it straight and says it right and I just wish to make that observation.

Check out Mona Lisa here:
http://www.isidore-of-seville.com/viewer/viewer.html?http:// www.brc.dcs.gla.ac.uk/~actan/gallery.htmlluxfiathttp:// www.brc.dcs.gla.ac.uk/~actan/gallery/Mona- Lisa2.jpgluxfiat1024luxfiat768

thunderbolts, warazein and all,

I would like to acknowledge kmyaing for his elegant and simple post. There is no doubt in my mind that Leonardo Da Vinci and kmyaing have something in common.

You see when you step into the Louvre museum in Paris and shuffle past all the white marble statues of beautiful women and roman looking men in armor, place one foot after the other onto the white worn stairs and ascend to the second floor of this huge museum you come to a room where Leonardo's painting called Mona Lisa is hanging on a wall. The room is filled with a hundred people admiring Mona's simple but feverishly stimulating smile. By some magic Mona looks back at you with eyes that snatch your breath and strip away the hundreds of years since she was painted. The room feels empty except for the lips and the pupils and the smile as if for an instant she were a lover.

kmyaing makes me feel like that about Burma-Myanmar's future even though it is a very strange far away place for me. Where rivers of monks and nuns shout loving kindness through eyes that make Manchester United football fans look like children at play, kmyaing says it straight and says it right and I just wish to make that observation.

Check out Mona Lisa here:
http://www.isidore-of-seville.com/viewer/viewer.html?http:// www.brc.dcs.gla.ac.uk/~actan/gallery.htmlluxfiathttp:// www.brc.dcs.gla.ac.uk/~actan/gallery/Mona- Lisa2.jpgluxfiat1024luxfiat768

Dear UKM,

As long as you have read it I am glad it s worth it. That is why there is an “ agree to disagree ”. That one phrase is more than enough for National Reconciliation, that three little word is democracy , that three little words is human rights , don’t you think, Ukmyaing?

Like you I also support the dictum "Kaung thu kai, ma kaung thu pai". So who will decide who is "Kaung de" and who is "Ma Kaung Buu". Is it God, Buddha, Jesus Christ or the Internatioanal Community or the Five Precepts. (or the PEOPLE or the representatives of the PEOPLE).

True, who is bad who is good is the question. We are talking about Myanmar, not the world . We must know who is good and who is bad. There are so many people in this forum who know who is good or who is bad. In a way we are admitting to ourselves, given confession that we are incapable of knowing who is good or who is bad. Is it because we are not educated enough or we cannot give up the habit of idol worshipping that easily? If that is the case, there is nobody to blame but ourselves.

That is where “ personality and performance “ come in

What I am trying to say was, if this government cannot do it nobody will be able to do it. “ It is not desirable but “ Phyote - Htote - Thutt” Lanzin. Which I will use only as Lanzin in this discussion. It worked most of the time. There were many instances in the past and at the present. The choice of words may be different, the usage may be different, that is all.

If there is somebody to in the war office or in the government to Phyote-Htote or Thutt, it is very easy, but if she or he is among the public hiding it is difficult to do so.

If the people lost their common sense, there is no other choice but that Lanzin to apply. It has been practice in many parts of the world, in times when it was needed. Not only Starling. Mao and Pol Pot in modern times , in the past when the Empires were build it has been done. Of course who will do that in Myanmar today is the big question.

Today in Afghanistan and in Iraq, can you tell me if they are different from that Lanzin. What about in Myanmar? SPDC and its leaders are the subject of that Lanzin, but what I am not sure is who will be executed like Naji Bollah of Afghanistan or Saddam Hussein of Iraq. That in my view is exactly the Lanzin, I am talking about.

There were revolutions in Myabnmar not at the scale of revolutions in some other countries. . If there is a revolution in Myanmar today as some people have suggested,, do you think Myanmars will be speared from that Lanzin? I think so, they will be May be it was because we Myanmars most of us are Buddhists

“ You better do it to them before they do it to you ” or “anything you can do, I can do better “

Please don’t think SPDC doesn’t know that, please don’t think they are afraid. They are soldiers. Please don’t forget that.

I understand exactly what you are saying.

In my view, SPDC is so lenient, so merciful , so understanding. There is nobody like me in that SPDC. May be that’s why I am not in the SPDC. How shall I put it, “ A Lolite Amite Saw Gar “? Some people were killed during these years in Myanmar, but nobody, yes nobody has been executed yet.

SPDC is going towards democracy there is no doubt about it. But application of democracy or human rights in Myanmar is not as fast as some have expected., so slow
some could say. That is because of many reasons.

How fast must SPDC go , how fast can the people follow. That is because people of Myanmar have shown in the past that they cannot follow as fast as the leaders go. The nature of the people of Myanmar is as I have stated many times before, they will do the simple thing difficult, difficult thing impossible. Even Ma SU Kyi cannot go as fast as she wants because people cannot follow her. She is too fast for them., in my view. You cannot push the the people of Myanmar.

Besides Myanmars are so conditioned to go slow. If they go fast, they’tt get sweat, they’ll be dehydrated , they don’t like it ( its my joke OK?)

My dear Ukmyang, You want TRUE representatives, very honourable, right thing , But as you have asked me, who will decide who are true representative? You may say people will, that is so according to democracy OK let it be so

Does the people know who will be best to represent them? Many times I have said ,
“ people matters most ”. Does people know, can they differentiate the difference between the personality and performance of a person who they will elect as their representative?

Are you sure Myanmars trust each other without any reservation to pick someone to be in the Election Commission? That is the first thing isn’t it TRUST? They must trust someone, somebody, like it or not. Who will that someone or somebody be? Not Ma SU Kyi, Not Sr. Gen. Than Shwe. There must be someone or somebody, none partisan. DO you see one in Myanmar ? Do you think I will agree to your choice or someone will?

That was it wasn’t it. In 1958 U Nu trusted Gen, Ne Win. With his proposal and his recommendation Parliament elected Gen. Ne Win as Prime Minister and to fore a caretaker Government. That trust was vindicated. Gen Ne Win did what he had to do what he was supposed to do for the nation, for the people including national reconciliation. He held elections and handed over power to the Party of Clean.

What happened in 1962 is another matter. Civilian government & politicians could not control the situation. Myanmar was at the edge of the cliff. Accept that or not is also another matter Ukmyaing. You have your rights.

The democracy that made U Nu, permanent Prime Minister of the Government of Union of Myanmar, if not one party AFPFL rule In the end we found that U Nu was the man who does not know what he wanted. He was washed away by the people in the end., by the younger generation, if you want to say.

Today in Myanmar, the priority of some people happened to be to get rid of SPDC. They don’t care what comes next,. If they have made up their mind for better or for worse , what comes may, its OK. They must be prepared to face the consequences.

We have to trust someone, somebody. Who is that someone, or somebody? Who are we going to trust is still the big question. Gawbaka Aphwe of Shwedagon, Sule or Bota htoung? Or the Buddhists monks? Are they trustworthy?

Ukmyaing. to answer you in short, I would like to say, all the good ingredients may be there, but a pot of curry always depends on the Chef., how he cooks it. There even is a saying , “ Good cook needs no salt ”, but to the contrast , Myanmar saying is “ Sar Mapar De Hin - Ayathar Kin”, what more c an I say. There will always be opposite to anything.

Let me write down here some of the points that may be on the minds of many political observers and political activists (inside and outside the country):

1. I want Burma to have a representative form of government where the representatives are TRUE representatives of the people who vote for them. (no one, NO one must coerce the people or bribe the people to vote this way or that. The election law should state that CLEARLY). For that to happen, the Elections Commisison should be set up with the agreement of all the major political actors in the country. There may be a role for the UN and UNDP to provide necesary logistical assistance for the Elections Commission in the form of equipment and consultants (as needed).

Let me see, as I have said it before an election is not the election which is not won by the opposition. In other word which is not won by the party which is supported by the west. An election will never be a fair and free if the party supported by the outsider does not win. No matter what kind of assistance UNDP has provided. In the case of Myanmar any party which has won the election is not the party . Who are the people in UNDP may I ask?

APFLA broke up as you know. It broke up because U Nu and U Kyaw Nyein broke up. U Nu from one side and U Kyaw Nyein on the other. When Gen Ne Win formed the caretaker government U Kyaw Nyein was serving as one of the ministers in his cabinet.

In 1969 U Ne Win as promised he held an election. The election campaign were so tensed, vote buying, threat, intimidations. Governments servants were told which party to vote. It was said to be free and fair when Clean won, Te-mye lost. But after two years in 1962 the Revolutionary Council took over .

. The names are not important but if it is a democratic form of government, it should be based on the traditions and cultures of our country. It CANNOT be a carbon copy of any country.

Ukmyaing, true, the names are not important, it cannot be carbon copy, I agree. You are talking about Myanmar’s ways when you said that. I am glad you said that . I am not sure Myanmars know their “traditions and cultures”? Who are the Myanmars anyway? What culture and tradition they want to keep, what culture and traditions they want to keep. We have to change, in other word reform is necessary.

Then you talked about the rules and the regulations . These