Rev. Danny Fisher

Visit http://www.artofpeacefoundation.org.

The Washington Post offers a scathing editorial today in response to optimistic assessments about Burma by the U.N., writing that the county “before and after the cyclone, was and is a humanitarian disaster because of politics: because its regime systematically impoverishes much of the population, conscripts children into forced labor, sends its army on internal campaigns of mass rape and ethnic cleansing, and persecutes monks and others who seek to help their fellow citizens.”

Via Sue the Buddha!: His Holiness the Dalai Lama has issued the following message on the Beijing Olympics:

I would like to offer my greetings to the People’s Republic of China, the organizers and the athletes participating in the forthcoming Olympic Games in Beijing.

Right from the time of China’s application to hold the Olympic Games, I have supported China’s right to host the Games. This is a moment of great pride to the 1.3 billion Chinese people. These Games should contribute to promoting the Olympic spirit of friendship, openness and peace.

I send my prayers and good wishes for the success of the event.

Visit http://www.hiroshimacommittee.org and TrueMajority.org.

Via Precious Metal: We are reminded by the Agence France-Presse that the Olympics in China will begin on Friday, which is the same day that marks the twenty-year anniversary of “8.8.88″–the brutal, scarring crackdown on Burmese democracy activists by the junta. China has close ties with Burma’s generals–they’re effectively sponsors of the regime. Perhaps the simultaneous celebrations in China and the mourning in Burma will raise awareness of important human rights and justice issues.