Rev. Danny Fisher

Just a Buddhist Minister Trying to Benefit Beings
August 12, 2009

Many Missing After Typhoon in Taiwan

The people of Taiwan, a country I have had the distinct privilege to visit, are in my thoughts, prayers, and practice today…

August 12, 2009

Burma News (8.12.09)

Image via the Agence France-Presse.
Here’s the latest news about Burma, a day after the extension of Prime Minister-elect and Nobel Peace laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s house arrest by the ruling military junta:

  • The Agence France-Presse reports that both Suu Kyi and John Yettaw, the American whose swim to her home resulted in all the recent trouble, will appeal their sentences.
  • The AFP also reports that the U.N. is divided on the sentencing.
  • The Prime Minister of Canada, the Prime Minister of Australia, the Secretary-General of the U.N., the Brazilian government, India, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Norway, and the Swedish Presidency of the European Union have all denounced the sentencing of Aung San Suu Kyi yesterday to an 18-month extension of her house arrest and/or called for reform in the country.
  • The BBC has more backstory on the ASEAN statement.
  • The Associated Press reports that “four UN-appointed human rights experts say Burmese democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi should be immediately released.”
  • The U.K. Press Association reports that “Australia is planning to broadcast a Burmese language radio service into the south-east Asian nation to promote democracy and human rights.”
  • The AFP reports that “French energy giant Total was at the centre of controversy Wednesday over its lucrative dealings in Myanmar as Europe weighed up fresh sanctions against the junta after Aung San Suu Kyi’s latest conviction.”
  • Reuters reports that the Chinese government has said that the world should respect the junta’s judicial sovereignty following the sentencing.
  • The AFP reports that the junta is saying the same thing about itself.
  • The AP and the AFP report on Suu Kyi starting her extended house arrest amid the hubub.
  • The AP also reports that Suu Kyi has called her sentence “totally unfair.”
  • The Washington Post offers a great editorial, asking, “Will anyone do more than deplore Burma’s ‘unjust decision’?”
  • Jared Gesner, Suu Kyi’s international counsel, writes an editorial for the New York Times.
  • National Public Radio reports on the U.S.’s “policy challenge” on Burma.
  • The AFP reports that Burmese activists are saying Indonesia has “restricted” a meeting the exiled National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma there. The article continues, “Indonesia is a founding member of the 10-state Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which is criticised for failing to speak out stongly enough against human rights abuses in member-state Myanmar.”
  • In light of Yettaw’s harsh sentence, Time Magazine asks, “Is hard labor really that bad?”
  • Reuters does a Q&A on “who will hold the power in post-election Burma.”
  • Voice of America sees “few options available to deal with Burma.”
  • Lastly, News 24 and Al Jazeera English’s Riz Khan report on web response to Suu Kyi’s verdict and the verdict itself, respectively:

    • August 12, 2009

    Support a Torture Prosecutor, But Demand Full Accountability

    This from Amnesty International:

      According to recent news reports, Attorney General Eric Holder is close to appointing a Special Prosecutor to investigate allegations of torture and abuse. This would be a welcome and crucial step towards demonstrating a commitment to human rights and the rule of law. However, it is possible that the investigation will be limited in scope. After years of evidence that torture and human rights violations were ordered and authorized from above, only lower level personnel have been held to account. We can’t let impunity for torture continue. Urge President Obama to ensure full accountability for torture and other human rights violations, as required by U.S. and international law: with a full investigation, prosecutions where warranted and remedy for victims.

    Send your message to President Obama here.

    August 12, 2009

    Shambhala Sun Space on "New Animal Species in a Buddhist Corner of the World"

    Over at Shambhala Sun Space, Jesse P. Hiltz writes about a report on the last ten year’s of the World Wildlife Fund’s discoveries in the Eastern Himalayas. Their findings are, as Jesse says, “at once astounding, moving, and crushing.” Take a look.

    August 12, 2009

    His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Official Statement about the Extended Detention of Aung San Suu Kyi

    This from the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama:

      I am deeply saddened by the extended detention of Aung San Suu Kyi to a further period of house arrest.

      As a fellow Buddhist, I would like to once again appeal to the Burmese authorities to show magnanimity and understanding by releasing her. Doing so will not only contribute towards reconciliation but also will be a goodwill gesture.

      The Dalai Lama

      August 12, 2009