Those Crazy Monks!

I am so amazed and extremely proud of these monks. http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/F649F281-F993-41BD-AF9F-11C1552CCACB.htm Myanmar is probably one of the worst countries on earth to have a march like this, especially since they are moving for a change in the political regime. I think this is perhaps one of the best calculated and beautifully orchestrated pro-democracy event I've seen in a long time.

Myanmar is a largely Buddhist country, resulting in great respect for the monks. This means the monks already have popular support. Monks also have a reputation for non-violence. Were people like myself to march on the streets, the government could easily put us down as violent or potentially violent protesters. Unarmed monks? That would cause not only a huge uproar locally, but would also create an internationally recognizable human and civil rights violation.

There is also the shock value to such a move. Monks are perhaps not expected to be politically motivated. I personally did not think they had it in them. At worst, the Burmese government may label them as radicals and not monks since they have given up their religious inclinations in favour of political motivations. I don't think many would buy such an excuse, tho. Overall, I think their rallying call is powerful and the people finally do have a precedent for a movement against the oppressive leadership. It is my hope that others living under similar regimes all over the world to do likewise, should they feel that their leadership does more harm than good.