h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Despite its hand wringing sentimental statements, and much vaunted role as the protector of Human Rights, once again the UN has chosen to let a venal dictatorship imprison, torture and kill its people right before its eyes.

The Monks and Democracy protestors in Burma are being rounded up and taken away. On the streets they are beaten and shot, and the West does nothing.

Why?

Well the cynics would say there is nothing in it for us. There are precious few natural resources for the West's corporations to plunder and this particular dictatorship is in the thrall of the power the West fears most - China.

China will continue to block any attempt to condemn or act against the dictatorship as they rely on this country for its oil and gas pipelines, as well as a source of illegal timber. To the Chinese government, who see Tianamen Square as a victory for stability, the Burmese Army is doing nothing wrong. Freedom and democracy are threats to be dealt with harshly.

So the West does nothing. Even if a hundred thousand Monks die or are dragged away to a fate worse than death we will do nothing. We will even reward China by gracing their blood-soaked Olympiad next year, and continue to buy its shoddy goods.

Bush rattles his sabre, promising (but almost certainly not enacting) new embargoes. Embargoes that will not work and the Burmese can get anything they want from China, including all the Western luxuries that China now makes for the West.

Another example of the West's moral turpitude and the failure of the democratic process.

The dictators of Burma are busy lining their own pockets and filling their treasure chests. Young men are being taken by soldiers on 'working parties' into the jungle. The scenes are reminiscent of North Korean working parties. Many of the young men don't come back.
The General's Daughter Wedding Scene video footage sneaked out of Burma by CNN's Dan Rivers shows that greed lies at the root of the problem.

Today, a sinister developement, the monks have failed to appear.

I've signed the UN Petition. It's a small step but if enough people sign it - can Bush & Co - continue to lift the telescope to the blind eye.

Hi Lucky ,

I'm afraid that Bush et al., will do nothing. They are quite content that China and Russia have vetoed any meaningful action. The UN is a paper tiger.

Burma's only real hope is that India steps forward and demands change.

Blessings,
Matholwch .