Originally Posted by
jimbo99
I think this part of your post is ridiculous - you took the trouble to go all the way to Myanmar but it appears you can't even be bothered to refer to "that political lady" by name. I wonder if in pre-reformed South Africa you would have enjoyed a holiday there and referred to Nelson Mandela as "that political gentleman". I doubt whether it was Aung San Suu Kyi's "skillful" promotion that got her a Nobel prize.
Of course you might see "more police in London".... They generally wear uniforms. And the London police are at least attempting to uphold the rule of law - the security authorities in your "gem" of holiday destination have a different function. I'm sure YOU were very safe there - nobody will knock on your door in the middle of the night.
Its true people get mugged and murdered in London, the wrong people get locked up and politicians are sometimes corrupt. But to try and just equate the two systems is just abdicating responsibility.
The reality is that the system is dire there. The only question that remains is whether going there helps perpetuate the system or is likely to improve things. To throw up your hands and say "well things can be bad in London too" as an excuse to dismiss the issue is a great shame, IMHO.
Jimbo99, that is Your opinion and here I just want to say that I find it ridiculously naive. Lets not going to open a debate. I gave my views and you might have yours - we exchanged opinions and I still dont agree with yours.
The fact is you have NOT been to Myanmar (reading it from your "I probably wouldn't go for the simple reason that Aung San Suu Kyi has said that tourists shouldn't visit" which made me laughing - do you really listen to opinion of any politician?). IMHO, she needs to accept that her presidency has failed 16 years ago and she needs to move on rather than reffering to the votes of previous generation. In fact, current Myanmar goverment treats her quite mildly - home arrest is not the worst what could happen and did happen to many other politicians in her situation. Surely it is not nice but I should say it is much much better than how many "democratic" governments treat their political opponents (I can give you dozens of examples from both western and 3rd world).
As for Nelson Mandela, don't we have clear example of political cult here (and I dread Myanmar would go same way). I have been to South Africa several times and I have listed to local people there. And I WOULD go to holidays there while he was in the prison, no problem (dont be ridiculous to start another discussion on this point).
Finally, just to let you know that I originated from the country where "midnight knock on the door" was used for millions of people (including my close relatives) so I know what it is. It is not for you to educate me on this. Take a deep pause and move on with your life now, no need to reply me any further.