Support from the Czech Republic

Photo: KURT VINION/THE PRAGUE POST

The Czech Republic is trying to do its part in supporting the Burmese people in their struggle for democracy. Only around 300 people turned out for a candlelight vigil Sept. 28. I think there probably should have been more supporters to show up if you consider its similarities with Burma, which I believe are very significant.

The Czech Republic is a small country and the population is only a fraction of Burma's. It may be small with little to no influence in helping Burma but there are some extremely important comparisons that we should look at.

In 1989 the people of the Czech Republic (then Czechoslovakia) held a nonviolent revolution that overthrew decades of communist rule. Thousands of protesters gathered on Wenceslas Square, hands raised to the sky in a gesture that simply said “no more”. Their nonviolent revolution was not unlike the nonviolent uprising in Burma a few weeks ago. Until of course the military junta turned to violence, shooting into the crowds of peaceful protesters.

The military regime in Burma does not have the motivation to allow for change because they simply have too much power. They have all they need, an endless supply of financial and military support. Burma's regime is too comfortable. Where is that comfort and power coming from? China. The rest of the civilized world needs to stand with Burma and put pressure on China. Just as much of the world stood with the people of Czechoslovakia (now, Czech and Slovak Republics) as the Soviet empire fell. Maybe if the more powerful (responsible) nations of the world used the Czech Republic as an example and gave it some notice we could all learn something.

Visit the link below to read about the Czech support...

http://www.praguepost.com/articles/2007/10/03/show-of-solidarity.php