Your Choice is substantial

P.S: I had a hard time to decide whether I should post this article or not, as I don't want to bring many tensions. Hopefully, you see me through my profile, I'm just a reddish blue. who wants to see sustainable good changes in Burma as our beloved country has been suffering a lot from the unhealthy infrastructures. I don't mean to hurt anyone, but it's important to recognize the problems in the system.
I do think May is very significant for the citizens of Myanmar. So I decided to share my views on the referendums. It's just my humble opinion about some parts of Burmese history.
****We have freedom to disagree which is the meaning of democracy. Please let me know your opinions.****

Burma became an independent nation on January 4, 1948. Prime Minister U Nu tried to transform and educate people into democratic nation. However, the majority of citizens had no or a little knowledge about the Democracy. As a result, General Ne Win, the commander-in-chief, easily overthrew the elected government of U Nu. Sine then, Burma has been under the military ruling system; I said Burma has been under the military ruling system since the General Ne Win's era. Because the current leader General Than Shwe is the product of General Ne Win.

Burma only had a short time to enjoy independence because the British government used separation methods to divide between Burmar and the minority groups which is a sad consequence till these days. Burma's political and social traditions were greatly affected by British colony ruling system. General Ne Win abolished the federal system and installed the Burmese Way to Socialism. He expected to build unity and a stable country; however it was not happening since the government distributed services unequally across the country, and its ways are greatly influence by the British separation policies. As a result, it created human rights violation, injustice, and bitterness among the nations. The Burmese way to Socialism failed by 1987 because government could not fulfill the needs of the country: economy, development, and education. General Nay Win left the country with debt and civil wars.

Although Burma is rich in both nature and human resources, it became one of the poorest counties in the world. In 1988, a large number of students protested and marched, asking for the government changes. Many students were killed, and it became one of the saddest events in the country. Since then, the current government--SPDC (State Peace and Development Council) is ruling. The government has hardly fulfilled their promises in the last 20 years, but it increases the poverty and hardship. General Than Shwe and his groups might think they are serving their best for the country, but one should realize that doing best is not enough for building a nation/country. It's clear that the military training/education has not designed to fully understand the economy, politics, nor education; needless to mention knowledge for writing the constitution. Sadly, the military is instructing all the sectors, and put its citizens in their boxes and leave no rooms for its citizens. Now, can we expect some goods from these referendums which include no citizens' voices? People who attended the national convention had no opportunities to suggest nor opposed. Let’s not impoverish Burma again with "Burmese ways to Democracy" because there is no democracy without people voices are heard. The current trouble is more than enough for all citizens including general Than Shwe and his groups.

We had seen and suffered the brutal crackdown in the last September movement and 1988. And some of the atrocities are still carrying on. Home is not a safe place any more for people because the government could arrest you at any time, even in the midnight. Media and freedom of expression are strictly control. What we can expect form the leaders who have courage to kill its own god. If you looked back, you would see clearly that the government is getting worst in many ways. For example, general Nay Win's didn't use prisoners for the crackdown in 1988, but general Than Shwe released the criminals and use them as his right hand and put all leaders/activists in the jails.

Should we repeat this circle after the 60 years of experiences? What kinds of legacies you want to leave for your generation? It’s your choice whether to say “Yes” or “NO”.

If you want to see the meaning of Referendums click here.