Hi, everyone.

I'm sorry to return from my most recent absence with something impersonal and non-Star Wars, but this is very important.

If you haven't heard, over the last month the people of Burma (a.k.a. Myanmar; a country in Southeast Asia between India and Thailand) have been peacefully protesting against the oppression and violence of the brutal military dictatorship ruling their country.

This last week, the military violently craked down, killing a number of the sworn non-violent Buddhist monks leading the protests. Random bystanders were also shot, and a Japanese press photographer was murdered in cold blood by a point-blanc bullet from a soldier. The OFFICIAL news sources from Burma (i.e the ones controlled by the government) said about 10 people were killed in the crackdowns this week, but other sources say it was more like 200.

PICTURES!

I'm asking, begging you to help. I have here two petitions to people who have power to put pressure on the Burmese government to end the violence and take steps towards restoring peace, justice, and democracy. I know that petitions are usually a long shot, but there is some hope, and it's the LEAST we can do. Here are the links:

USCB petition to the Chinese government

Avaaz.org petition to the U.N. Security Council

I repeat, this is the LEAST we can do. If you want to do more to help, or if you just want more information, please visit one of these websites:

U.S. Campaign for Burma

Burma Campaign U.K.

Thank you so much. I'll hopefully be able to start participating in the community here again soon.

-RD