I've started a public community. I don't know if this will work, or if it's doomed from the start, but feel that I have to give it a try.
In case you've been hiding under a box, there have been protests in recent days in Myanmar (small country, used to be called Burma, between China, Thailand, and Bangladesh) because the government raised the fuel prices. It sounds trite, but bear in mind that these people are amongst the poorest in the world, and can barely afford the basic necessities as it is. So, this is a huge burden on these people.
The people started peaceful protests. Marches. Trying to get the government to listen to them. And then, this:
"Witnesses said the violent crackdown came as about 100 monks defied a ban by venturing into a cordoned-off area around the Shwedagon Pagoda.
Authorities ordered the crowd to disperse, but witnesses said the monks sat down and began praying, defying the military government's ban on public assembly."
At this point, the monks were beaten and arrested. Violence began in earnest. Other protesters were assaulted. Soldiers opened fire on protesters who refused to disperse. Several people have already died, and more will follow. However, in my mind, I can't get rid of the image of these monks, sitting down to pray peacefully, and having armed soldiers descend on them to beat and assault them. (Later, the soldiers entered the monasteries and arrested more of the monks, and I'm sure they weren't treating them with kid gloves either.) The very idea of attacking a peaceful group of monks, praying... it makes me ill. These are some of the most peaceful people in the world.
So, I had an idea. What if people, of all religions, carried on what the monks were unable to do? What if we all got together to pray? And I mean EVERYONE.
If you know me, you know I'm not a religious person. I don't formally pray, at least, not in any way recognized by any of the major religions. However, I would defend anyone's right to pray in any way they wish. Indeed, I'd probably defend it to the death. There are few human rights that are more important. And I want to support that right, and to support the people of Myanmar. I started a LJ community, with the hope that people will spread this like wildfire.
Here's the community link:
![[profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
the_world_prays
Please read what I had to say. Please join. Please pass it on. You don't have to be of any specific religion. You don't even need to be strictly "religious". (I'm not religious, myself.) Even if you're atheist or agnostic, but simply wish to join with other human beings in fellowship to support the people in Myanmar, come to show your support and add your voice to those crying out for peace and human rights! This is about human rights, and supporting our fellow human beings. Will you join me?
In case you've been hiding under a box, there have been protests in recent days in Myanmar (small country, used to be called Burma, between China, Thailand, and Bangladesh) because the government raised the fuel prices. It sounds trite, but bear in mind that these people are amongst the poorest in the world, and can barely afford the basic necessities as it is. So, this is a huge burden on these people.
The people started peaceful protests. Marches. Trying to get the government to listen to them. And then, this:
"Witnesses said the violent crackdown came as about 100 monks defied a ban by venturing into a cordoned-off area around the Shwedagon Pagoda.
Authorities ordered the crowd to disperse, but witnesses said the monks sat down and began praying, defying the military government's ban on public assembly."
At this point, the monks were beaten and arrested. Violence began in earnest. Other protesters were assaulted. Soldiers opened fire on protesters who refused to disperse. Several people have already died, and more will follow. However, in my mind, I can't get rid of the image of these monks, sitting down to pray peacefully, and having armed soldiers descend on them to beat and assault them. (Later, the soldiers entered the monasteries and arrested more of the monks, and I'm sure they weren't treating them with kid gloves either.) The very idea of attacking a peaceful group of monks, praying... it makes me ill. These are some of the most peaceful people in the world.
So, I had an idea. What if people, of all religions, carried on what the monks were unable to do? What if we all got together to pray? And I mean EVERYONE.
If you know me, you know I'm not a religious person. I don't formally pray, at least, not in any way recognized by any of the major religions. However, I would defend anyone's right to pray in any way they wish. Indeed, I'd probably defend it to the death. There are few human rights that are more important. And I want to support that right, and to support the people of Myanmar. I started a LJ community, with the hope that people will spread this like wildfire.
Here's the community link:
the_world_praysPlease read what I had to say. Please join. Please pass it on. You don't have to be of any specific religion. You don't even need to be strictly "religious". (I'm not religious, myself.) Even if you're atheist or agnostic, but simply wish to join with other human beings in fellowship to support the people in Myanmar, come to show your support and add your voice to those crying out for peace and human rights! This is about human rights, and supporting our fellow human beings. Will you join me?
