20.05.2007

                       

I. " U Nu and Parliamentary Democracy"_ Editorial: Tai Samyone

              _ The period of the parliamentary democracy proved that Burma has the capabilities and the skills to make a parliamentary democracy work.  The new civilian democratically elected government of Burma will have the enormous and delicate task of bringing the Army under the control of the government to ensure that those plotting military coups are treated as traitors and that the military only operates for the defence of the country against external aggression, not its own version of how the country should be run. The 45 years of military rule have demonstrated that military rule doesn't work..... ......

II. " Speaking with a National Politician" _ Interview with Amyotheryei U Win Naing, by Dr. Tayza

            _ On March 22 our strikers demonstrated in downtown Yangon and were arrested immediately. I was detained along with Htin Kyaw, leader of the protest a few days later. But we would continue to do what we believe to be necessary to do for the sake of the people..... ..It is like a man walking a high wire without a safety net below, one wrong move and......activists inside Burma have to say and act very delicately........

 III. "There was once democracy in the Union of Burma " _ Feature Article: Dr. San Oo Aung

            _ Long, long time ago, there was democracy in the Union of Burma, even though it was quite short-lived, under the democratically elected Prime Minister Thakin Nu or U Nu. Democracy seems a distant utopia now but it was really present during U Nu's days. Younger generations of nowadays may not know any other system of government except the present Military Regime. Even adults younger than 45 years of age would have been born after Gen. Ne Win's coup and would never have had any taste of democracy at all. Only those above 60 years of age can still recall the sweet taste of democracy under U Nu... ..........

IV. "What can we do not to repeat Mistakes"_ Feature Article: AKS

            _  U Nu was one of the best politicians and statesmen Burma had ever produced. He was a great student leader and author. But as all the best things in the world come with flaws, U Nu had his fair share too. Unfortunately some of those shortcomings were fatal and had contributed to ending of Burma's brief enjoyment of parliamentary democracy. To be fair to the late Prime Minister U Nu, some of his flaws were being shared by great men of those era...............

V. " Prime Minister U Nu's Democracy" _ Feature Article: Hkun Hom

            _ In his leadership prime time, U Nu was so confident with his two five-year economic plannings called "PYI DAW THA SI MARN KAINE", he did promise that every citizen will own a car and a house. Leave this fan fare aside, there was no dispute the country appears to be at bliss and harmony and the people young and old were enjoying it.  Even Shan people in remotest corners close to the frontier areas felt the blessing of it, especially after the impact of WWII. ........

VI. " Why U Nu's democracy failed?" _ Feature Article: Shwe Ba

            _ Burma's fledging democratic government was continuously challenged by communists and ethnic groups who felt under-represented in the 1948 constitution...... The failed attempts at socialism in Burma by U Nu were rather typical of the experience of underdeveloped countries in the post-World War II era........

VII. " U Nu's Mistake of Mixing Politics with Religion"_ Feature Article: Dr. Hla Khine

            _ If the Monarch of the British colonialists restrained them from demolishing the Pagoda which was in the middle of the main thoroughfare, why did your Excellency bring down a religious building which is not in the middle of any road, not causing any obstruction.. .........

VIII. " Our Freedom Struggle may run several Gauntlets"_ Opinion: May Ng

            _ On capitalism, Bogyoke Aung San Museum in Rangoon has on exhibit, 'The Wealth of Nations,' by Adam Smith, that used to belong to General Aung San.  Adam Smith is the intellectual father of capitalism. He explained how competition maximizes productivity and social welfare by assuring the optimal allocation of capital and labour in the overall economy. It is well known now that Adam Smith's capitalism has outlived Karl Marx's communism!.. ..........

IX. "Art and the Fight for Democracy in Burma"_ Opinion: Jim Mcnalis

            _ art or whatever course we pursue, further distinguishes us as members of the human family. Our skills and talents enable us to help fulfil our responsibilities to each other as members of that family. If we accept this responsibility then it is easy to identify a course of action that is just and honourable.......It is inevitable that the people of Burma and their allies will bring about democracy. But it will be through insisting on it rather than hoping for it. Act. Endeavour. Persist. Never quit...........

X. "Aung San Suu Kyi: The Jasmine or the Moon" _ Book Review: Raluca Enescu

            _ The book is a homage to Aung San Suu Kyi, which Falise considers to be "one of the most powerful symbols of the fight against oppression everywhere", nevertheless remaining impressively objective. It does not forget to mention, as well, not only notable figures such as Min Ko Naing or U Tin Oo, but also the "great forgotten", anonymous 8888 martyrs and political prisoners..... ........

XI. "The Polio Kings"_ Cartoon: Feraya

XII. "Denmark Democratic Burmese Human Rights Award" _ Announcement: Danish Burma Democratic Community

            _ This prize will be awarded to the prominent pro-democracy Burmese Journalist U Win Tin, who had been in prison since 1989; and will be accepted by Dr. Sein Win (NCGUB Prime Minister) on behalf of U Win Tin.. ..........

XIII. "2008 AEIOU Matriculation Examination Centres" _ Announcement: AEIOU Program