Turning away, in dismay, at the shenanigans and worse of the participants and their supporters in the political primaries and upcoming election, I turned towards Burmese freedom fighter Aung San Suu Kyi for a primer in democracy. How profound: the long, seemingly hopeless struggle for democracy in Burma, a land marred by brutal military rule, contains power to teach this (U.S.) still newborn country so much.
Here are a few quotes from Aung San Suu Kyi that serve as catalyst for national introspection. And personally, her words shout wake up! Get Up. Shake it up.
With a friend or a group, respond to these comments from someone who has been there, still is, and never backed off. From this non-violent warrior come these admonitions offered to her people (and to us) as they live and die to achieve what the Constitution guarantees we have already. It helps that she walks the talk. These pithy jolts are taken from her The Voice of Hope
1) "Political integrity means just plain honesty."
2) "How can we find out if there are places where we can meet, issues on which we can work together, unless we talk to each other?"
3) "You've got to remove as far as possible your own prejudices and distance yourself from them in assessing any situation.
4) "I'm against bringing personalities into politics."
5) "You cannot have one fixed policy for all time."
6) "I have always had a sense of humor."
From Burma with hope, for us all.