Indeed he has created a new role for the vice-president, however, I don't think he could pull off a coup as you suggest.

The majority of the populous wouldn't stand for it. I would even wager Toby Keith would kiss and make up with the Dixie Chicks and then proceed to throw rocks at him if he tried to pull a stunt like that.

He may be Darth Vader to some people, but his empire is mainly on paper. He'll cash in after this round and go to the beach when Miss Thing or Uncle Al win next year.

I just noticed how the structure of Milarepa the Movie (Part one) is patterned after the four noble truths:

suffering, it's cause, it's cessation, and the path

Thank you SO much for linking that film site. I had no idea it had even been made. The story of Milarepa is amazing.

As to Myanmar, if China was not having the Olympics coming up soon in Beijing, I would imagine that it would not advise any restraint by the Junta.

The Communist regime of the People's Republic of China has absolutely no compunction about killing monks or religious people. They've nearly destroyed the Buddhist civilization of Tibet, and would not flinch if the Myanmar junta decided on the wholesale slaughter of the protesting monks.

They wouldn't flinch that is if there were not billions of dollars pending on a smooth and successful Olympics. Since they are close trading partners with Myanmar, of course they will tell them to play nice so long as the prospect of money is to be made.

I think people forget just how truly evil and harsh the Communist government of China can be. Beneath the veneer of Western capitalism lurks a totalitarian state on the ascendant. Perhaps in the future, the descendants of George Bush will kowtow to the new Son of Heaven.

Regardless, I wish the people of Myanmar good karma in their peaceful dissent. And I especially send my best thoughts to the monks who are the apparent catalyst.

Are you referring to the Bush administration or to Myanmar?

The whole USA has been watching our civil liberties get violated, so we're no help to anyone else as passive witnesses.

If we watch and do nothing about Bush, what good is it for us to be watching these monks?

First deal with the Junta in your own country, then you might be a credible witness and an ally to the oppressed peoples of other countries.

Bush can't support anything. Any well-intentioned action he takes is detrimental to the cause. The Buddhists of Mayanmar/Burma are better off without his support.

Your post is very thought provoking, as is the article.

But there's just one thing.

Burma no longer exists.

It's Myanmar now.