Hillary Clinton’s Silence On Burma Is Deafening
2 comments September 25th, 2007
A repressive military dictatorship in Burma, one of the most odious on the planet, has been oppressing that subjugated nation for decades. Incredibly, the people of Burma are rising up against the junta, peacefully, through mass demonstrations led by Buddhist monks. This example of popular courage has won the admiration of much of the world. Many statesmen and advocates on human rights have been speaking publicly about the history that is unfolding in Burma. But what about the person who claims to be the “most qualified” to become America’s next president, Hillary Rodham Clinton? Our former co-president, Senator Hillary Clinton, has thus far been silent on recent events in Burma. Why?
No one can accuse me of being overly abundant in praising President George W. Bush, yet it must be acknowledged that he has publicly, in a speech before the United Nations, spoken on behalf of the Burmese people. In doing so, whatever his other flaws, he is taking a moral position that contrasts sharply with the deafening silence emerging from Hillaryland.
Hillary Clinton does have a reason for her silence. There is no voting constituency interested in Burma that she recognizes as important for her chances of winning the presidential race in 2008. What then is Hillaryland talking about instead of Burma? It turns out that the Clinton political machine has just unveiled another of their inane contests. The lead item on her official campaign website offers a chance for several lucky Americans to watch the next candidate’s debate with Bill Clinton, in front of a big television, bowel of chips stacked high.
If things explode in Burma and other political figures comment on the situation, perhaps Hillary’s PR experts and spin-doctors will draft some sort of press release. However, right now, while history is being made and the outcome is uncertain, instead of showing that she truly is a statesman of stature, Hillary Clinton and her campaign prefer to offer the American people more bread and circuses, along with potato chips, while Burma is on fire.
