Correction on 8.8.88 URGENT ACTION! (r)

[OKKAR66129@xxxxxxx]

shsh88@xxxxxxxxxxx writes:

<< 	In order to commemorate this Ten-Year Anniversary, we ask that the 
 people inside Burma wear white-colored shirts for three days:  August 6, 
 August 7, and August 8, 1998.   The color white is significant and 
 appropriate for three reasons: 1) It represents the innocence and purity 
 of the people who were killed on 8.8.88;  2) It reflects our profound 
 sadness and grief concerning those who were killed; and 3) It symbolizes 
 peace in the Burmese culture.  On the final day, August 8, 1998, we 
 request that people of Burma, wearing their white-colored shirts and 
 carrying aung tha bhuy flowers, go to the pagoda and pray for those who 
 were murdered ten years ago.  We ask that those who live in Rangoon that 
 they attend Shwedagon Pagoda. >>

Whatever the reasons may be written in the above-mentioned  message, why true
reasons why they chose white-coloured shirt and "aung-tha-byay" flowers are
very visible. The following is the reasons that I see:

(1) In Myanmar, more than 30% of the population is wearing white-colored
shirts because Myanmar National dress is white-colored shirt without collar
(ler ka tone), taikpon and longyi. Many people will be wearing white-coloured
shirts as usual without knowing about the campaign.

(2) Although 8-8-98 (Saturday) is the week-end holiday in the US and many
other countries, all the primary schools, middle schools and high schools are
opened in Myanmar on that day. Burmese lent is started from the 8th July (the
full-moon day of Waso, the 4th month of Burmese Calendar) and it will end on
5th October ( the full-moon day of Thidingyut, the 7th month of Burmese
Calendar). During that lent all the primary schools, middle schools and high
schools are opend on Saturdays and close on the sabbath days such as full-moon
days and dark-moon days. Since all the school uniforms are white shirt and
green longyi, all the school children will be wearing white shirts on 8-8-98.

(3) During the Burmese lent many people are going to the pagodas on the
holidays to keep sabbath. When they go to the pagodas, they always offer
"aung-tha-byay" flowers. "Aung-tha-byay is the most favorite flower in
Myanmar. Besides, the people who keep sabbath must fast in the evening. 

The above-mentioned people who wear white-shirts and who fast to keep sabbath
simply to gain merits may include in the supporters group of the campaign when
the activists issue their next propagandas.

      I see the campaign as a most wicked one. Any comments are welcome!

Okkar