Reading Notes #12: Rock the Junta

1.
How would you feel that all your action and words were controlled? Its a scary time in our world and I believe that not only in America but all over the world there should be freedom of speech and action in our own personal lives. The people in Burma are so closely guarded by every aspect of their lives. Not just in at there place of work, but also in their personal lives. If a person makes a wrong statement they could be punished and even imprisoned. Even the media in Burma is censored. If a certain rock band is singing songs of Christianity the government will either change it themselves or make the artist(s) change it.

2.
The theme of the article, I believe, is not just powerlessness but also muteness. People in Burma are not just controlled by their actions, but also their words. As written in the article a man was protesting and on his banner said: "Freedom." He was imprisoned for seven years. I believe that such a punishment is preposterous.

3.
The article "Rock the Junta" reminds me of a comic strip named "Pyongyan: A Journey in North Korea." Both countries are strongly ruled and there does not seem to be any room for creativity. People are ruled and observed very closely in every aspect of their lives.

4.
Question #1: What kind of views do you think Burma citizens have on America?
Question #2: Do you believe that the citizens of Burma are treated righteously?
Question #3: Do you believe Burma has a effective prison system? Why?

5.
Topic #1: Burma's views of the American people
Topic #2: The political hierarchy in Burma
Topic #3: The penal system of Burma

6.
- Junta: a council or committee for political or governmental purposes ; especially : a group of persons controlling a government especially after a revolutionary seizure of power
- Mendacious: given to or characterized by deception or falsehood or divergence from absolute truth <mendacious tales of his adventures>
- Methamphetamine: an amine C₁₀H₁₅N used medically in the form of its crystalline hydrochloride especially in the treatment of obesity and often used illicitly as a stimulant —called also methedrine