This is an auspicious time for people’s movements. Here at home, we saw the massive mobilization of people from all over the United States to march in protest of the inequalities in the overtly racist system of “justice” in Jena, Louisiana. This has brought the attention of the American people to the corrupt underpinnings of the judicial system. And with the 50th anniversary of the Little Rock Nine, we realize we have so much further to go.
Halfway across the planet, in the Southeast Asian country of Myanmar (Burma), we see the non-violent demonstrations of thousands led by Buddhist Monks and Noble Peace Prize Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.
From the BBC:
“Five columns of monks, one reportedly stretching for more than 1km (0.6 miles), entered the city centre to cheers and applause from thousands of bystanders. Civilians who joined in pinned small pieces of monks' robes on to their clothing, some of them weeping, and turnout estimates range from 50,000 to 100,000.”
And now, the Myanamese military government is warning the protesters that they are now able to “take action” against the movement leaders—an ominous statement. The representatives have encouraged members of the military to put down their weapons and join the marches (an echoing of the 1999 Serbian military participating in non-violent anti-Milosevic protests).
And, less than an hour ago, thousands of General Motors workers walked out of the Bowling Green, KY factory on strike. Demanding increased job security and compensation, United Autoworkers have called a general strike.
The amount of faith and dedication in order to participate in a people’s movement is immense. Whether it is standing up to a Junta or an Oligarchy, to put your life and livelihood on the line for the sake of the community is one of the most difficult things one can do. We look to the dedication of those who come before us, just as the Little Rock Nine did, to give us the courage to continue in the struggle.
