Democracy march crushed in Burma

Remember how Bush apologists tried label the Iraq invasion as a humanitarian effort to free Iraqi citizens from a vicious dictator? Where is their humanitarian spirit now? Hell, where was it when Liberia was asking for our help? Well if our government doesn't care then perhaps the businesses there might step in... Not likely, but Human Rights Watch is urging them to do so.

Excerpted from Human Rights News:

“Companies doing business in Burma argue their presence is constructive and will benefit the Burmese people, but they have yet to condemn the government’s abuses against its own citizens,” said Arvind Ganesan, director of the Business and Human Rights Program at Human Rights Watch. “Keeping quiet while monks and other peaceful protesters are murdered and jailed is not evidence of constructive engagement.”

Human Rights Watch said that companies operating in Burma should use their influence with the ruling State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) to put an end to ongoing human rights abuses. In the current environment, companies should urge the SPDC to halt the crackdown, release all political prisoners, and open a real dialogue with opposition and ethnic groups. If the situation does not improve, companies should be prepared to reconsider their operations in the country.

Of course those who have studied fascism know why big business embraces fascism: Civil liberties get in the way of making big bucks, why treat a worker decent when you can work him to death and then hire another?