Say It Ain't So Already

Call it Burma, Not Myanmar

November 14, 2009 at 12:36 PM Leave a comment

This morning there is a fair amount of talk on the news about Myanmar.  Myanmar was called Burma prior to 1962 when its civilian government was overthrown by a military coup.  It subsequently became a brutal dictatorship.

During a speech in Tokyo today, President Obama called for the, “release of all political prisoners” there, “including Aung San Suu Kyi, an end to conflicts with minority groups, and a genuine dialogue between the government, the democratic opposition and minority groups on a shared vision of the future.”  He also said, “That is how a government in Burma will be able to respond to the needs of its people.  That is the path that will bring Burma true security and prosperity.”

Note that Obama referred to the country as Burma, not Myanmar.  But our media calls it Myanmar, which I think is wrong.  The coup leaders renamed the country, so to call it that gives them legitimacy, respect and credibility. To show solidarity with the oppressed people there, we should call it Burma, and I applaud President Obama for doing that.

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