media awards: galleries

With sincere respect, accorded as deserved, I address the Junta now ruling Burma, trusting that all its members have truly at heart, the best interests of
the Burmese people and therefore know the value of maintaining the nation's integrity.

A nation will prosper in the modern world only by honest dealing and reliable testimony, both within and beyond its borders. Truth and Honesty are the bedrock of stability, and Rulers who understand that, need never fear their peoples may resent them. It is never good to suppress the Truth or the people's right to a decent life.

Democracy and Freedom in the West has maintained remarkable stability.

Where there is deception on the part of the government, we have rightful anger against it. 'Honesty is the best policy' and cooperation is only achieved through mutual respect and fair treatment for everyone concerned.

You have good friends in the Media if only you treat them as friends. If Journa- lists are not permitted to report Truth, they have no self-justification. And if the Truth is not acceptable to the peoples it should also be unacceptable to their governments. If the government prefers to deceive or repress its people, it is not fit to govern.

Why? Because governments MUST uphold honesty and truth: If they do not, let them resign and hold free elections so the people can vote-in new rulers, who are worthy of the responsibilities of government.

Until those in power make themselves honest and become compassionate toward their people they have no moral right to govern and will bring disaster to their nation and the world. Truth will set you all free.

Let me persuade you in the Burmese Junta, to permit Burmese Journalists to write freely, the Truth, the whole Truth, and nothing else but the Truth. Only this will make your Junta worthy of truthful reportage and Burma will then prosper.

Sincerely, Arthur Cummins, United Kingdom.

the portraits leave one feeling very humble as well as cross.

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