Rambo 4 has, over the past couple of years, remained a standard reference point for New Mandala’s discussions of the war that simmers away on Burma’s eastern fringe.
Of course, in recent months the fictional John Rambo has been replaced, both here and in more general reporting, by the Thomas Blemings, Jake Slades, David Everetts and Derek Meltons of the world. For better or for worse, they have provided a new and publicly discussed dimension to the ongoing battle between the Karen National Liberation Army and the men of the tatmadaw. And now it looks like we will have an unexpected Japanese angle to this intriguing story of military ambition, foreign fighters and the continuing quest for a “free Burma”.
But John “Are you bringing in any weapons?” Rambo has a habit of leaping back on to the agenda…
Over at the Lowy Institute’s Interpreter - a must-read blog for anyone who follows foreign policy debate in Australia - Andrew Selth has a few critical jabs at the recent Rambo film and all it represents. He identifies some of the deeper, dare I say it, “strategic” problems with Rambo’s Burma foray. And he concludes that “while it may give Sylvester Stallone a warm inner glow, and bring temporary comfort to the activist community, Rambo 4 risks delaying the resolution of Burma’s complex problems and prolonging the suffering of the Burmese people”.
But Rambo is a figment of the imagination - the ultimate, All-American, action hero. What about the foreigners who are (to some even very small extent) flesh and blood incarnations of the cinematic fantasy?
Are they also delaying the resolution of Burma’s problems, harming the chances of a peaceful Karen State, and, at the end of the day, prolonging the real world suffering of ordinary Burmese citizens? Perhaps these questions give (some of) them too much credit. Regardless, what do New Mandala readers think? Does the cinematic Rambo help or hinder the solving of Burma’s many problems? What about Bleming and all the rest?
As an aside, I have noticed that David Everett’s Shadow Warrior (which includes an account of his years in the 1980s and 1990s spent fighting alongside the Karen) has now been published. The National Library of Australia already seems to have a copy. If anyone out there wants to pen a review, we would, of course, be very happy to host it here.
27 responses so far ↓
1 Charles F. // Jun 21, 2008 at 1:09 am
On one level I enjoyed the Rambo 4 movie. I like action movies, and Stallone always delivers in that regard.
But I was also disappointed because the movie was about westerners, and a westerner who had to rescue them. The Karens don’t make a real appearance until the very end of the movie - after Rambo has taken care of all the heavy lifting.
In reality, The KNLA is doing all the heavy lifting. They’re doing the fighting, the suffering, the dying.
Yes, a few foreigners have died while assisting the KNLA, but their numbers are miniscule, which is also a reflection of how many have fought over there.
Since we’re talking movies here, in The Dogs of War, Cat Shannon (Christopher Walken) tells the rebels, “It’s your war. You gotta do it”, meaning that he and his fellow mercenaries will assist the rebels, but that the rebels will have to do the heavy lifting. But in the end, one of the four mercenaries does in fact get killed. A 25% casualty rate in any army is bad, but when there’s only four guys to begin with, it’s a catastrophe.
Do the foreigners assisting the KNLA make a positive difference? With the possible exception of Derek Melton, I would argue that they do.
They bring to the table fresh thinking, derived from years in professional armies. And they provide a morale boost to people who think the world has forgotten them.
Yes, there have been some that provided less than exemplary service, and others that provided comic relief. “Beggars can’t be choosy” applies here. The KNLA doesn’t pay these men, so it doesn’t get to choose who knocks on their door. As an example, I would direct your attention to the film, “Let’s get Harry”, where some guys try to rescue their friend by hiring a mercenary. It’s a perfect example of what one gets when looking for tough men - a few dozen wannabees, and one diamond.
BUT - some of the volunteers who have assisted the KNLA have been top drawer.
David Everett’s later problems aside, he is/was a professional soldier, coming to the KNLA from the ranks of the Australian SAS.
Many others have come from elite units as well - The U.S. special forces, British SAS and SBS, French Foreign Legion. These are not people to trifle with.
Jack Slade is also a former professional soldier, though I will leave it to him to give his own bonafides.
Derek Melton doesn’t get much play on New Mandala, probably because he gets it from Soldier of Fortune magazine, being friends with Bob Brown, the publisher.
But Melton isn’t a soldier - he’s a policeman in “wide spot in the road” Oklahoma. And when he isn’t policing the streets, he’s the pastor of a small church.
The problem with Melton is that he has decided that the KNLA should lay down their arms, and to that end has allied himself with a breakaway faction of the KNLA. I understand that he is no longer welcome in any KNLA camps.
Back to Jack Slade for a moment. That guy amazes me with his energy in regards to assisting the Karen people. No, all the Burmese people.
He gathers up books, clothes and medicines, then packs them up and ships it all off directly to the people who need it. With his own money.
He works with a Buddhist monastery, gathering up donations, talking to church and social groups, beating the bushes for assistance.
He stands on the side of the road, jar in hand, collecting spare change.
Basically, he put his own life on hold to help someone else.
There can be no criticisms of this guy. His actions are in the finest traditions of Christian fellowship, putting others before self.
I have never personally been offended by the word “mercenary”. But when you talk or write about the many foreigners who have assisted the KNLA over the years, “mercenary” is the wrong word to use.
These guys don’t get paid. They’re strictly volunteers, coming over on their own dime, risking their lives - and sometimes freedom - to assist the KNLA.
Sure, some of them are sociopaths, adventurers and con men. But when the lead starts flying, those types are usually the first ones to look for the door.
Most of the foreign volunteers have high ideals, looking to right wrongs. They see the war in Burma as a strictly black and white issue, with no shades of gray. The tatmadaw is evil, and the KNLA is righteous. Period. End of discussion. What’s not to like and admire about these guys.
Are the foreign volunteers prolonging the war? I seriously doubt it. With the exception of the contingent in the mid to late 80’s, the number of volunteers has been very small, showing up in ones and twos.
What they do provide is an opportunity for journalists to write about something more than miserable refugee camps, or the latest atrocity committed by the SPDC. People enjoy reading about adventurers, those who go and do (Everett), as opposed to those who go and wring their hands (Melton).
2 david w // Jun 21, 2008 at 2:24 am
For those interested, Selth has a longer analysis of Hollywood movies and the politics of Burma over at Southeast Asia Research Centre’s working papers series. Follow this link and scroll down to the 2008 section.
http://www.cityu.edu.hk/searc/
3 jonfernquest // Jun 21, 2008 at 2:48 am
The Selth paper on the Burmese cinema was very informative. Couldn’t put it down once I started reading it.
I would disagree that there aren’t high quality movies. I transcribed and studied some of the scripts from them years ago. Kyaw Hein being the obvious great actor in so many films:
http://www.angelfire.com/linux/jfernquest/bcinema.html
One of the problems, is that with one TV station, movies effectively became a substitute for TV, being produced in mass quantities and distributed via videotapes, which produced a decline in quality. At least that’s the way it seemed circa 1999-2002 when I lived there.
There was a wonderful book in Burmese produced to commemorate the 50th anniversary of a film organisation in Burma. Most of the films documented in the book unfortunately are only memories, having long decayed in the humid tropical atmosphere.
4 Jack Slade // Jun 21, 2008 at 9:13 am
I was happy to see that “Sly” used Burma as the subject of his latest Rambo movie. The KNLA freedom fighters that I met in Burma enjoyed seeing the SPDC laid to waste in the movie. Some one asked me what moment struck me as the” strangest during my trip into Burma?” I would have to say sitting in a house with KNLA freedom fighters watching a bootleg version of Rambo 4. That will always be one of the most memorial moments in my life as a movie watcher.
There were a few things I did not like about the movie and a several that I did like. Since I like to see the positive things in life I will consentrate on the things I liked about the movie.
It also shows the “Karen rebels” bounding over the hill and turning the SPDC into pink mist and spagetti sauce.
1) The films opening shows actual video shot by the Free Burma Rangers, and news footage of crimes against humanity and human rights violations.
2) It was filmed in Thailand which is about as close as possible to filming inside Burma. The production company had to get permission from the Thai Government to bring in weapons and over 90,000 rounds of ammo. That shows some level of understanding from the Thai Government.
3)They used real Karen and Burmese people who had lost limbs and family members as castmembers, crewmember, and porters in the film.
4)The film is full of positive and upbeat comments about defeating the SPDC with politcal means as well as by force.
5) The Rambo character takes on his fight for the right reasons and not money. He wasn’t paid. He is just trying to save the lives of the people he dropped off in Burma, reguardless of nationality, race, or religion.
6)The movie shows the brutality of the SPDC, a tonned down hollywood version, but at least they don’t portray them as the good guys.
7)It shows IDPs hiding in the jungle, landmines, and people be hunted like animals by the SPDC.
In the end John Rambo goes home and that is what every Karen wants, to go HOME.
I bought the DVD following the advice of a friend. I was told to watch the last clip in the special features section which I did. There I learned of some other people who have been involved in this fight for many years( some for over 40 years) I attempted to contact all of them. Because of this movie I met one wonderful person with whom I plan on getting to know very well over the next few years.
Did the Rambo movie make the situation in Burma worse? No.
Does people from other countries going to Burma to learn, document it, report it, or fight make the situation worse? To that I say, worse than what?
War is pretty bad as it is. If the war in Burma seems a little one sided that is because it is one sided. If some white guy from half way around the planet takes it upon himself to even the odds a little then I would have to say “good for him and may God bless him for caring enough to stick up for the innocent people getting slaughtered everyday.”
There are groups that spend good amounts of money to visit the refugees in their camps and deliver aid. This is a good and wonderful thing to do, with out a doubt. However, just think if that amount money was used to put the Karen people back into their homes and out of the camps. This is possible…. if that money were put into the right technology in the hands of the right people. There are a great number of tactics that the KNLA could use that would ensure victory in a resonably short amount of time. The KNLA needs the people to train them and they need the right equipment.
The KNLA are great fighters and they know how to fight a guerilla war on a shoestring budget. Increase their budget, training, and technology and you will see a rapid shift in the way things are going. I am telling you, all of you intellectuals out there, there is a way to win this war. I know the way. It will not be easy. We just need to commit to not give up.
I would like to tell you more but…..maybe I’ll save it for Christmas.
God bless those who fight for freedom, Jack
5 Grasshopper // Jun 21, 2008 at 11:37 am
Anything that complicates a war where nationalism is at stake will prolong it. Having American nationals involved in the KNLA can only serve to be used as propaganda by the Junta, and consequently foster mistrust and bad communication. As to how much credit those foreign fighters receive can perhaps best be gauged by the Junta’s reaction to them — whether it is an over-exaggerated response or not. A speedy resolution to the conflict will obviously see both parties agreeing on what they can agree on, so perhaps your questions point to another: how long will it be before the Junta will agree to forget their xenophobic, paranoid fascism? Maybe a similar question can be asked of Sylvester Stallone..?
6 Charles F. // Jun 21, 2008 at 3:55 pm
The Burmese junta uses French mercenaries to guard the Total pipelines. They also use Chinese military advisors. The Israelis provide instructors to the Burmese secret police and intelligence agencies.
Andrew Selth uses his position as a movie reviewer to argue that the small number of western ex-military people assisting the Karens is what is prolonging the war.
I would retort that what is prolonging the war are the Israelis, French mercenaries, Chinese advisors, Indian arms dealers and Washington lobbyists who assist in propping up the Burmese junta.
If all of these people exited the scene - not likely - then the SPDC would collapse in short order.
I don’t know why it is, but academics always seem to favor appeasement and accommodation with evil. Perhaps they need to get out of the classroom more often, and out into the real world.
7 Grasshopper // Jun 21, 2008 at 10:17 pm
Charles I love the smell of napalm in the morning F, academics with all their ideas and neurosis, shape the real world you live in. You wonder why academics favour appeasement and accommodation with evil? Is your real world full of Steven Segal action figures? What is evil exactly? I bet somewhere along the line an academic would have argued your real evil for you! Better look them up!! MMMMmm the smell of that fire is better than breakfast!
8 David Everett // Jun 22, 2008 at 5:44 am
Hi All,
I think some people have their heads shoved up their backsides when they comment that films like Rambo 4 and foreign military assistance to the KNLA help prolonge the internal repression in Burma. I am sorry for the strong language, but it makes me physically sick when I hear comments like this. I don’t watch Rambo movies or war flicks for that matter. I have seen enough dead people for real to haunt me for the rest of my life, especially in Burma. Maybe people have been misquoted regarding the prolonging of the conflict in this manner. But when I hear that I know they are either academics, who live in another world, or complete nut cases. If you study the psych of the Burman military elite, and the tatmadaw’s general philosophy, you will understand why comments like this are completely wrong. The military leaders and their troops, on a whole, see themselves as the saviours of the nation, they believe in what they are doing, that is the irony of the whole situation. The military opens the way for social and political advancement and gives many soldiers and their families access to education, rations, medical attention, housing and safety. It also gives people a job. They view all foreigners as oppressors intent on destabalising the country and harp back to the days of when the British deposed the last Burman Royal family in the 1800s during the three Anglo/Burman wars. The junta view themselves as the returning Burman kings. They will never bring peace to the country. AND, Burma was never a united country in the first place. The ethnic minorities in the hills were never under Burman rule, they weren’t even part of the Burman Empire. The British drew the present map of Burma, as they did in the Middle East, and look what is happening there now. I would dearly love peace to come to Burma, for everybody there. But it ain’t gunna happen with the military in charge. If people don’t resist, change will never come. Get real people, nice to have an opinion and hug a tree, but it isn’t an informed one, and whilst you are hugging it, make sure it isn’t in Burma or you will most probably get a bayoned in the back and be pinned to the tree for good.
9 Charles F. // Jun 22, 2008 at 9:35 am
David Everett,
My email address appears below. I would like to have an offline discussion with you if at all possible.
Charles Foster
Triumph_Chopper_72@yahoo.com
10 Grasshopper // Jun 22, 2008 at 10:45 am
David, thanks for your post. I would really like to know if you have seen the Junta use foreigners fighting with liberation groups as propaganda. My idea is that foreigners fighting would confirm the ‘Burman King’s’ attitude, or at least the attitude they project to citizens, towards liberation groups being the products of foreign beliefs, and that therefore these groups are not sufficiently nationalistic to be negotiated with. Yes, of course it is the Junta who prolongs everything - all I am trying to do is see how the Junta prolongs it.
11 Stephen // Jun 22, 2008 at 12:44 pm
For the sake of the discussion, another academic, David Steinberg, has this to say on foreign military intervention/assistance to ethnic armed opposition groups.
From David I. Steinberg, Turmoil in Burma: Contested Legitimacies in Myanmar, 2006.
12 Johpa Deumlaokeng // Jun 22, 2008 at 2:47 pm
For what it is worth, I have spoken to some folks who have assisted and helped train KNLA forces over the years who have seen the recent Rambo film. All agreed that as cinema, the movie, to be polite to Mr Stallone, was lacking. But as to the depiction of the violence, contrary to what Mr. McCartan states in his review, the only exaggeration they noted was the depiction of the use of a flame thrower.
Despite the rather poor cinematic reviews of the film, my local activists with the US Campaign for Burma were quite pleased to get this exposure for the situation in Burma. Most Americans have absolutely no clue about the human rights abuses perpetrated by the Burmese government, so the release of the movie was seen as a very positive event.
I must confess that I have not seen the film although I have been told that a friend of mine is interviewed in the ‘bonus features’ portion of the DVD. So now I too might finally be only six degrees from Kevin Bacon.
13 David Everett // Jun 22, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Hi Grasshopper, I appreciate what you are saying mate, but foreign assistance with the ethnic minorities is miniscule. It doesn’t matter if foreigners were with them or not, the junta have plenty of alternatives to enforce their rule and make slaves of the population. I am all for appeasement, like Nevil Chamberlin was, but people die when good men do nothing. It was only because the French and poms went to war with Germany, that the nazi war machine was brought to its knees. Appeasement with Hitler didn’t work and it won’t with the Burman generals. I have watched the suffering of the Burmese people since 1986 and the military will not change. I have heard all this crap before. Go and swap places with Aung San Suu Kyi or any of the political prisoners locked in Insein prison them come back on here and talk appeasement. Sorry, I am getting a bit emotional here as I have seen what they do. Wish they could all take a happy pill and the world would be a sweeter place. But it ain’t that way my friend. As I say and have said before, get into the real world. I have done the academic side of things as well as the rough side of life, believe me, you are wasting your time and civilian lives by your appeasement to the junta, they laugh at people like you. It enforces their belief in the stupidity of foreigners. Check out my website if you want to see my academic background. http://www.dangerousdaveeverett.com
The military keep the people dumbed down to keep them submissive. I suggest you catch a plane to Rangoon, get an appointment with the generals and tell them what bad boys they have been. Stand them in the naughty corner and all will be apples and oranges.
I am sorry if I am being a bit harsh, as I said before, I just get ill with all these talk fests by foreign governments, because that is all they are. I wish I had the answer, but I do believe everybody has the right to fight for their freedoms if their lives and family are threatened.
14 Lleij Samuel Schwartz // Jun 23, 2008 at 4:17 am
Hey, remember when Rambo helped those brave Afgani mujahideen fight off the Soviets? Boy, those Islamic freedom fighters were so grateful to Rambo and the U.S. military for their assistance! Remember how the example Rambo set inspired the mujahideen to establish a new Afganistan based on democratic values and free enterprise? A paradise on Earth those two created!
15 Dave Everett and fighting for the KNLA // Jun 23, 2008 at 8:49 pm
[...] many New Mandala readers who are following the ongoing discussion of foreign fighters in eastern Burma will want to check out the new website of Dave Everett. The [...]
16 NKPVET // Aug 5, 2008 at 6:58 pm
Here are some facts that can add some more substance to all of the Mandala discussions. These are not secret and I’ve been told I can relate the information. Also, I’m a retired guy and work for no government agency.
Before the cyclone hit Burma, the foreign ministers of seven ethnic groups in Burma were flown to the USA Pentagon. Discussions were held and ministers were then returned to their locations.
The USA Congress expressed concern that if there is a regime change, a civil war and land grab would occur in Burma.
The ethnic groups now seem to be obtaining funding.
While in Thailand, I was handed a document produced by a think tank and allowed to scan it very briefly. It dealt with a time table for regime change in Burma.
Those are facts. Now here is my speculation.
Why was I allowed the above information and told I could publish it here and on other Vet pages? I assume they wanted it leaked in order to make the SPDC nervous. Once again, this is my speculation. You guys got any ideas?
To change the subject:
I am going to email Khaing Pam Aung, the General Secretary and Khin Maung the
President of the National United Party of Arakan.
I will also email Sing Toong, a leader of the Pa-O National Development Organization and contact Abel Tuay (Tweed) the vice Chairman of the KNPP. I’ve attended meetings with all these people and they are eager to have their story told.
I’ll try to meet the Shan, Karen, Lisu, and Chin politicians.
I will give these people The Mandala’s address and ask them to correspond. In this way, you should be able to get some first hand, on the ground information.
Books are great, but some real world experience seems to always round things out. This will all take some time because I just got back from Narathiwat and have some friends to meet in Chiang Mai.
Mr. Slade, you say you know American David (all of us who live on the border know his real name) of the FBR. Although I am not a Christian, I have total respect for this man (I’m glad he got out of his tight spot a while ago). I am going to contact him to see if he wants to accept a couple of volunteers coming to Mae Sot.
As to the titles the KNU gave you and Pastor Melton (or was it Bleming?), the groups do that
as a courtesy. It is best to keep a low profile and just help them out. My opinion and not meant as a criticism.
A point to remember is that fighting as a mercenary can lead to the loss of your citizenship. This is how I remember it. Please check me out on that one.
Mr. Everetts. You mention the Madrid in Patpong. That brings back memories. I used to drink with Jack Shirley there. Then go down to the Washington Square and drink with Tony Poe, Pat Landry, David Pruess, and that old rascal George Pappas.
They are all deceased now. I knew those guys years ago from the Laos adventure. Constructive criticism – Mr. Everetts, if you are doing what you say you are, I think you could better serve the Karen by not broadcasting any firefights, etc. Yea, it is exciting, but it puts them in the position of creating a denial.
These observations are my thoughts. Whatever you guys are doing, at least you walked the walk (as I did just a bit many years ago) along with talking the talk.
I’ll try to get in contact with Bertil Lintner. This guy has been around a long time and really knows what he’s talking about. I’ll give him, the Irawaddy, and Andrew Marshall the Mandala’saddress.
I’m sure they could add much enlightening information. Marshal is based in Bangkok and been through Burma many times. He wrote the Trouser People. Lintner, so I hear has extensive contacts. I’ve never met these guys but they both write brilliantly.
Good luck to all you guys.
17 Jack Slade // Aug 6, 2008 at 3:56 am
Dear NKPVET thank you for your positve posting. I like that you are useing this site for locating contacts and making friends, as every one should.
Here are just a few quick pointers to help you out…. I have never been given any title or rank with the KNU or KNLA. I simply went there to see what I could do to help and offer my advice, I understand your confussion about this and it is no big deal. I have never been paid by the KNLA and I would never work as a mercenary. The way I see it I am just helping the “GOOD GUYS” out. I have been called a Mercenary for this many times and do not feel insulted at your mentioning it.
Also the founder of the FBR likes to keep a low profile, so I think it would just be polite to respect his wishes and keep his name out of the open media as much as possible. I could forward a copy of this posting to him if you would like.
NKPVET just keep trying to do the right thing no matter what people tell you. We can move moutains if we all work together. Keep up the good work.
18 Charles F. // Aug 6, 2008 at 5:10 am
The Kentucky legislature bestows the honorary rank of “Colonel” to citizens who have made a contribution to business in their state. That’s how Harlan Sanders of Kentucky Fried Chicken got his.
Making Sanders a colonel didn’t entitle him to take command of a battalion of state national guard troops and imediately launch an attack against the invading franchise, Boston Chicken.
Some of these guys need to get a grip on themselves, and stop dreaming of being another Michael Hoare of 5 Commando, or “Colonel Callan” of Angola infamy.
As for me, my wife has promoted me to the rank of Field Marshal, Supremo Numero Uno, for “extraordinary action”, if you catch my drift.
19 Dave Everett // Aug 6, 2008 at 5:56 am
Hi NKPVET,
if you actually took the time to read my book, you would not have made the comments you have made. The pen is mightier than any sword.
I’ll look forward to reading more on your quests. I must say I am amazed at how people are just handed government documents to scan. Tell us more.
Cheers,
Dave
20 NKPVET // Aug 6, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Dave:
Your are correct. I didn’t read your book. I assumed from your background, postings, and website that you were fighting with the Karen inside Burma. It was stupid for me to make assumptions without reading your book. I always rant at people who say they know a person’s position without reading their book. I stand corrected.
My apologies and I will read your book. No insults were intended.
Try to understand that I’ve been in Thailand for about 25 years and have met many “soldiers of fortune” who were just wannabes. You wouldn’t believe the number of guys I’ve met in bars who tell me that they are CIA. So, over the years I have become rather suspicious and cynical.
That obviously contributed to me jumping the gun about you. Once again my apologies.
I have not been on any quests for years and even if I wanted to partake of one (and I’ve been offered the opportunity from time to time), I’m too old.
In the service, unlike you, I was a REMF. Military intelligence and SAR. Even though you were a SAS fighter and I was an analyst, we do have a bond as being ex military.
Dave, maybe we could link up in person some time when you’re in Thailand. In your tunnel story on the website you wrote about the Madrid. As I mentioned in the post, that brought back a lot of memories. I’ll write to you on your website.
The document:
I have a Thai friend from years ago that I worked with. The guy is still working and has risen in rank. He, his boss and others argue that the USA will help Burma. I argue that it will not. The USA is going broke and the military is too strung out.
A friend flashed the document briefly maybe to make his point. It is not a secret or even confidential document. They do not show it to the ethnic leaders because (my speculation) they do not want to get their hopes up.
Mr. Slade, sorry for the confusion. Last night I got American Dave’s phone number from a friend. I want to call him to see if he has a spot for a mother and daughter who want to help the refugees. This will only be for a month or two.
The real benefit comes from the fact that the mom is a multi-millionaire and the daughter is finishing her 1st year of medical school. These could be very good sources of publicity and funds for Mr. David, or perhaps the lady who operates the clinic in Mae Sot.
Mr. Slade, let’s keep in touch. I run a volunteer foundation for the hill tribes. No one takes a salary or even expenses. Since it is registered in Thailand, it cannot help refugees. I help the refugees out of my own pocket and with actions.
Most people I meet and speak with want to help the refugees rather than the hill tribes. The way I see it, I might as well pass them on to you people. Help is help.
I would also like to meet the fellow you linked up with, Pastor Melton. Also Mr. Bleming.
When we get to know more about each other, I would like to have all you people come visit me and meet the people I know. I believe it would be beneficial for all. Networking never hurts as long as it involves the right people.
Good luck, thanks for the constructive criticism, and for pointing out the errors in my post.
21 Dave Everett // Aug 6, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Hi MKPVET,thanks for the info on the report. I think your analysis of US support of the ousting of the regime in Burma is correct. China would not stand idily by if that happened and India would support the US in any action and the whole thing would get bigger than Ben Hur. Burma’s unique geopolitical positions unfortunatally plays into the hands of its ruling junta. They play the Chinese off against the Thais and the Indian’s and nobody wants Chinese war ships stationed in the Andaman Sea as that would put China in the unique position of choking off the Malacca Straits and bringing Japan and South Korea to their knees economically if trade was cut off. It is a terribly sad situation, however, hope and faith can sustain oppressed people and that is what all of us I trying to do I hope. As Mr Slade said, if we all united and work towards a common goal to free the people of Burma from their oppression then we are assisting and maintaining that hope for them. I’ll look forward to catching up with you in Thailand.
Cheers,
dave
22 Charles F. // Aug 7, 2008 at 6:18 am
Dear NKPVET,
A couple of points to make, if you don’t mind.
Firstly, there is NO relationship between Bleming and Melton.
Melton has gotten himself involved with the KNU/KNLA Peace Council, a renegade group that may be responsible for the assassination of Pado Manh Sha. By his own words, Melton, a policeman in Oklahoma, interrogated two KNLA soldiers that were captured by the DKB and SPDC. He even had photos of himself doing it on his website. What happened to the two soldiers afterwards is in dispute.
Melton is also involved with Timothy Laklem who you probably already know of, considering that you work with the hill tribes, and Laklem runs something called Asian Tribal Ministries.
By the way, if you get sideways with either Laklem or Melton, you’ll be on the receiving end of threatening emails. Just so you know.
Bleming has stated that Laklem tried to hire him to kill Pado Manh Sha. I don’t know if it’s true or not, but shortly after that meeting, Pado Manh Sha was killed. Bleming was taken before a KNU council and questioned about it. Laklem denies asking Bleming to kill anyone.
Laklem went to the U.S. where he is now. Only he knows why he suddenly left Thailand. Less lead in the air perhaps?
Some of what you’ve mentioned in your original post, especially names, would have been better saved for a private email.
Even though you may have lived in Thailand for a considerable length of time, you apparently don’t know all the players in this little drama.
There are some good and decent people, working quietly to effect change in Burma. I doubt that they would want their names mentioned in a public forum.
In addition, there are those who have their own agenda, and would like nothing more than to throw a wrench in the works by exposing the quiet works of others.
I would suggest that you contact Dave Everett in a private email and get the real lowdown on the situation. I have had lengthy discussions with him, and he knows what he’s talking about - he was there, with boots on the ground, or mud, as it were.
You are exactly right about people stating that they’re CIA, or have links to the CIA. You’ll find them in the most unlikely places - bars, truckstops and whorehouses. Maybe internet forums as well. They rub shoulders with all the self appointed colonels and secret, hush-hush, Delta Force SAS ninja assassins THAT THEY CAN’T TALK ABOUT.
There is a limited - and miniscule - amount of money available, and several different groups vying for it. Anything they can do to prevent someone else from getting it is ok. Lie, cheat, steal, slander, assassinate. It’s all been done before, and will happen again.
The last thing I should tell you is that you need to invest some money in a set of hip waders. Sometimes the bullshit gets high.
23 Hla Oo // Aug 7, 2008 at 11:06 am
There was a popular story about American and Chinese strategic-interest conflicts in Burma when I was a young boy.
US offered to U Nu’s government to build an eight-lanes super-highway between Rangoon and Mandalay in the 1950s. It would be free of course. Americans said the highway would be so good even jet planes could use it as runways.
Then was the time White-Chinese Koumington troops were still fighting on the border. Chinese Communist government immediately offered to plant huge Banyan trees on the median strip of that proposed highway. Without their giant trees they wouldn’t allow Burmese to accept American offer.
Of course the Burmese government then had to refuse the American’s generous offer. Many old people in Burma are still laughing at Chinese ingenuity to stop American planes from using Rangoon-Mandalay Highway in case of war.
24 Thomas Bleming // Aug 7, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Dear NKPVET,
Saw your posting and if you want to meet perhaps we can. I am currently busy with a photo exhibit that I have been working on for entry into the Wyoming State Fair along with building an addition out at my ranch here in Lusk,Wyoming and should be free to meet and talk with you face to face if you so desire.
My e-mail is posted within The New Mandala along with my home phone number.
Oh, by the way if any of New Mandala’s readership desires to see what the Karen National Liberation Army, Colonel Nerdah Mya, and others ( to include myself), just send me a request and I shall be happy to e-mail them (all 328 photos!) out to whomever.
I have released all as PUBLIC DOMAIN.
My e-mail address is: kawthooleiusa@yahoo.com
Sincerely,
Thomas Bleming
25 Jeffrey Htoo // Aug 7, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Colonel Bleming,
Will these photos be autographed, or do we have to pay extra to get that?
26 NKPVET // Aug 7, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Charles F.: Thanks for the information about Melton, Bleming, and Laklem. I don’t know them and I’ll stay clear. American Dave is a known guy so I think I’ll just contact him about the potential volunteers and/or donors.
You’re right. I don’t know much about the players in the Burma theater. The people I mentioned in the first post all gave me permission to use their names. Also, I gave them the address of the Mandala so they can add comments and information if they so desire. One has contacted me and says he will write in soon. These guys are all known by everyone. Trust me on that.
Don’t worry about making suggestions, etc. The reason I’m hanging around this forum is to increase my knowledge. To put things in perspective: I do not go into Burma. I am not a missionary, mercenary, intel guy, or anything else. I’m just a retired guy helping out some poor hill tribe schools when money permits.
Because I live on the border, I’ve gotten to know people in the different ethnic organizations. They have included me in a few meetings for the simple reason that I can present their cause to other Vets. I’m a member of the VFW and will begin posting on some Vet chat pages.
Because the organization I founded is registered in Thailand, it can’t contribute to refugees. I’ve told the ethnic organizations this fact, so their agenda when it comes to me is publicity (I always ask what I can say). Not only will this be beneficial to them but to the Vets also. The Vets spend too much time living n the past and I’d like to get them interested in what is happening now.
As to the hip boots, I hear you. I’ve been around NGOs, UN people, and of course the nut cases that hang out around border areas. I’ll tell you about the nut cases in a personal email. It will make interesting reading for you.
Thanks for putting in a word about Mr. Everetts. I jumped to conclusions about him and therefore got off on the wrong foot. I’ve got your email address from the post you made to Mr. Everetts. Mr. Slade, could you give me your email? Our conversations have strayed from the original article and thread, so I think it is better if we all communicate by email. Also, I think I can rely on you three guys for answers to some questions that I may have now and again.
Dave Everetts: Nice analysis of Burma-China-USA, etc.
27 Nicholas Farrelly // Aug 8, 2008 at 3:36 pm
I recently stumbled upon another review of Thomas Bleming’s War in Karen Country. It is available here.
Readers may find it a useful addition to this conversation.
Best wishes to all,
Nich
Leave a Comment
Please note: New Mandala encourages vigorous debate but we reserve the right to reject or edit comments that contain material that is offensive, irrelevant, overly repetitious or involves personal attack rather than a discussion of the issues. And please avoid long quotes from other online sources - just provide the link!