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January 11, 2004
Dear Mr. President,
I've enclosed a copy of a letter that I recently sent to the Ambassador of Myanmar. In this letter, I express concern for the welfare of his country. Burma has been misgoverned for over 40 years and has deteriorated into a nation of extreme poverty. The people live in constant fear under harsh military rule.
I want to thank you for the hard line you have taken against the military regime in Myanmar. Economic sanctions and the verbal condemnation of the detainment of Aung San Suu Kyi show clearly that the U.S. will stand against oppressive governance. However, I want to encourage you to continue to keep the international spotlight on the situation in Burma. When a country has no significant value or poses no immediate threat to the developed world, they too often become a simple check box on the foreign policy agenda. Meanwhile, the people of Burma continue to suffer, with little hope that anyone will intervene on their behalf.
I firmly believe that the power the U.S. holds throughout the world comes with a great responsibility. A wise man once observed how the leaders of the world bask in their power, exercising their authority over those beneath them. But he taught something different to his followers. "Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all." I do not believe that exercising power over the world can achieve peace. It will only breed hatred, fear, and distrust. But if that power is used to serve the powerless, trust can be restored, and perhaps peace will follow. I hope and pray that you will consider the "least of these" as you direct U.S. policy around the world. I hope and pray that you will remember the people of Burma.
Sincerely,
David Wenzel
8310 Cottage Street
Vienna, VA 22180