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Burma is in Darkness, Where the Gas go? 
Protest at the Chevron Annual Shareholder's Meeting - May 30, 2012

1. May 29, 2012, 7 pm; Teach-In on the True Cost of Chevron
The David Brower Center, 2150 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA 94704
 
2. May 30, 2012, 7-11 am; Protest Outside Chevron Annual Shareholder's Meeting
Chevron World Headquarters, 6001 Bollinger Canyon, San Ramon, CA

Download Flyer here: http://truecostofchevron.com/assets/docs/chevronflyer2012.pdf

Demonstrators hold up candles as they protest against power outrages near the Sule Pagoda, in central Rangoon, on Thursday. (Photo: Reuters)

There has been some progress towards reforms in Burma, and in response the United Sates has removed its sanctions. We are hopeful that speedy and irreversible reforms would  follow to ease the great suffering of the people for the past five decades. However, protests against the power outrages (photo above, story below) is spreading across Burma as we speak. Burma is currently the largest exporter of natural gas in the region. So, where the gas go and why people has to live in darkness? People of Burma knows all too well now what the multinational like Chevron could do to them -- stripping of their valuable national resources while helping prolong their misery and suffering. 
 
It is the Chevron (Unocal) that has helped sustained the brutal, prolong dictatorship in Burma and be the prime example in working with the dictators at the expense of people's hope and livelihood. Following its footsteps many companies especially from the region have joined in the looting party of Burma's bountiful natural resources.
 
Last September, China's massive dam construction to fulfill its electricity needs on the Burma's vital Irrawaddy river was suspended due to the people's outrage. However, China is continuing its Mega US $ 20B gas/oil pipelines construction to channel its oil form The Middle East and Africa through Burma. So is an Italy-Thai construction of Mega US $ 30B projects in lower Burma. Countries are rushing in to invest. Laws have been enacted favoring the foreign investments while ignoring the rights of the citizens; and land grabbing by such companies have been widespread and growing. Due to abuses, strikes by labors and farmers are also common these days in Burma. The danger of multinational like Chevron wiping out the valuable national resources while spoiling the eco-system and Burma's remaining pristine natural environment without  elevating the lives of the ordinary people is even more greater now. We must keep working hard to highlight the injustices in Burma that may come in any shape and form.  
 
Therefore, please join members of communities from around the world that have been impacted by Chevron's reckless pursuit of profits at this teach-in on the True Cost of Chevron. This event is being held just one day before Chevron's annual shareholder meeting. For more information, please visit www.badasf.org or truecostofchevron.com or contact badaonline@gmail.com.

From Burma, Ecuador to Nigeria to Brazil to Australia to right here in Chevron's own backyard, communities the world over have suffered the impacts of Chevron's reckless pursuit of profits.

On May 30th, people will travel from around the world to descend on San Ramon, CA and co
nfront Chevron at its annual shareholder meeting.

Join us for a colorful and fun rally outside Chevron’s headquarters in support of human rights, environmental, economic and climate justice, and more! 

DIRECTIONS
From Berkeley or SF, take 80 to 24 (Caldicott Tunnel). Then 680 South. Off at Bollinger Canyon. Make a left onto Bollinger over bridge. Chevron HQ on right. 

Drivers will have to park in Whole Foods parking lot across the street or at San Ramon Central Park (on left after Bishop Ranch One E). 

From 580, take 680 N. Make a right at Bollinger Canyon Exit. 

HQ is between Walnut Creek and Dublin Pleasanton BART stations. There are buses from these stations that go to Bishop Ranch (the corporate business park that Chevron HQ is located in). 

RSVP here to let us know if you will join us on May 30th. Questions? Contact Mike G. (mikeg@ran.org).

For more information on Chevron's toxic legacy around the world: http://truecostofchevron.com/

http://www.irrawaddy.org/archives/5087

Burma Power Protests Spread Despite Arrests

May 25, 2012 |

Organizers of the mass protests against power outages which have spread across Burma this week will use alternative ways of demonstrating to avoid confronting security forces.

Six people were arrested when protesters clashed with riot police in Prome, Pegu Division, on Thursday and organizers are keen to avoid any similar altercation.

“We will continue our demonstration so all people can be involved peacefully by, for example, releasing hot air balloons with a letter demanding electricity on a 24-hour basis,” Rangoon-based protester Han Win Aung told The Irrawaddy on Friday.

He said that people could still take part in the popular protest by lighting candles in their homes to express their desire for steady power supplies.

After three consecutive days of demonstrations, a total of 3,000 people joined the latest episode which started at 7:30pm on Thursday at Sule Pagoda in the very center of Rangoon.

The demonstrations against blackouts started in Mandalay, Burma’s second largest city, where people have been heading out after dark holding candles since May 20. Similar marches then spread to Rangoon, Prome and Bago.

“We arranged this type of demonstration because we want the people to be safe and sound,” added Han Win Aung. “Besides, it will be easier for people to participate and more can join the demonstration.”

Prome-based organizer Ye Htin Kyaw said, “We will issue a statement calling for the resignation of the Minister of Electric Power-1, which highlights his remarks regarding selling surplus electricity to China.”

He added that the street demonstrations have been quite dangerous for local people who had their route blocked by riot police and were then beaten up during Thursday’s protest.

“To avoid this situation, a signature campaign is planned to start at the next demonstration,” said Ye Htin Kyaw.

During the demonstration in Prome on 24 May, police arrested six activists but they were subsequently bailed. However, the authorities tried to charge them under Peaceful Protest Law of Dec. 4, 2011.

The judge rejected the police attempt to file charges due to the lack of legal justification in this case, said Ye Htin Kyaw, adding that demonstrators who were manhandled may instead file complaints against the officers involved.

He said that the local authorities explained that in an effort to solve the problem of power shortages, the government has bought an electric turbine that can produce 500 Kilo-Volt-Amps of electricity.

Also read:

Rangoon Factory Hunger Strike Enters Third Day
http://www.irrawaddy.org/?slide=rangoon-factory-hunger-strike-enters-third-day

Rangoon police disperse farmers’ protest
http://www.dvb.no/news/rangoon-police-disperse-farmers-protest/18424