Not unless he gives it up BEFORE you go to Burma.

I wouldn't sweat going to Burma for the political reasons.

@oom: you were actually the person whose opinion i was going to ask about the political reasons. care to expand upon your thoughts?

agreed -- he needs to shit or get off the pot, first. is he interested, is he going to put out?

yeah, you should go. with or without the boy.

#1. Avoiding Burma isn't going to do a damn bit of difference. The military junta is going to stay in power whether you stay or go. They are not dependent on tourist money. They are too busy making deals with China and India to exploit Burma's natural resources.

#2. If you are concerned about the political situation in Burma, write your Congressmen and Senators, but that won't do any good anyway because of #1.

well, here's the thing about the boy. he's not interested in me as more than a friend and i just have to accept that. the question is: should i spend a month with him traveling (basically spending 24/7 together) when i know it will be tinged with disappointment/sadness that i really like him and he's just not into me?

No. I did that in India with a Belgian woman for two weeks, and it's not worth it.

@oom: ok, they are not dependent on tourist money but i am still giving money to the regime. and pretty much directly, as you have to pay for visas and permits pretty much everywhere you go, from what i understand. this wouldn't pose an ethical dilemma for you?

and yeah, the us govt isn't going to do shit, of course.

Would you go to China? Awful human rights violations there.

Do you pay taxes in the US? Same here! Seems like your tax money has partially funded some awful things in the past 8 years. Did you know that a bipartisan Congressional report just came out about torture in the US?

"A report issued Thursday by the Senate Armed Services Committee has provided official and bipartisan confirmation that the infamous acts of torture carried out by US personnel at Abu Ghraib and Guantánamo were planned, ordered and orchestrated by the highest-ranking officials in the US government."

http://www.wsws.org/articles/2008/dec2008/tort-d13.shtml

Did you not go to Cuba? There are ethical quandaries everywhere, but I know that your meals in restaurants, your cab fare, and your hotel room do provide some sustenance for ordinary Burmans.

So no, I don't have an ethical dilemma. It's better to go and see the reality of the situation. If you want to boycott afterwards, then you'll be making an informed decision.

It's better, I think, to witness life under an extremely undesirable government so you know viscerally want it is like in some small way.

want = what

@oom: really, huh? yeah, i can't decide if it's worth it. i mean, he and i have become pretty good friends and we get along really well and enjoy each other's company a lot. and i've grown kind of attached to him, so i'm not really ready to say goodbye for good...which i would basically have to do tonight, as i will probably leave here for laos tomorrow.

@brad: well, i probably wouldn't go without the boy, as i don't really want to travel there by myself. so this is kind of an opportunity.

"Isolation is the regime's default condition. It is what fuels the present system. Burma might not become a democracy overnight, but it will certainly improve with more outside interaction. Would Indonesia be better off if no one had visited during its 30 years of military rule?"

Thant Myint-U, author of "River of Lost Foot Steps", on the boycott of Burma/Myanmar

@oom: all extremely good points. which i will take to heart. i'm glad i asked for your input. thanks.

now on to read the torture article...oy. also, not just the last 8 years my tax dollars have been funding have been funding atrocities around the world...

ok, you've convinced me thoroughly on the political front.

now, on the personal, though, your advice is NOT to go, yes? at least not now with this particular travel companion.

If you're going to be sad while you are with him for a month, then why go?

i will have fun with him and enjoy his company. it will just be tinged with sadness. or maybe not. maybe i'll get over it.

@purl: yes, myanmar. i need to get used to saying that too. otherwise i might get thrown in jail.