Barefoot for Burma
Thursday, 4 October 2007
Dear Friends
Following the news of the uprising in Burma last week, I along with many Burmese civilians, felt optimistic that the involvement of the monks presented a real possibility for a bloodless transition to democracy.
Photographs of thousands of monks in their saffron robes peacefully marching through the streets filled me with a sense of hope despite the threats that were being issued by the military junta. Something about their shaven heads and calm, resolute expressions made them appear to me the very embodiment of life and bravery. I found the images very beautiful.
It was therefore extremely difficult to learn on Thursday that they had been fired upon and beaten. I simply could not imagine how anyone could fire a gun into a crowd of monks. My heart was filled with grief at the thought that such brutality exists in the world. I also felt deeply frustrated that there was nothing more I could do than to sign a petition appealing to the Chinese to exercise their influence on the country’s leaders.
 Ewan Hardie talks about the response of his students to his barefoot action. 04 |
 Ewan Hardie in conversation about his walk from Edinburgh to London as part of his Barefoot for Burma act of solidarity. 03 |
 Ewan Hardie in conversation about his walk from Edinburgh to London as part of his Barefoot for Burma act of solidarity. 02 |
 Ewan Hardie in conversation about his walk from Edinburgh to London as part of his Barefoot for Burma act of solidarity. 01 |
