Mr. Dinger did sent a picture of the U.S. Embassy in Myanmar. As I said before (08 Nov 09) the Embassy is quite impressive, and indicates that although the U.S. has a lot of differences with the government there, it is certainly taking Myanmar seriously. As I remember, there was more in the compound on the other side, past the right edge of the picture, but am not sure. I would guess there are a number of countries that have an ambassador named as such that do not have an Embassy like this one.
As I see it, the U.S. wants a representative democracy to develop in Myanmar, and may wish to withhold some things until it does. Myanmar is hurting in many ways right now. There are countries, such as Singapore, Vietnam and even China that are not democracies by still have a good economy and are busy developing a better life for their people, albeit with some restricted freedoms. Maybe not the best situations, but better than some others I can think of.
When people are hurting badly enough, I suppose I am willing to compromise and not ask for the best. Second best might be worth looking into. Of course, this is not a request to Mr. Dinger. He is sworn to uphold U.S. policy. It’s the president, congress and maybe secretary of state that need to do better by the people of Myanmar, even if its government is not what they would like.
