The Bush administration has frequently cast itself as bringers of democracy and freedom.

In a 2005 speech, President Bush said the United States’ goal is “to help other countries find their own voice, attain their own freedom and make their own way.” He also promised in the same speech that when oppressed peoples rise up in protest for their liberty “we will rise with you.”

And yet, in spite of such moving rhetoric, the Bush administration’s response to the populous pro-democracy uprising in Myanmar has been, thus far, tepid at best.

The pro-democracy protest in Myanmar would appear to be a dream come true for the administration. The nation once known as Burma is a country in which the desire for democratic self-rule has been repeatedly shown.

The ruling military junta that has ruled Myanmar since 1962 has violently repressed repeated pro-democracy uprisings. Several human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International, have frequently criticized the brutal dictatorship for myriad human-rights violations.

The current protests were sparked over an increase in fuel prices. Buddhist monks began filling the streets on the morning of Sept. 24, and as they were joined by citizens, their numbers swelled from 20,000 to more than 100,000. After four days of peaceful protest, the military junta responded with violence, shutting down monasteries, beating people in the streets and according to some reports, killing more than 100 monks and protesters.

In response to the junta’s actions, Bush announced the imposition of tighter economic sanctions on the 14 senior members of the dictatorship. It is unclear how effective these sanctions will be, as administration officials openly admit they have little political influence in Myanmar.

The U.S. has had sanctions in place against Myanmar since 2003 in an attempt to pressure the junta into freeing imprisoned Nobel Prize Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. The sanctions, which prevent the import of any goods made in Myanmar, have been widely viewed as destroying a vital sector of the already impoverished nation’s economy.

The Bush administration has stepped up its rhetoric about Myanmar. In a rare occurrence, first lady Laura Bush is becoming openly involved. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has said, “The U.S. is determined to keep an international focus on the travesty in Burma.” (The U.S. refuses to recognize Myanmar, and refers to it as Burma, the nation’s previous name before the military junta changed it in 1989.)

Yet, for all its bluster, the U.S. has done precious little to aid the repressed people of Myanmar, save “standing with them.” David Gergen, a former adviser to Nixon, Reagan and Clinton, has said although Bush’s speech highlights the depth of this desire and drive to bring freedom to the world, in reality, Bush has done little to actually aid the protesters.

While doing nothing is undoubtedly better than the heavy-handed attempt at bringing freedom we are utilizing in Iraq, I cannot help but think that perhaps some of the money being poured into the gaping maw that is the Long War on Terror could be better spent on humanitarian efforts in Myanmar.

Myanmar is one of the poorest nations in Asia and has been ranked by Transparency International as tied with Somalia for title of most corrupt nation in the world.

The people of Myanmar have repeatedly voiced their desire for self-governance and freedom, doing so in the face of oppression and violence. The Buddhist religion of Myanmar is a catalyst for change, rather than an impetus against progress such as al-Qaida is in Iraq.

There is also global consent that the military junta is a despotic regime, with no need to drum up support under the guise of WMDs. Our support of Myanmar seems woefully lacking. Here is a golden opportunity for the U.S. to both showcase how to effectively aid a democratic movement and what we have learned from our mistakes in Iraq.

The administration needs to actively reach out to Myanmar’s neighbors in an attempt to create an actual “coalition of the willing” as opposed to the fabricated multinational effort currently touted in Iraq. In addition, the U.S. should openly offer financial assistance to human-rights organizations that are attempting to aid the people of Myanmar.

The uprising in Myanmar is the Bush administration’s opportunity to show its understanding that peace is not won through tanks and troops, but through communication and cooperation. Myanmar is Bush’s chance to prove that the U.S. is ready, willing and able to do everything in its power to aid a nation yearning for democracy.

– Quincy Miller is a senior in English from Altoona.