Welcome Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi to the United States!

Dear Supporters of Burma,

Aung San Suu Kyi gave her final public address on Tuesday in my hometown, Los Angeles California. During her speech, she stated:

"We all have to learn the art of negotiated compromise if we want to build up a genuine democratic society, because that art will remain valid even after we become a democracy. Those who are familiar with American politics understand the need for negotiated compromise!"

Her words were like water hitting parched earth for me, and my determination to contribute to building schools in Burma was renewed.

Thank you to all of you who pledged your names and encouraged your friends to do the same, in celebration of Aung San Suu Kyi's visit. I passed on all of your names, as well as a congratulatory message written on behalf of all signatories (see below).

I believe the real work in supporting Aung San Suu Kyi begins now. I hope you will all continue, in your respective capacities, to contribute to democracy in Burma, as well as where you live. In our modern age, where it is far to easy to become disappointed by public figures, Aung San Suu Kyi is a shining example for all of us to emulate in our lives.

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Dear Daw Aung San Suu Kyi,

On behalf of the 600 individuals below who pledge their solidarity with you and the people of Burma, I wish to congratulate you on your successful trip throughout the United States.

Your visit symbolizes the victory of nonviolence over the forces of hatred and fear. How fitting that your final public event in the United States coincides with the International Day of Nonviolence, declared by the United Nations to celebrate Gandhi's birthday on October 2, 1869.

Throughout your speaking engagements here in the United States, you repeatedly called on all of us to become good friends of the people of Burma. A good friend, as you stated, seeks to understand and honor the needs and aspirations of others. Only then can such a friend become capable at supporting the best interests of others. We understand that it is up to the people of Burma alone to build their road for democracy. But each of us who have pledged our names can support by becoming a friend to the people of Burma, and provide our respective resources to ensure the path to democracy is not obstructed.

Just as the dawn of democracy has begun to rise for the people of Burma, so too, has a meaningful effort among concerned people throughout the world to engage your country based on mutual understanding, mutual respect, and mutual friendship. Now that your mission abroad has ended, our work to implement your vision truly begins.

Sincerely,

Gordon Welty
Executive Director
Burma Community Builders

Friends of Aung San Suu Kyi,

In three days I will give Aung San Suu Kyi a copy of all your names and your congratulatory messages, expressing solidarity in her cause. This will be her last public event in the United States before she returns to Burma.

As a way to honor her historic visit and send her a clear message that we stand beside her fight for democracy, I ask that you invite your friends once more to let her know that her supporters extend far beyond those who had the fortune to personally meet her.

Thanks for signing, and I'll let you know how it goes when I see her on October 2.

Sincerely,

Gordon

Dear Friends,

Today I attended the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony for Aung San Suu Kyi in the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. I was very moved by Aung San Suu Kyi's speech. In it, she stated:

"Democracy offers the best balance of freedom and security for all of us. To be a whole human being, we need both freedom and security. Without security, we cannot rest in the peace necessary to discover the world to be the beautiful place it can be. Without freedom, we would be deprived of the many opportunities that would make us more human and more humane. For this reason, I've always cheered the principles and values of democracy."

(watch her speech in full here: http://video.msnbc.msn.com/nightly-news/49093044/#49093044)

Aung San Suu Kyi is a shining example of the values people all around the world hold near and dear to their hearts. I was moved by the opportunity to meet my hero for the first time. And I have renewed resolve to continue my effort and support her vision for peace and democracy in Burma, and around the world.

She will be in the United States for the next two weeks. I ask you to please join me in welcoming her by inviting your friends to do the same.

Sincerely,

Gordon