New Mandala

17 responses so far ↓

• 1 Tara // Feb 5, 2008 at 4:24 pm

  This is really beside the point, but I couldn’t help smiling a little at the Casper Star-Tribune’s reporter’s statement that “Searches for “Republic of Kathoolei” or Karen National Liberation Army, the military branch of indigenous people fighting for what they believe is their country, turn up little on Internet sites.”

  “Karen National Liberation Army” turns up 59,300 hits on Google. Republic of Kathoolei turns up just 8, but the correctly spelled kawthoolei turns up over 1,000.

  It seems every article about Burma must come with the obligatory statement about how the crisis is under-reported. I wonder how the frequency of reporting on Burma compares to that of other conflicts/humanitarian crises over the last decade or so? Is anyone aware of any studies in this regard?

• 2 jonfernquest // Feb 5, 2008 at 6:05 pm

  “I wonder how the frequency of reporting on Burma compares to that of other conflicts/humanitarian crises over the last decade or so? Is anyone aware of any studies in this regard?”

  Raw “frequency” would say little since most of the reporting on Burma suffers from **endless repetition of cliche** (Rambo, jungle freedom fighter, “the only way into the country is up the river,” blah, blah, blah) in which the reader typically learns nothing, and reinforces any racist proclivities that they already have.

  I remember one West Point graduate Panama veteran who delighted in describing to me the way he picked off Burmese soldiers as they visited the watering hole, pure delight in killing other human beings, sick, hardly noble or a contribution to peace or conflict resolution.

  People should read what people like Ashley South who have devoted themselves to the subject for the longhaul have to say, not some exploitative backpacker wannabe best seller photo journalist exotic travel diary writer hunting for a scoop. Yuck.

• 3 Charles F. // Feb 6, 2008 at 7:55 am

  I’ve read “War in Karen Country”, and I think it’s a pretty good read. In fact, I will go so far as to say that anyone contemplating going over there and visiting the Karens should read this book first. It might save your life.
  The author, Tom Bleming, takes you step by step through the process of getting there, and tells you everything you need to know – getting there, where to stay, transportation, things to avoid, how to extend your visa.

  Mr. Bleming doesn’t gloss over the hardships encountered along the way, nor does he “pump it up” like the horseshit you’ll find in some of the ‘adventure’ magazines. It’s a very sobering look at the situation, and what you need to know to survive it.

  Be fully aware that the border area between Burma and Thailand is a war zone, albeit a low level one. It is a very dangerous place, with spies, assassins and robbers. Be careful who you place your trust in, and be practice good situational awareness. ALWAYS have a way out.

  Two words you might want to keep in the front of your mind if you go there – low profile. The Thai authorities are always on the lookout for wannabe Rambo’s and barroom commandos. They’ll arrest you, give you a ‘tune up’, then deport you.

  For those who think they might go over there to make a buck – forget it. All you’re going to find is grinding poverty and desperate people.

  On the other hand, if you have some medical or military experience, perhaps you can make a difference. if not, drop some money in an envelope and send it off to one of the many relief organizations that are working in the area. My favorite is the Free Burma Rangers, who spend every penny you send on medical supplies, then carry it into the jungles. No penthouse offices, salaries or secretaries – just decent people trying to help.

  Hope this helps.

• 4 odobhlain // Apr 3, 2008 at 8:15 pm

  Thomas Bleming and his book are probably the worst blight on all the literature to come out of the struggle for Karen independence, and considering the deplorable quality of books like “The Long Patrol”, and “Restless Souls”, that is a high hurdle to jump. That guy is a liar, and most of what he says is self serving rubbish. There is really no such thing as “The Republic of Kawhtoolei”, nor has he been granted the honor of serving as Consul-General, as he says. He has even been traipsing around Mae Sot handing out his business cards, (which he autographs for you) declaring himself to be the Consul-General of Kawhtoolei. The Casper Star article contains a few falsehoods itself, they should do a bit more fact checking before publishing. I say all this only because I live and work in this area, and this guy and his garbage not only brings unwanted attention and scrutiny, but sets the Karen political struggle back by decades. A great article to read further is http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/JD02Ae01.html Check it out.

• 5 Charles F. // Apr 4, 2008 at 12:52 am

  It appears that as of late there has been a concerted effort to marginalize and denigrate Tom Bleming.
  I won’t speak to the allegations as presented in the Asia Times, as I wasn’t there and don’t know the details.

  A few facts are in order: The Asia Times article states that Bleming is a liar, but nowhere in the article do they say what he is lying about.
  His war record? Well documented. He was awarded the Silver Star in Viet Nam for heroism. Those awards aren’t handed out like candy.

  His participation in wars? Also well documented. A Google search brings up just a few of the better known ones, but there’s at least a half dozen more wars that he’s participated in. It’s what he does, whether you approve or not. Get over it.

  The Asia Times article goes into the area of legalities. They need to do their homework. Bleming has, as far as I know from the comfort of my den, done nothing illegal. If he had, most of the writers for Soldier Of Fortune and Raids magazines would be in prison. Bleming has never sought out or recruited anyone to fight in Burma.
  All the aid he has given the Karens has been non lethal – unless you drop a 100 lb bag of rice on your head. Are flashlights war material?

  I have never met Nerdah Mya, but I have exchanged emails with him. If what ‘odobhlain” says is true, than Nerdah Mya is talking out of both sides of his mouth. This needs to be clarified.

  As for ‘Restless Souls’ and ‘The Long Patrol’ ; I’ve read both books, as well as Blemings book, and while I’m not a literary critic, I think all three contributed to the knowledge base of the Karen struggle. In addition, Bleming doesn’t make his living as a writer, so I think he deserves a pass on his literary endeavors. Or not. Let the readers decide.

  Let’s take a moment to discuss armaments. Two articles I have read about Bleming in the last week have mentioned him supplying the Karens with weaponry. Plain and simple, this is an outright lie, and probably intended to bring him to the attention of the Thai authorities.
  Tom Bleming has never supplied the KNLA – or anyone else – with weaponry. It’s just that simple. I won’t venture to guess where the KNLA gets their arms and munitions, but I can guarantee you that it isn’t from Tom Bleming. I will stake my freedom on it.

  Does “odobhlain” REALLY believe that Bleming has set back the KNLA struggle by decades? Decades? DECADES!!!??? For Christs sake, if you’re going to engage in hyperbole, at least put some effort into it. “odobhlain”, you owe me a new keyboard – I spit coffee on mine after reading that statement. What a load.
  Here’s a fact for you – Nerdah Mya is content to sit on the Thai/Burma border and entertain journalists and war junkies, rather than actually engage in combat operations against the SPDC. And in turn, the SPDC is content to allow Nerdah Mya rule over his two acre kingdom. I’ve seen nothing from Nerdah Mya that gives me any faith in his ability to carry the fight to the SPDC, and I’ve told Bleming as much. Why risk your life and treasure on undeserving people?
  I specifically told Bleming that he should throw his lot in with the Free Burma Rangers, and not with some dead enders just sitting in a rundown jungle encampment.

  One of the things that has happened since Bleming went to Burma is that the KNU propaganda machine has gone into high gear. The KNU and their fellow travelers in the media have gone after Bleming with everything they have (I actually warned him against assassination – a KNU favorite tactic against critics).
  The media types who have reported favorably towards Bleming are from “wide spot in the road” Wyoming. Not nearly as sophisticated as the globe trotting “freelance” journalists reporting the war from their favorite bar in Mae Sot or Chiang Mai, who sneak across the border for a quick lunch and then breathlessly report from “the front lines” that Bleming is mucking up their private war. You guys slay me. And you wonder why people consider journalists on the same par with pedophiles.

  While “odobhlain” and other journalists spend their waking moments trying to cadge drinks and “news stories” in Mae Sot, I spend my time contacting influential people in Washington, trying to actually get something done for the Karen people.
  And one of the biggest obstacles I continually encounter is the KNU. That’s right – the KNU. No one wants to deal with them. That’s their reputation.
  The leadership of the KNU is firmly in bed with corrupt politicians and military people from Thailand. And more than a few have been co-opted by the SPDC, making “private accomodations”. The timber, gems and narcotics markets trump any thoughts of actually doing anything meaningful for the Karen people. And why should they – they have hundreds of gullible western aid workers who will take care of that end of things. (I wish that every church and other NGO would just pack up and leave for 90 days – that’s all it would take for the ugly truth to float to the surface).

  If one were to have any dealings with any of the myriad Karen exile organizations in the U.S., chances are that it would be on the desk of the SPDC before the end of the workday. Yes, they’re that infiltrated.

  Anyway, here’s to you and Brian McCartin, “odobhlain”, for your first class attempt at character assassination. Bottoms up. And don’t forget to collect your paycheck.

  Charles Foster
  Triumph_Chopper_72@yahoo.com

  Why yes, I do own a Triumph chopper. What is life without frustration?

• 6 J. Slade // Apr 27, 2008 at 1:13 pm

  Look, I am sick and tired of all this bad mouthing Thomas Bleming. The guy has a heart as big as the Great state of Wyoming itself. I went into Burma with the man for a week. We did do patrols in a truck. We also got out and walked. We went into villages close to the SPDC and villages very far away from them. The difference was obvious. Just because Thomas Belming says he would love to get weapons for the KNLA to destroy the SPDC does not mean he has or is trying to. All of the the things he and I took to the KNLA where medical, food, or health and comfort items. Does Tom have a big mouth? Yeah sure, he feels like its his job to get the word out. Is he the most qualified expert on the war in Burma? NO and he knows it.
  He loves the Karen people and they like him too. Is he a little nuts? Unless you vacation in a war zone you may think so. If however you have been in combat once or twice he doesn’t seem crazy at all.
  He does not recruit. People seek him out because of his book. I know because thats what I did.
  Thomas Bleming is a wild man with out a doubt. Is he a danger to setting the war in Burma back decades as some idiots have suggested? Not in the least. Tom’s best quality is that he feels like he can get away running his mouth more because he is not worried about hurting the SPDC’s feelings. He feels that they are the enemy and should be treated as such. Tom loves to dream/plan big and talk big, and thats great because as some one a lot smater than me once said”small dreams do not inspire the hearts of men”. After reading Tom’s book ” War in Karen Country” I knew I wanted to go to Burma. I wanted to know or at least get a better understanding of what was going on there. I didn’t just go on what Tom told me or just what I read on the internet.
  While in Thailand I met with several different groups involved in the war in Burma. KNLA was the primary one. I have met Colonel Ner Dah and I like the man. He is wise and wants to do battle with the SPDC but, I get the feeling, he is being stopped by the higher command.( that’s just my feeling, not based on anything he has relayed to me) I also met with reps. from the NLD and had a wonderful 8 hour decussion with them over some good food.
  I had the chance to spend a night with people from Generation 88 and hear their side of the story as well. Then I was blessed with the opportunity to spend some time with the FREE BURMA RANGERS. These people impressed me greatly. They even wished Tom well after asking me about him. They didn’t understand his motivation ,and maybe they still don’t, but at least they said “then God Bless the man” after hearing my take on him.
  If the KNLA/ KNU continues to follow the current path they have chosen the war will take a very long time to work itself out.
  If there is corruption in the KNLA it needs to be weeded out and dealt with. However, I saw none of that while in Burma. I saw dedicated people trying to hold their own against a much larger force.
  I am just one man offering my narrow view of what I had the good fortune to see while I was in Burma. There is one thing I have noticed in the press and even in some of the posts on this site that is somewhat disconcerting…. IF you support the people and their cause(freedom) you should use the proper name of the country BURMA. However if you support the Junta and their cronies you should use Myanmar. Maybe this is a way we can tell the faithful from the enemy. Brian McCartin and odobhlain I am talking to you. For what its worth, I like Tom Bleming and may God bless him for all he is trying to do. At least he has gotten people talking. J. Slade

• 7 J. Slade // Apr 27, 2008 at 1:20 pm

  Oh and another thing. While in Thailand I got to use internet cafe computers and personal computers quite often. When I did google searches and other internet searches there where an awful lot of videos and information that I had accessed prior to my trip here in the US that would not come up on the results screen Thailand. That says alot about how controlled the info is in Thailand. Most of the info I was looking up was about BURMA. So it makes you ask yourself who is protecting the SPDC from inside Thailand ? Whom is controlling the info on the the internet about Burma? If it is the Thai Government then maybe the KNLA has more problems than they know about. Jack Slade

• 8 Jack Slade // May 7, 2008 at 8:48 pm

  Now I am hearing of the cyclone that ripped thru the coastal regions of Burma. What will the SPDC do now? I hear they are not allowing anyone to bring in aid or they are at least restricting the ammount of people and aid allowed in. What is the real story? What are the ethnic rebels doing about this situation? I hope they support the needs of the effected people. I pray they find a way to get food and other nessary supplies to the needy. I WOULD LIKE FOR THEM TO ASSIST AID WORKERS IN GETTING SUPPLIES IN TO THE COUNTRY. This will win them large amounts of public support and media coverage. This will show they can help the people of Burma dispite what the SPDC is doing to try to stop them. The world is watching, show the world who the good guys are. The rebels should get as much positive attention as possible. Come on Rocky Mya it is time to move. Save the innocent punish the guilty.

• 9 Jack Slade // May 13, 2008 at 9:54 pm

  The SPDC is stealing the food meant for the people hurt in the cyclone. Stealing it for themselves and the army fighting in the north. The very same army that is killing the civilians just to put a highway thru other people’s property. The food the people are getting is only enough to make it look like they are passing some of it out and get the international community to relax just a bit. Come on guys, this is not right, it’s time to stand up and hold them responsible.

• 10 Rambo and the real war in Burma // Jun 20, 2008 at 10:05 pm

  [...] months the fictional John Rambo has been replaced, both here and in more general reporting, by the Thomas Blemings, Jake Slades, David Everetts and Derek Meltons of the world.  For better or for worse, they have [...]

• 11 Daniel E Knudson // Jul 20, 2008 at 6:58 am

  It looks like real life imitating Hollywood. This Bleming character has a taste for self promotion . It took me all of two minutes to have an aerial satellite picture of his spread outside of Lusk, Wyoming. His face is posed in the Asian Tribune. In so doing he has put himself in danger and exposed the operation. This is amateur hour at its worst…And then there is the ill contrived alias of Jack Slade. Is this his idea straight from an action hero comic book ? I submit to you that these gentlemen may have noble intentions, but are not being very smart…A cadre of approximately 4000 troops preparing to lock horns with a 500,000 man army with a direct conduit to unlimited aid from China ? Any fight by the Karens against such odds would make the Chosin Reservoir look like a Sunday drive to granny’s house. This type of operation requires formidable allies. The Burmese tribes cannot even get along with each other long enough to create a situation conducive to a successful revolution. A political solution seems more realistic but that would deprive the adrenaline junkies of their glory. Who the fuck am I ? Does 3rd Force Recon 3rd Marine Division, Republic of Vietnam sound competent enough to have solid opinions ? dnlkndsn@gmail.com

• 12 Charles F. // Jul 20, 2008 at 7:17 am

  Every vet I’ve ever met thinks he has the answer. You’re no different. That’s not good or bad – just an observation.

• 13 Hla Oo // Jul 20, 2008 at 2:02 pm

  The nasty, brutal war between Burmese and Karen have been going on for more than sixty years now since that incidents between British-trained and armed Karen militia and Kyaw Zaw led BIA battalion in the delta in the early forties. (If interested, you can read the details in Major General Kyaw Zaw’s autobiography on the Burmese Communist Party’s website.)

  If the top layers of independence, democracy, and human rights are peeled off, the ugly core of this war is basically a bitter racial conflict. A minority armed rebellion against the majority will eventually fail, even with the initial advantage of massive arms leftover from the British and the existence of well trained fighting battalions called the Karen Rifles. Well documented atrocities were committed by both sides during the height of civil war between the Karen and Burmese.

  The most notorious case was the violent gang rape and eventual selling to the Thai brothels of a group of young Burmese girls kidnapped from Moulmein University by KNDO Lin Htin. One of the girls was a fiancee of a young Burmes lieutenant who shot Lin Htin dead later during the ceasefire talk between KNDO and Burmese Government. All the girls finally died of Syphilis in Thai brothels and that lieutenant was rumored to become the Burmese ambassador to Thailand in the eighties.

  At the beginning of this civil war, the Union Government of Burma was even labeled the Rangoon Government as the Karen controlled almost half of the country. But gradually they lost the territory and eventually stranded only on the Thai-Burma border. During the Ne Win’s Socialist rule, they thrived from the massive profits from the smuggling operations across the border. Once the socialist were gone and the border is reopened and the goods flow freely across the border, the cash flow was stopped forever and the rebellion is strangled to a slow death.

  The main reason the Karen rebellion will never become the spearhead of fight against the military government in Burma is that most Burmese will never support them even though they hate their own military government with their guts. Even Aung San Su Kyi knows that clear fact and so she stays well away from the Karen rebellion.

• 14 dan knudson // Jul 22, 2008 at 9:49 am

  Are you quite sure that you are’t Bleming”s P.R. man Triumph Chopper or even Thomas Bleming himself ?

• 15 Thomas Bleming // Aug 17, 2008 at 3:00 pm

  To all of your loyal readers, this includes the enemy (SPDC and their stooges both in Burma as well as other parts of the global span), I wanted to break the GOOD news to everyone about my Karen National Liberation Army photo exhibit, which along with the photos (154 total), copies of both of my two books (Panama Echoes from a Revolution and War in Karen Country, the Arena magazine (July 2008 issue), story and other information that refers to the Karen fight for freedom, was entered into the Wyoming State Fair in Douglas, Wyoming and which was viewed by tens of thousands of visitors over this week was a great success!
  My exhibit won the Blue Ribbon-First Prize!
  I trust that the editor of this on-line journal will carry the forthcoming news stories of this so that you all can read of it.
  I shall be sending New Mandala in the coming days photos of the exhibit and I trust that they will allow their readers a glimpse of my efforts to make the public aware of the Karen National Liberation Army and those members of the armed forces of the Republic of Kawthoolei (Yes, the REPUBLIC of KAWTHOOLEI).
  I shall be forwarding the money that I won from entering this exhibit, to Jack Slade and I hope that he can put it to some good use in fighting the hated SPDC!

• 16 Jeffrey Htoo // Aug 18, 2008 at 6:57 am

  Was this exhibit set up between the hog calling booth and the pie eating contest? Were you in every photo? Holding an unloaded weapon?

  You need to cease this nonsense.

• 17 cmorris // Sep 9, 2009 at 1:19 am

  Tom please e-Mail some of my photos to matt.sims@mwn.co.uk

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