Some people loathe me and others approve of me when I post on social media. The just and the unjust of course. They include former soldiers. In those soldiers, some can differentiate between right and wrong. But some of them are still trapped in the propaganda of the military. I spoke to them. It feels good to talk with real soldiers. They feel disheartened by the military tormenting the people. They tell me that what the military is doing tarnishes the honour of true soldiers. They were full of hatred toward the military. I feel alive listening to them. One even told me that he would take part when the time come even if he is disabled. People who have their hearts in the right place only say meaningful things. What SAC is doing was intolerable for them according to their experience throughout their career. It was distressing and heartbreaking to them. A certain one didn’t know I was a CDM and commented because he feel irritated. I had to explain to him and we get along pretty well because we are on the same side. He said he is proud of me and encouraged me. I feel warm knowing these kinds of people exist.
But there still exist those who don’t know who their true benefactor is. Former soldiers and military supporters who are misinformed keep cursing at me In the comments. They don’t think I am telling the truth. Aba is absolute to them. Whatever Aba does is right. Even after leaving the army, they think the army is never wrong. What is worse is, that they think the people and the country should be thankful for the army. They think they are the saviour. They still feel grateful to the army for feeding them instead of the people and government. They call us ungrateful traitors.
They think we are in the wrong. I didn’t feel angry when they call us names. I just felt sorry. They will forever be trapped in the military’s indoctrination
I always try to acknowledge and reply to every comment under my post because I know everyone who commented is friendly and has constructive criticisms.
Even if I’m not free, I try my best to give react to their comments. I always treat everyone respectfully but I will skip any comment from junta supporters.
I welcome healthy and civil discussions but one-sided arguments are better left neglected. I’m sure everyone who is my acquaintance also agrees with me on this topic.
They would simply ignore any kind of non-constructive comments without keeping those in mind. That’s how I like to deal with negative comments.
Thinking back, they have such miserable lives that no one would take their words seriously. I pity them. They become distant from being a human. They only believed in dictators’ propaganda. No outside information would reach them easily. And it is exactly what their leaders wanted; misinformation to blind them. They take those little salaries and show gratitude to the military. They don’t know that soldiers from other countries have more rights and privileges. They don’t know that the military could treat them better. With what soldiers in other countries get for their duty, they could afford better education for their children. But instead, they could only enroll their children in schools provided by the military. They don’t know they are being ripped off. They don’t know that and instead of protecting their true benefactor, the people, they are loyal to their dictator leaders. These lives will only lead to worse conditions.
That’s why I help anyone that can still be safe from the grasp of the dictatorship. But I will have to turn a blind eye to those who are far beyond saving. They would only attack me and think I am lying to them. Moreover, I was kinda shocked by how strong the propaganda of the military was. These soldiers don’t know their lives are being ruined and can’t see who is doing that. I feel like we need to try harder to deprogram the brainwashing of the military.
Thank you so much.
Htet Myat
Translated to English by Anonymous
ma thet
Nyeinthu