A letter in support of upcoming legislation

Mr. Timothy Cahill
State Treasurer
State House, Room 413-F
Boston, MA 02133
(617) 722-1625

October 5, 2007


Dear Treasurer:

I am writing to urge that you take action to support the Burmese democracy movement. The military junta of Burma, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), has brutally killed or detained hundreds of monks and civilians. Please support the peaceful uprising for freedom and urge the international community to take action to prevent the mass slaughter of innocent lives.

As you are aware, the Massachusetts legislature is currently considering a new Massachusetts Burma bill: H.2729. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Byron Rushing, would direct you, as Massachusetts State Treasurer, to use your powers as a shareholder to put pressure on companies that support Burma’s ruling military regime.

I ask that you explore all of the ways in which you, as Massachusetts Treasurer, can honor the Burmese democracy movement’s call for economic sanctions. As a shareholder in companies worldwide, Massachusetts has the power to question and oppose corporate investment in Burma.

Massachusetts has a long and proud tradition of leadership in supporting democratic movements around the world. The Commonwealth was a leader in the campaign against apartheid in South Africa. Massachusetts was also the first to enact a state law in support of the democracy movement in Burma. This is especially crucial now since the military junta is holding the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and Burmese democracy movement leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, under house arrest.

Please write and tell me what action you will take as Massachusetts State Treasurer to support the Burmese democracy movement.

Sincerely,

Signature: _______________________________

Name: __________________________________

Address: ________________________________

_________________________________

Email: _________________________________


Bill text to be added.