What an incredible accomplishment. Burma has not received any US Official in over ten years, yet the leadership agreed to meet with Freshman Senator Jim Webb (D – Virginia). Webb met both with General Than Shwe (the Senior junta leader) and with Aung San Suu Kyi (currently still on house arrest and one of the most prevalent symbols of democracy in the world).
But, what was the reason for Senator Webb to go to Burma? American John Yettaw was just sentenced to seven years in prison. Why?
John Yettaw was arrested for swimming two miles down a river to Suu Kyi’s house. Then, he stayed overnight at Suu Kyi’s house, which is forbidden under her house arrest conditions. Suu Kyi had no notice of his visit, and never had any contact with him prior to his swim arrival.
So, Senator Webb made this trip to free him, and hopefully setting down some goodwill for future contact with this secluded place along the way.
But, if you’re asking yourself, as I was, what was Yettaw’s explanation? Why would he swim down a river to her house? His answer – God told him to do it.
Wow, ain’t that something? God told this man from Missouri to risk his life to go visit Aung San Suu Kyi. No further instruction, no goal, no tools, and no contacts. As proud as I am that Senator Webb was able to accomplish what he did – what was this guy thinking? He did no help to Suu Kyi, as she was also sentenced to more years on house arrest.
If God is telling this guy to do anything, He should be telling him that common sense says this is a bad idea.
