Myanmar Comedian Arrested

According to an AP News article, a military junta arrested Zarganar, a popular Myanmar comedian. Zarganar faces up to two years in jail for a vicious crime: criticizing his government.

Zarganar, the country's most popular comedian, was arrested in June after he gave interviews to foreign media in which he criticized the military regime's slow response to the May 2-3 cyclone that killed more than 84,000 people.

According to a Netherlands news source, "banned video material" was found in his home. I can only assume that banned video was a smuggled copy of Caddyshack. I want to point out we live in a country where Stephen Colbert tears President Bush a new one during the White House Correspondent's Dinner and faces no consequences. In fact, he's heralded a hero. Maybe some politicians weren’t too happy about it, but you have to admit, it kicks all kinds of ass. Not every country has that freedom, and it's inspiring to hear comedians around the world biting back.

In solidarity with Zarganar, I will also make fun of Myanmar. Hey, Myanmar, your citizen's speech is so restricted by your militaristic government, I hear comedians have to get permission just to be funny!

I'm sure whatever Zarganar said was far sharper and more biting. He was also arrested last year for providing aid to Buddhist monks. Brave comedians like Zarganar are necessary in a society.  I wish Zarganar and his family the best.