VOA标准英语2012--Burma's Ex-Political Prisoners Face Challenges
时间：2018-12-08 作者：英语课 分类：VOA标准英语2012年(十二月)
Burma's Ex-Political Prisoners Face Challenges
In Burma's main city, progress edges forward slowly as economic development and political reform take shape.
But while many foreign businesses have been quick to forget Burma's troubled past, many residents are only now coming to grips with a legacy 1 of fear and control left from decades of harsh military rule.
For ex-political prisoner Jaa Sao, the increase in visitors to his country means more pay. He spent more than six years behind bars for his political activity and was among the first group of prisoners the new government freed last year.
Now, Jaa Sao and a few other ex-prisoners have formed a new business - Golden Harp 2 Taxi. Despite the country's business boom, Jaa Sao's focus is development of another sort.
“I have no interest in the government talking about changing. My interest is in helping 3 my friends who are still in prison, and helping them rebuild their lives after they are released. Now, I cannot afford to help the people still in prison, so I help those who are released.”
Former prisoners face many difficulties in the outside world, such as unemployment and travel restrictions 4.
In Rangoon, Jaa Sao and many like him meet at the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners office to discuss the new challenges in their lives.
Ex-political prison Tu Kyi, who spent more than 10 years behind bars, says government intimidation 5 often continues after release.
"The biggest problem is that people in the surrounding area worry that, if they make friends with an ex-prisoner, they could face interrogation by the authorities. So they are still fearful of the authorities."
Ko Thein of the All Burma Students Democratic Front was part of the most recent release, which coincided with President Obama's historic visit in November.
While Ko Thein is relieved to be free, he holds onto strong bonds that he built while in jail.
“I am happy to be with my family, but I feel bad for those who are left behind in prison. I feel I have a responsibility to try to help them. Because of this responsibility I wish to turn to the media to send out this information.”
The government promised to release all political prisoners by year's end. It's not certain that will happen, but one thing is sure: Jaa Sao and his friends will be ready to help their comrades return to normal life.
- They are the most precious cultural legacy our forefathers left.它们是我们祖先留下来的最宝贵的文化遗产。
- He thinks the legacy is a gift from the Gods.他认为这笔遗产是天赐之物。
- She swept her fingers over the strings of the harp.她用手指划过竖琴的琴弦。
- He played an Irish melody on the harp.他用竖琴演奏了一首爱尔兰曲调。
- The poor children regularly pony up for a second helping of my hamburger. 那些可怜的孩子们总是要求我把我的汉堡包再给他们一份。
- By doing this, they may at times be helping to restore competition. 这样一来, 他在某些时候,有助于竞争的加强。
- I found the restrictions irksome. 我对那些限制感到很烦。
- a snaggle of restrictions 杂乱无章的种种限制
- The Opposition alleged voter intimidation by the army.反对党声称投票者受到军方的恐吓。
- The gang silenced witnesses by intimidation.恶帮用恐吓的手段使得证人不敢说话。