Visit Burma or not?

Q: I had planned to visit Myanmar (Burma) over December, but would not like to assist the regime that denied so many people aid after the tornado recently. What is the latest advice on visiting this country? - Raymond Els
A: Tourists are returning to Myanmar, especially the capital Yangon and other areas not affected by the hurricane. However, the issue of whether to visit the country remains a politically sensitive issue. The detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who remains under house arrest, has long maintained that tourists should not visit the country as their dollars only help keep the regime in power. However, others claim that tourists should visit the country and assist the Burmese people by supporting businesses which are not controlled by the state. They also maintain that the presence of visitors helps keep the military junta in check. Both arguments have merit, so the decision becomes a personal one. However, if you do visit the country, try to spend your money in family-owned businesses and with independent vendors.