In contrast to the murderous and destructive regime, a modern day hero also resides in Burma - Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi (to help remember her name think "Unsung Hero" as Jim Carrey suggests.) 

Unfortunately, she has been under house arrest a majority of the time since the 1990 Burmese election.  At that time, she surprised the Junta by having the 'gall' to win.  The Junta did not accept the results and insisted that they remain in power to ensure the 'stability of the county'.  They then proceeded to put Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest.  And there she sits at this very moment. 

Here Aung San Suu Kyi discusses why she feels a non-violent method is the best path forward for Burma (from 1999).