I* hope the people of Burma who have since 1962 had to endure the military who will shoot their own people, manage to succeed in their struggle,However, special forces from the 77th, 88th will be sent to butcher these demonstrating folk if things go too far is inevitable.The Generals who have run the infrasturcture of the country into the ground wil do almost anything to cling onto power.Associating normal standards of decency and humanity to these military leaders is very difficult to accept when it was these same military leaders in one guise or another ordered not just the massacare ot students nurses and cvilians in 1988 but whole scale murder and imprisonment in 1976 when countless number of students disappeared.( funeral of UN secretary general). History repeating itself? A blood bath is near, All freepress journalists should try to get to this country as soon as possible. It is difficult to be brave when soldiers with bayonets fixed are bearing down on you with no compassion.

Miguel Sanchez, London, UK

To reconcile the dispute and dissolve the militaries long occupation in such a peaceful way as millieken suggests would be 'magic'. Although id like to think so, i dont beleive in it. Hopefully togetherness will one day bring us there.

I do hope that pressures of a peaceful resolve are placed from nieghbouring countries and suppression of the peoples does not take us as far as"dont fire your guns in the air", a command during the 8888 movement commanding soilders to fire directly at protestors. Who where as they are now, made up of monks, nuns and students.

Mick Hopkin, Bangkok, Thailand

Just when the political leaders from the west will lift a finger to help the people in Burma to fight for democracy?

Wing, Poole, UK

Yes, Leon, dignity and peace can exist in a world with religion. Pray for a free Burma!!!

Jeff Smith, Yachats, Oregon

Humanity salutes the Buddhist monks who in solidarity with the Burmese people took to streets demanding freedom. Their pilgrimage symbolizes the quintessential spiritual aspiration of all who struggles under repressive regimes. May their peaceful march to and for freedom win the support of the world leaders and bear fruit. It is time for Burma to come out darkness and clutches of evil forces and share life in its fullness. Religion at its best is here! What an example these monks and nuns offer to all those religious and quasi religious communities of different religions! If the firefighters made the US and the whole human family proud on Sept 11th, the monks and nuns do the same today. Their dedication to the people and commitment to a higher cause reminds the family of nations that we have some greater goals to achieve and higher aspirations to realize.

Stanislaus Alla, Chestnut Hill, USA

Its wonderful news seeing those dedicated to the Sacred finally speaking out loud and clear against tyranny. As for the comments of some, related to this article, that people of faith automatically carry animosity for other faiths and that Buddhist will never say "Our God" you are expressing Western-centric prejudices. Hindus, Buddhists in particular, amongst many others, do not hold such immature views. Also throughout history there have been many 'Theistic' Buddhist traditions that worship Buddha as a Salvific deity.

Vrn Davan, Seattle, WA USA

Millieken,

All the faiths in the world join toghether? I thought all the faiths thought the others mad/heathens/infidels whatever you want to call it, it results in the others being sent to a place such as hell. Dignity and peace? can they ever truly exist in a world with religon?

Leon Andrews, Brisbane, Queensland

Thank you for your coverage of this as there is precious little in the American press about it. The latest noise regarding sociopath O.J. Simpson seems worthy of bandwidth, as do other societal nuisances, such as Brittany Spears. My people just can't seem to devote any time to the Burmese who are so desperately trying to get out from under the boot of a military dictatorship. Oh, who cares anyway? What the hell, it's football season and the Oakland Raiders actually won a game today!

Paul W., San Jose, California

Buddhist monks shouting "Our God!"?

I don't think so.

RAS, Bloomfield Hills, MI, USA

Um, I doubt, strike that, I am sure that "Our God" is a complete mistranslation of what they were shouting. Buddhism doesn't even have a god. They follow the teachings of the Buddha, but by no means is Buddha their name for god, he was a man who taught people liberation from suffering through a new way of conceiving existence- the Four Noble Truths. It would make no sense for a bunch of Buddhist to be shouting "Our God."

Cory, Portland, OR

Why dont we all walk in solidarity with these monks to show thej tney are not alone in their struggle. Perhaps the leaders of all the faiths in this country and around the world would take up the challenge and lead us in an event to walk in prayer, so that the Junta may realise the eyes of the world and of God are on them and give up their regime with dignity and in peace.
The monks are brave and deserve to know they have support.

millieken, EASTLEIGH, HAMPSHIRE

Its time forFreedom for Aung San Suu Kyi. Where are the americal troops ' interven
tion in This issue Mr Bush????

martin seychell DipM MCIM MSc, zejtun, Malta