Tear gas is fired at the protesters this morning

The clampdown begins: Policemen gather to block the street to opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi's home in Rangoon as Buddhist monks march past in defiance

The junta cracks down: Truckloads of soldiers were in the streets late yesterday afternoon and evening

A man tends to one of the monks who was injured during the protests yesterday

The junta has so far been restrained in its response to the monks' protest, but yesterday evening soldiers were seen in the streets

Monks protesting yesterday. The junta has responded with a curfew

A monk stands above the shoulders of the crowd yesterday as the demonstrations continued

10,000 people marched in Burma yesterday. Buddhist nuns have also joined in the protests for the first time

It is the largest protest seen in Burma in more than two decades

The demonstrations have been going on for over a week

The march of the monks: Buddhists lead mass protests against Burma's military rulers

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I read that these protests were caused by the government raising fuel prices substantially. Don't these people realize how much they're helping to combat global warming by using less fuel? These protesters are a bunch of ingrates.

- James Earl Farnsworth, Austin, TX

If the U.S. wants to champion democracy and human rights all over the world, there are other countries that need help from the U.S. and the United Nations. Those countries are Burma, Cambodia, Tibet, etc. Cambodia was under the dictatorship of Hun Sen who's pro Vietnam. They've killed a lot of people including suppressing democracy in Cambodia. How come the U.S. doesn't come to the rescue? Is it because of no oil or it's not part of the big picture? Going to Iraq is the right thing to do but why not go to Cambodia, Burma, Tibet, or at least the U.S. could protest or not doing business with countries like Vietnam, China, etc but we need to look at the big picture and yet we advocate democracy, freedom, and human rights, at least the monks in Burma are brave people in which I really admired them.
This is genuine democracy movement with or without U.S. helps but in the case this pro democracy movement wins, the U.S. will be there to reap the profits.
What else is new?

- Carre, Long Beach, California

The very best of luck to all the monks. God speed in your journey to freedom.

- Justa Thought, Indiana, USA

Everybody want's to be free. No joke, free or die. This is revolution.

- Bone, Texas

Woo hoo You go Monks. I am in support of those who protest against the wrongs being done upon the humans on this planet.

- Mary, Alamogordo, USA

Violence breads violence. Peace breads peace. Why would you want to deny the monks the honour of a peaceful revolution? The Republicans and Democrats are both imperialists. I noticed the police lines put up by the Burmese government are the same ones that we have here in NY. I wonder who paid for those? America does not have the right to inflict violence on anyone it pleases.

- Jon, New York, NY

Western occupation can not be the answer to every world problem. Oil has been the spark that ignited the dissatisfaction with the government of Burma. These protests are not truly about oil, they are about freedom and need for democracy.

- Justin Fox, Mt Pleasant, United States

In 2001 I spent one month touring Burma. With the help of a Rangoon taxi driver, I was able to cover a great deal of territory, see many sights and speak with many ordinary citizens.
The Burmese people are gentle, welcoming, good looking and readily share what little they have.
The military was EVERWHERE. Army encampments were well established no matter where I went. All those who dared to say so wanted to be rid of them. Teenage students, off school for the summer, were doing forced labor on a northern road. Despite the oppressive heat and their work, I was greeted with large smiles and all wanted to shake my hand.
One man told me that sanctions hurt the ordinary person. He said American tourists should flood the country to see the goodness of the people and the widely prevelent poverty that especially harms the children.
Since the Burmese don't have guns or weapons of any kind, the only way to lessen the grip of the military is for the USA, Canada, England, Malaya, France and other democratic republics to put enormous pressure on the military government...to open up and allow basic democratic activities and institutions.
Burma is a beautiful country where the military and all of their relatives make enormous amounts of money by selling gasoline, operating local
markets and dealing in merchandise brought in from China and India.
In Rangoon, Bayer aspirin was 4 times its typical cost in the USA. I gave my bottle to a pitiful hospital in the north.

- Christopher Ryan, Palm Desert, California, USA

This is a classic struggle. Peace vs. force. Contention vs. civilness. Self worship vs self respect. Just another battle. Just another defeat. Just another victory. The same goes on in the US only to less fatal degrees.

- Ga, Ny, Ny

Just this February, I traveled to Myanmar and was privileged to meet some of the most beautiful and friendly people in South Asia. I too walked the streets they now march and I mourned the cruel government that made it so difficult for its people to make a living.

I hope and pray that these gentle people will come to know peace and well-being and that these protests will not grow increasingly bloody.

- Naomi, Minnesota, USA

As this brutal acts against the people of Burma by their own regime takes place in front of our eyes, we need to keep in mind that the main supporter of this Junta in Burma is China. I hope the world thinks twice about celebrating the Olympics in 2008. After all it's already being called "The Genocide Olympics". It's only supported by big business and greedy CEOs.
China has the blood of Tibet, Dafur and Burma on their hands.

- Nawang Lhautara, Ojai.USA

The desire for freedom is a hunger that must come from within a people. Those are not foreign troops repressing the people of Burma, those are Burmese people. Once the people fully desire freedom they will go after it. This is what's wrong in Iraq now. The people have no real desire for the freedom that has been thrust upon them.

- Howard, Fayetteville, NC

For many years the west has imposed sanctions against the the country and military government. Most of the lack of results in my mind is due to support coming from other countries notably China, the military junta's best friend. The public, private and government outcry should be directed in that direction especially since in the pre Olympic period it may well be Burma's best hope for change in decades if China responds with full sanctions!

- Steve B, Calgary, Canada

The monks of Burma are fighting for religious freedom in a nation that has become more modernized with the introduction of western technology and increased capitalism. The plight of these buddhists monks can be compared to modern Japan, where the way of the samurai is overshadowed by the growth of secularism and corrupt western idealism.

Democracy is not the answer for the problem in Burma, it will only increase the speed of social corruption and capitalistic slavery. The United States has democracy, yet freedom of religion is being erased by a small minority of atheists who have liberal courts and justices at their disposal. Christianity has become a materialistic enterprise perverted by clergy who seek to entice unbelievers with the same lusts that make them slaves of the World.

The truth is that the eradication of religious freedom has taken part in many nations and will continue to increase under a Global society that embraces hedonistic principles or the lure of materialism. The god of this world has become mammon and whereever this god is worshipped religious freedom is stamped out or so completely perverted that it has no more spiritual significance.

The monks of Burma do not have a chance they will be more isolated and considered to be fundementlists and be branded terrorists. If I could offer any comfort to these devout individuals I would say, you are not alone oppression comes in many forms.

- Rodney Dezarn, Fayetteville, USA

Oppressive regime?

I'm not familiar with Burma, what's so opressive about the regime? (aside from not bending over to mob rule democracy).

- Smitty, Los Angeles, CA

Where is Richard Gere when you need him? Why isn't he speaking out for these Buddist Monks as he does for the Dali Lama?

- Maryruth, Westminster, Colorado

I know several Chirstians who have been helping the people of Burma for a couple of years now, it's a very sad and hard time for Burma. I'm so glad to see Buddhists doing what needs to be done, you don't always have to have a change in the government with guns and bombs. I hope they continue to stand up an do what is right. It makes me sad to see postings from Americans who think that we are the only ones who can effect change in the world.

- Michal, Golden, CO, USA

As a Buddhist I am glad the world is getting to see the message of Buddhism -be clear, be present, do what's right for the well-being of all. Now, perhaps the world will pay attention and send support and loving kindness toward the people of Burma.

- Liz, Providence, USA

I would imagine that if the United States asked the protesting monks if they would like the US military backing - the monks would most likely say 'no.' The truest freedom is earned.

- Nate, St. Paul, Mn, USA

It has begun. The monks are making a statement that soon all the world will hear although some may not listen. It is a time of transition for Love and Kindness as the banner indicates. This runs much deeper than the call for democracy. It is a call for a collective gathering in thought in unity throughout the world and a release of separation that humankind is experiencing. It is time for each of us to take our stand as the monks are showing the way. No fear!

- Tracy, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Oh please, people. JK is speaking tongue in cheek. The democrats blame everything on Bush so this must also be his fault. Yikes..... I predict, however, that some will be serious in their blaming Bush for this. Liberals simply hate the man. Their hatred is so profound that they allow emotion to trump reason. They will love his enemies even if that enemy is wicked and evil (see Iranian President, Sadaam Hussein, etc.). Frankly, I am glad to see them so exposed for who they are. Too bad they own the press too. Thank God for voices like the internet.

As for me, the fault for Burma lies with the despotic rulers who have refused to admit that communism and fascism have been proven flawed and evil. Hopefully the Burmese will take lessons from the history of brave nations who have risen up against oppression (see USA, Czech Republic, etc.). It will be a wonderful day when the last dictator is gone but I won't hold my breath (see Castro, Ahmanijab, Chavez, etc).

- Berto, USA

JK - I don't like Bush as much as the next person, but I don't see how your post pertains to this story. Bush didn't cause the problems in Burma. I am a damn Democrat, and I agree that the raving president should be impeached, but not over this.
Melissa - do you propose that we ask our already severely overextended military to storm Burma now? If our role as Americans is to "spread" democracy through military force, how does this make us any different from the Junta in Burma, spreading fascism through military force?

- Kim, Seattle, USA

Seeing these photos made me nearly cry. Peaceful holy people being attacked by their government. I don't know what should be done to help them, but it seems like this ought to really inflame the rest of the population there. I hope it does.

- Jh, Logan, Utah USA

You are right, oil reserves in Burma are limited. Gas reserves, on the other hand, are extensive. You had better believe that foreign powers have been posturing for years to secure exploration rights, and thus, access to the booming SE Asian gas markets. As in Iraq, many foreign powers (especially China) prefer the status quo, as their governments place no "touchy-feely" restrictions on doing business there.

- Morgan, Santa Clara, California, USA

We are responsible for putting the ruling junta in power and strengthening it. In my graduate courses we discussed the lack of morality becoming apparent in American businessmen as they defied the tradition of not trading with dictators and gave him economic and business deals, most notably with petroleum which is Burma's largest export.
I'm glad Melissa admitted W lied when he said we were going in for wmd's and terrorism, when really it was about allowing us to re-control and take their oil, as Greenspan recently stated. Funny, we fought a revolution over foreign control of our resources 200 years ago-Iguess Melissa thinks we made a mistake and that is okay now?
How about-Iraqis control, Iraq and not us?
The US oil companies gave the Junta the economic power to rule, Melissa, we have been funding and arming him directly and indirectly for years. With Iraq falling apart, W's just looking to distract from his disgraceful human rights record and suggest "belling the cat" somewhere else, it's a p.r. plan and nothing more.

- Beli Mawr, Santa Fe, New Mexico

We freedom loving people of the world must try to help the monks as much as we can.

- Greg Webber, Clinton,Tennessee, USA

I am by no means a fan of President Bush, but if JK read the story s/he would know that Mr. Bush is opposed to the behaviour of the Burmese Military regime. Whether it is about oil or not, it is ridiculous for any persons to take control over a country and its people for their own personal gains. Goverment leaders should listen to its people and act accordingly, which brings us full circle to Mr. Bush who needs to heed to his own words.

- Sean, Michigan, USA

Clearly this is all George Bush's fault. GOD! IMPEACH HIM ALREADY! LOOK AT WHAT HE'S DOING! Where are the damn Democrats to stop this raving facist president doing all this crap?!

- Jk, Estero, Fl

To JK from Kent:
We are not just standing back and allowing the Burmese people to suffer because there is no oil in Burma. If you believe that you have a misunderstanding of our current war on terror. We are in Iraq because it is centralized in a volitle area of the world where, if democracy gains a strong hold, we have the potential to be very successful. Yes, if we pull out of Iraq there are significant economic consequenses because of our dependence on oil but oil is not the reason we are there in the first place. As for Burma: Yes, the people are suffering because they do not have democracy. Doesn't that make the argument for a continued presence in Iraq stronger? We are giving them what the people in Burma are missing. The United Nations is not all powerful and we don't have the ability to fight a war in Burma now. We barely have the support to fight the current one in Iraq because of people like you who misunderstand it's purpose. All we can hope is that, through these protests, the people of Burma will stand up and overthrow their oppressive regime. They have the ability and, if they want to do it, I'm sure that the UN will help them in whatever way it deems fit. I'm not a political science major and I don't pretend to be an expert on world affairs but it would seem to me that you focus too much on the inaccurate pictures painted by the anti-war leftists who haven't stomach to make the world a better place for all. The Burmese people know what is at risk. Do you?

- Melissa, Emporia, United States

So, Jk, are you suggesting that the Western forces occupy Burma?

- Andrew, Connecticut, USA

Jk,

You said "So we are going to sit back and watch the people of Burma suffer and do nothing - why no oil there?"

These monks do not fly airplanes into civilian buildings.

Can you seriously not tell the difference between these peaceful monks and other people so in love with violence?

- Ry, Whippany NJ, USA

The United States has been so faulted and demonized for trying to promote democracy that other countries will now have to step forward. The US can not do all alone. They are only hated when they have tried to do the right thing.

- Linda Steinhauser, United States

Sadly not much is really going to happen unless the world unites against China and not Burma. The reality is that the sanctions imposed against Burma following the repression of the uprising in 1988 allowed China to step in and offer money and military hardware to support the now isolated regime. In return, China has had access to monitor the southern sea lanes and has in effect created a new Tibet. The one action the world could take to possibly make China take notice of the situation and reduce the threat of a bloodbath is by threatening a boycott of the 2008 Olympics.

- R Barker, London, UK

We pray Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Viet Nam throw off your repressive, military based dictatorships and bring true freedom to SE Asia.

- Tony Ddt, CA, USA

Those like JK are unhappy when his country and their allies topple one vicious dictator and they seem to be equally unhappy if their country doesn't help topple another inhuman dictator. The nattering nitwits of negativism are never happy.

- Dave, Colorado, Codlorado, USA

It is amazing how the monks want democracy for their people, but here in this country we think it is OK, to stop a war for the democracy of people. Why do the Monks get it but the dems in my country don't.

- Jamie Zabicki, Phoenixville, PA USA

Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. - Buddha

- Barbay, B. Hills, US

Victory usually goes to the people on the ground, not the elite in the tower. Persevere.

- Jim Brooke, Chicago, USA

I wonder if people in the U.S. would have the balls it takes for those Monks to do what they are doing. Dressed to identify themselves, peaceful, no weapons, in the face of a severe beat down, they still did it. These people have more bravery in a fingernail than does most of the U.S. population.

- Gary Smyth, United States, Pittsburgh, PA

The United States should send troops to save these people! Soon!

- Dixie Roth, Salome, AZ

I admire the monks greatly. God Speed to them.

- Clay Pogue, Jackson, TN USA

There's plenty of oil in Burma, that's where the French get a lot of theirs... it's just nobody wants to stand up to China and no one cares.

- Ben, USA

Too bad their isn't any oil there or US would be all over it.

- James, Long Beach, USA

This is the way true, persistant democracy comes, from inside, by the people standing up -- not imposed by a foreign power at the point of a gun. I wish the monks sucess and great determination. It is amazing what these methods can accomplish, as Ghandi and MLK showed.

- Paul, LA, USA

So we are going to sit back and watch the people of Burma suffer and do nothing - why no oil there?

- Jk, Kent

I hope the police and army make the right decision this time and turn on the leaders of this country.

If not be prepared for reports of a blood bath in the news like last time there was a protest like this.

- Stuart, UK

It is time the Burmese government listened to its people, which is long overdue, as non-violent voices of the oppressed population speak out for DEMOCRACY ... I wish them great strength in their struggle. God Bless.

- Jenni Campbell, United Kingdom

May God bless and protect the people of Burma.

- Bob Collins, New York.

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