In case you've been wondering what its like on the ground over there here are some videos of the monks protests - followed by a clip BBC did on the topic. Its important to note that the military regime has long justified its rule through its heavy associations with the Buddhist Sangha (community), while the monks have not really been supporters of the Regime they've been forced into an awkward political position for quite some time now. For them to rise up in protest is perhaps the most potent symbolic attack upon the regime (and as seen as such by locals) - and has only happened on a few occasions before (like the big democracy movement between 1988-1990). In the past they've protested by turning over their alms bowls to military leaders (denying the leadership any merit) which would be analogous to say a pastor refusing to let a corrupt or violent politician into church (in protest).

Wow, this clip deserves way more attention!

In the age of the internet it is amazing the extent to which we can connect with situations around the world.

But the question is then posed to us: will we translate that new connectivity into positive action?

This also highlights the way Bush has ruined America's reputation. The people of Burma WOULD greet us as liberators, but while they risk their lives hoping that the America will come to their aid, Bush only offers empty condemnations of the government.

Yet with Iran, a country that definitely would not welcome the US military, we seems so thirsty for conquest.

Why do people call us Imperialists? Why don't people believe it when we say we are working to spread democracy? Look at what we do, and then look at what we don't do. Actions speak louder than words, especially military actions.

I agree that the logic of invasion that the US has employed is deplorable - our pretenses have be inconsistent at best and the (often faulty) intelligence we call to our defense is employed with willful ignorance if not malicious intent to mislead.

Also look at Iraq and Afghanistan. Are we even capable of invading and rebuilding a country? - not since Japan in World War II have we been successful - in spite of attempts in Korea (moderate success but not for the north), Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq.

We believe we can build nations - but perhaps there in lies our greatest hubris.