The latest news from Burma is deeply disturbing.  I welcome the statements from President George Bush but sadly he no longer commands the respect or awe that US Presidents are used to.  Perhaps if he did, Russia and China could have been persuaded to take a different approach at the United Nations.

Please keep those courageous Burmese people in your thoughts and hope that more violence can be avoided.  It is especially important to do so when the media so casually stokes the speculation of a snap election in the UK which, if it takes place, will barely attract the attention of half the electorate, maybe fewer in the current cold weather.  Democracy is so difficult to secure but easily taken for granted by those of us who are used to it.