In light of yesterday's threat of a military crackdown in Burma, Senator Kerry followed up Tuesday's statement condemning impending military action with a call today for US diplomatic leadership in rallying the international community to stand behind the demonstrators.

Here is an excerpt of Senator Kerry's floor speech, given yesterday morning:

Mr. President: Against all odds, the long-suffering people of Burma have risen up against one of the world’s most repressive regimes. What began a month ago as modest, impromptu protests has since mushroomed into a nation-wide, peaceful democratic groundswell. Tens of thousands of students have joined Buddhist monks in the streets, marching and chanting in unison against Burma’s brutal military rulers.

The Burmese people should know that America and all free peoples across the globe stand in awe of their commitment and courage. Their actions follow in the venerable footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Lech Walesa, and all those heroes who understood that nonviolent resistance is humanity’s greatest weapon against tyranny and injustice. I want to join the President of the United States, Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer and many others in letting them know: We support your struggle. We stand with you.

What is happening today in the streets of Rangoon is as tenuous as it is unexpected. The cabal of generals, who pillage Burma under the guise of governing it, could easily meet these non-violent protests with a bloodbath, just like they did in 1988. And we must do all that we can to ensure that this does not come to pass.

We will hopefully be able to bring you the Senator's speech in its entirety and in video form by the end of the week. Meanwhile, please watch this Youtube clip of a Lehrer newscast on the Burma Demonstrations.

We at KV wish to join Senator Kerry in his pledge to stand with the Burmese people fighting for freedom and democracy. Our thoughts are with them and our hearts go out to them.