At this age, I should be leading a quiet life.

I don't want Burma to be a basket case forever.

What does Burma have to give the United States? We can give you the opportunity to engage with people who are ready and willing to change a society.

Freedom must be demanded and defended, by those who have been denied it and by those who are already free.

The struggle for democracy and human rights in Burma is a struggle for life and dignity. It is a struggle that encompasses our political, social and economic aspirations.

It is not easy for a people conditioned by fear under the iron rule of the principle that might is right to free themselves from the enervating miasma of fear. Yet even under the most crushing state machinery courage rises up again and again, for fear is not the natural state of civilized man.

You should never let your fears prevent you from doing what you know is right.