32 bit alignment

From: asm (arut_at_post.com)
Date: 08/23/04 

Date: 23 Aug 2004 04:05:59 -0700

Hi all,

Some processors require 32 bit alignment of data.
What does this mean ? Does it speed up things (HOW)?
Basically why have such a need and make life difficult for
the programmer ?

Thanks,
ASM