Protest in Tibet

[Daniel]

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/20/wo...hp&oref=slogin

Originally Posted by NYTimes

In Tibet and the neighboring provinces of Qinghai, Gansu and Sichuan, Tibetans live in closer proximity than ever with the Han, who have flooded in with a wave of state-driven investment. But they occupy separate worlds. Relations between the two groups are typically marked by stark disdain or distrust, by stereotyping and prejudice and, among Tibetans, by deep feelings of subjugation, repression and fear.

After decades of heavily financed efforts on the part of China to strengthen its control over Tibet and to tame the country’s far west through gigantic infrastructure projects and resettlement of Han Chinese from the east, the outbreak of protests and a fierce crackdown by Chinese security forces in and around Tibet have laid bare a harsh reality of policy failure.

There is no legalized ethnic discrimination in China, but privilege and power are overwhelmingly the preserve of the Han, while Tibetans live largely confined to segregated urban ghettos and poor villages in their own ancestral lands.

Chinese news programs on the events in Lhasa have reinforced an impression of separate universes that scarcely intersect — one Han and one Tibetan. The programs were clearly intended as propaganda to place the blame for riots on Tibetans and rally Han Chinese in support of a government-led suppression. Over and over, television broadcasts have repeated the same scenes of rampaging Tibetans smashing shop windows and of injured, hospitalized Han, while making no mention of the widely reported deaths among Tibetans during the police crackdown that followed, nor of the underlying grievances that sparked them.

Since the last widespread unrest in Tibet two decades ago, Beijing has sought to undermine separatists in what it calls the Tibetan Autonomous Region. It has invested billions of dollars, encouraged an influx of Han Chinese and inserted itself deeply into the mechanics of Tibetan Buddhism to eliminate the influence of the Dalai Lama, Tibet’s spiritual leader, who fled China for exile in India in 1959 after a failed uprising. But real assimilation, if it were ever the goal, remains elusive.

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“There’s been this hatred for a long time,” said Tang Xuejun, a Han resident of Lhasa for the last 10 years. “Sometimes you would even wonder how we had avoided open confrontation for so many years. This is a hatred that cannot be solved by arresting a few people.” Tibetans, meanwhile, complain that they have been relegated to second-class citizenship, that their culture is being destroyed through forced assimilation, that their religious freedoms have been trampled upon.

A Tibetan university student in her early 20s who declined to give her name explained relations this way: “I really don’t want to talk about politics, saying whether or not Tibet is part of China. The reality is that we are controlled by Chinese, by the Han people. We don’t have any say, so in my family we don’t even talk about it.”

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Far from giving up on their way of life, though, or renouncing their attachment to the Dalai Lama, the exiled spiritual leader whom the Chinese government has long vilified as a separatist, or “splittist,” most Tibetans interviewed while dodging heavy police checks during a 450-mile road trip through Tibetan areas in Gansu and Qinghai Provinces professed near-universal devotion to the Dalai Lama, and vowed to continue resisting government attempts to control their faith.

“All Tibetans are the same: 100 percent of us adore the Dalai Lama,” said Suonanrenqing, a 40-year-old resident of a Tibetan village in Jianzha County, in Qinghai Province. Asked about China’s decision to commandeer an ancient Tibetan religious rite and select the Panchen Lama, the second highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism, in 1995, and the implications for how Beijing would manage things after the Dalai Lama, who is 72, dies, Suonanrenqing’s response suggested indefinite tensions between Chinese and Tibetans.

“We’re not sure if it’s true that the Panchen was appointed by the government, but if it is true, we cannot support him,” he said. “We wouldn’t support a Dalai Lama appointed by the government either. These people should be chosen by monasteries.”

[Daniel]

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/21/wo...exiles.html?hp

DHARAMSALA, India — “Long live the Dalai Lama!” is the most common cry on the streets here.

A new generation of exiles is growing edgy in Dharamsala.

Even so, the 72-year-old monk’s refusal to call for independence from China more forcefully as it has cracked down on the protests in Tibet has sharpened disagreement with younger and more aggressive Tibetan exiles.

Tenzin Wangdue, who has spent the last 11 days shouting slogans, including some that the Dalai Lama would shun, is typical of the new generation. While not rejecting the Dalai Lama’s authority, he believes Tibetans have to push harder if they are going to get anywhere. “They’re not going to give total independence,” he said of China. “But I think there’s hope they’re going to accept genuine autonomy if we say we want total autonomy.”

Since March 10 the Dalai Lama has stuck to his “middle way” script and appeared remarkably affable, at least publicly, even as China accused him of masterminding the uprising and called him “a devil with a human face.”

He has repeatedly said he advocates only nonviolence, presses not for independence but a “preservation of Tibetan culture,” endorses China’s role as host of the Olympic Games in August and is happy to speak to Chinese authorities, including President Hu Jintao.

“I’m fully committed to eliminate negative feelings among Tibetans and fear, distrust among Chinese,” he said Thursday in his third meeting with reporters this week. Reminded of the latest slurs against him, he leaned back in his chair and howled with laughter. “As a Buddhist monk, whatever they call me, doesn’t matter.”

Yet, a handful of radical Tibetan exile groups have said angrily that the “middle way” has achieved nothing in nearly 30 years. They have called for an Olympic Games boycott, burned Chinese flags and refused to call off a march from here to Lhasa, Tibet’s capital, which he has called impractical in opposing a mighty state intent on using force.

The NYTImes article goes into greater detail that the quote above, but one does get the sense that that youth, like here in American, want more than the generation before it.

The commitment to nonviolence? That seems to be holding, and the using measures like marches and calling for boycotts seem to be aimed to garned media attention- which was used by both Gandhi and King- though the burning of flags doesn't seem nonviolent, does it? Youth today have what Gandhi and King did not have: the internet. Will this help make a difference? Will the news of these events penetrate China, a country that protects its citizens from it's own news?

I'm very curious- and somewhat fearful- as towards what marchers will encounter. I fear that the DD may be correct, but then David did strike down Goliath- which is perhaps not the best metaphor- seeing that killing was involved there.....

Perhaps this is the first step of many. But there is one thing that is certain, events are transpiring before our eyes. Never, since the DD crossed over the mountains, have the Tibetans used such means for their liberation.

[Vanessa White]

As I read the update that you have posted today, Daniel, I am reminded of an excerpt from the animated movie, My Friend Martin, about Martin Luther King, Jr., which I purchased for our daughter several years ago to help her in learning about him and his life. There is a part in it when some of Martin's followers become frustrated, and fed up with the oppression, violence and threats that they have been subjected to, and come to meet with Martin with guns and other weapons; he completely dismisses that as a possible course of action, that violence begets violence. This new generation of Tibetan activists call to mind that scene for me; they are sick and tired of being downtrodden and not listened to, and are ready to see means to the ends that they perceive as more effective than what has been used.

[Daniel]

I believe the Olympic Games have brought matters to a head.

There is so much news on this matter this morning that I can hardly keep up.

During Visit, Pelosi Offers Support to Dalai Lama
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/21/wo...pelosi.html?hp

Chinese Christians demand end to Tibet repression
http://www.speroforum.com/site/article.asp?id=14826

China Admits to Wounding 4 Tibetan Demonstrators
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/21/wo...a/21tibet.html

Other news sources find this number to be unsubtantiated. It is more likey, as the Tibetans have reported, that more than 80 to 100 people were killed.

And there are letters to the Editor of the Times worth reading.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/21/opinion/l21tibet.html

Repression in Tibet: The World Must Speak Up


Published: March 21, 2008
To the Editor:

Re “China Terrorizes Tibet” (editorial, March 18):

Why isn’t the International Olympic Committee making clear that building stadiums and cleaning up the air — not maltreating people — are the way to prepare for the Olympics?

The Games in China have become a pretext for the arrest and detention of democracy advocates; the intimidation of human rights lawyers; the shunting away from the capital of petitioners from the rural areas; the cracking down on Falun Gong followers; the forcible return of North Korean refugees; and now the terrorizing of Tibet.

While it is true that the Olympics also offer an opportunity to those who would embarrass China, its politicization of an international sports event should be deemed unacceptable.

No government should be allowed to make repression of its population part of its preparations for the Olympics.

Roberta Cohen
Washington, March 18, 2008

•

To the Editor:

Re “Tibetans in India Enraged by Details of Crackdown” (news article, March 18):

The physical and cultural violence that the Chinese government has directed toward the Tibetan people for the past half century is threatening to undermine the nonviolent and compassionate traditions that have been such a vital part of Tibetan Buddhism, and also a rare gift to a world that is so lacking in its practice of these qualities.

But as China retains its unyielding attitude and raises the level of persecution, it pushes some of the young people of Tibet toward a more radical position that could eventually include greater violence. The Dalai Lama’s nonviolent “middle way” offered hope for a workable solution, but that hope seems to be fading.

It is hard to imagine a light at the end of the tunnel for the Tibetan people without a much stronger response from the rest of the world.

Tibet can seem like a remote place, but freedom from fear, and freedom to practice one’s religion, are fundamental human rights that know no borders or geographical distances.

John N. Corbin
Pleasantville, N.Y., March 18, 2008

•

To the Editor:

Re “Tibetans Clash With Chinese Police in Second City” (news article, March 16):

According to the president of the International Olympic Committee, Jacques Rogge, boycotting the Olympics would be “penalizing innocent athletes.” Really? What about innocent Tibetans?

I’ve lived in Lhasa, Tibet, and mainland China, and I know what life is like under a brutally repressive regime.

I remember a teenager who spent three years in a Lhasa prison because, in an angry impulse, he posted a letter denouncing the Communist Party. And a teacher who was arrested for telling his pupils traditional Tibetan stories. I remember constant fear and anxiety.

Politicians claim that economic development is pushing China toward greater freedom and justice. As far as I know, Tibetans have not benefited from China’s economic boom; the Chinese justice system serves the powerful and rich; corruption is rampant, and whoever speaks up is silenced.

Yes, some middle-class Chinese now have the illusion of freedom because they wear Nike sneakers and chat on China’s strictly censored Internet.

The Beijing Olympics aren’t an international celebration of brotherhood and athletics; they are the Communist Party thumbing its nose at anyone who cares about human rights.

If we don’t speak up, we are cowards and accomplices.

Judith Hertog
Hanover, N.H., March 18, 2008

[Vanessa White]

Or, maybe more like a DUH, FINALLY!!! kind of moment.

Maybe it is because Good Friday is typically a very spiritually emotional day for me; maybe it is because my mind and heart opened a bit more to the world. Maybe it was those powerful letters to the Editor that Daniel posted; maybe it is the fact that Nancy Pelosi, whom I greatly admire, is visiting in India and is greeted with smiles and cheers by the Dalai Lama and his followers. This situation IS about us, every one of us. The story is so much the same, yet is appears with so much more at stake. As terrifying as it can be to be LGBT in this country much of the time, it seems less risky to speak out openly than in China about anything that describes something other than what you are told to believe, think, and feel. And it is angering that the world would believe that business as usual with the Olympics is the way to proceed, and allow China to continue to stomp on human rights in this way. I feel so sad for the Tibetan people who may feel so isolated and alone in this fight for freedom of expression, freedom to be.

Does that sound at all familiar to anyone else?

[Daniel]

Originally Posted by Vanessa White

Does that sound at all familiar to anyone else?

You say it beautifully. What we are facing as gay Americans is NOTHING compared to what the Tibetan people have been facing. And yet they have borne their sorrows with open-heartedness and compassion. I think that is a HUGE lesson for us- I just hope more people are listening to the message.

[Daniel]

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/28/wo...a/28tibet.html

SHANGHAI — Weeping and yelling, “Tibet is not free,” a group of red-robed monks on Thursday disrupted a carefully scripted tour for foreign journalists in Lhasa, Tibet’s capital, as Chinese officials tried to portray the recent Tibetan riots as the work of thugs and separatists.

A Tibetan jailed in connection with the recent riots was interviewed by foreign reporters on Thursday at a prison in Lhasa.

The 15-minute protest by about 30 monks, who spoke first in Tibetan and then switched to Mandarin, was in the Jokhang Monastery, one of Tibet’s holiest shrines. The protest, videotaped by reporters, ended after government handlers shouted for the journalists to leave and tried to pull them away, an Associated Press correspondent on the tour said in an interview.

I am glad to see that the media was used by monks to protest nonviolently. That's what King did. That's what works. I just pray that world attention stays focused on this issue.

[Vanessa White]

This was on CNN.com this morning:

"The monks, speaking in Tibetan, claimed government officials were trying to turn Tibetans against them by telling lies. But the monks didn't elaborate on the alleged lies, according to a translation by Tibetan scholars in the U.S who listened to an audiotape of the confrontation made by AP Television News.

"They have destroyed the way we are seen by the people," one monk said. "We are like prisoners here," said another.

As the monks blurted out a stream of complaints, one cried: "The government is always telling lies, it's all lies."

"They killed many people. They killed many people," a monk said.

Later, a monk speaking in Chinese said the death toll was far higher than the government was saying. "The cadres and the army killed more than 100 Tibetans. They arrested more than a thousand."

"Tibetans have no freedom," a monk said after some of them switched to Chinese. "We want the Dalai Lama to come back," said another, adding that they were certain they would be detained when the reporters left.

"They want us to curse the Dalai Lama and that is not right," a monk added.

The government officials then tugged at the journalists to leave and shouted: "Time to go." The monks filed upstairs.

Hours later, the temple and the large square in front that is usually thronged with worshippers were closed again by paramilitary police in helmets and plastic shields.

The three major Buddhist monasteries that ring Lhasa -- Sera, Drepung and Ganden -- and a fourth, Ramoche, where the March 14 rioting started, remain sealed off by police. Investigators were gathering evidence against monks who took part in protests, officials said."

I am moved and humbled by the courage shown by these monks; they know that there are dangers in speaking the truth there, they are shut down at every turn, they remain nonviolent and peaceful. It really brings to light how far I have to go in the journey toward full nonviolence.

I am still learning about this as time goes by, but so far, what I am learning is so disturbing..... I really admire these monks so much, and I guess any side of the struggle could be seen as the one being truthful, but in my heart I believe it is the monks who are speaking truthfully no matter what the consequence.

[Daniel]

Originally Posted by Vanessa White

I am moved and humbled by the courage shown by these monks; they know that there are dangers in speaking the truth there, they are shut down at every turn, they remain nonviolent and peaceful. It really brings to light how far I have to go in the journey toward full nonviolence.

I am still learning about this as time goes by, but so far, what I am learning is so disturbing..... I really admire these monks so much, and I guess any side of the struggle could be seen as the one being truthful, but in my heart I believe it is the monks who are speaking truthfully no matter what the consequence.

And the Tibetan people (monastics), if anything, have trained themselves to be compassionate, not onlyfor themselves but for their oppressors.

Honestly- and this distresses me very much- I don't see much happening as regards beneficial changes being made by the Chinese government towards the Tibetan people. I fear that economics - and the O games- are precedence.

International pressure is going to have to be intense and unrelenting for that to happen (should be noted that the NYTimes- where a great deal of coverage as appeared- was not invited to this recent press tour.)

China has always- historically speaking- acted with a heavy hand. And we have too- in our own way- remember 'shock and awe'? We are in Iraq for one reason: oil. China wants Tibet for its rich geological minerals: . It contains more than half the world's population- over 2 billion, while India has 1 billion. We're going to have to wake up are realize that it's not about 'us' anymore.

The Tibetans? They are caught in the crosshairs of the economics of the situation.

[刘卓邕]

“It is unfortunate that despite my sincere efforts not to separate Tibet from China, the leaders of the P.R.C. continue to accuse me of being a ‘separatist,’“ the Dalai Lama said, referring to the People’s Republic of China.

Why did Hu Jintao have the protest out of control?So many Hui and Han killed, to show the "Dalai Lama's cruelty"?

The CCP dare not talk with the Dalai Lama,for that will incur attention on the autarchic system!

[Daniel]

Originally Posted by ???

“It is unfortunate that despite my sincere efforts not to separate Tibet from China, the leaders of the P.R.C. continue to accuse me of being a ‘separatist,’“ the Dalai Lama said, referring to the People’s Republic of China.

Why did Hu Jintao have the protest out of control?So many Hui and Han killed, to show the "Dalai Lama's cruelty"?

The CCP dare not talk with the Dalai Lama,for that will incur attention on the autarchic system!

Sir- I am not sure I understand you correctly: do you support the Dalai Lama?

[刘卓邕]

Originally Posted by Daniel

...do you support the Dalai Lama?

Not entirely.I like to see talk between the Dalai Lama and the CCP,but love freedom for each indivadual,not based on ethic consideration.

[Daniel]

Originally Posted by ???

Not entirely.I like to see talk between the Dalai Lama and the CCP,but love freedom for each indivadual,not based on ethic consideration.

Please speak plainly: I would appreciate candor on your part regarding these matters.

In point of fact- as I see it- the Tibetan people are not free: they are being oppressed as a minority in their own country.

This is not unlike what happened here in the USA in the 19th century. The white man took the land from the Amercian Indian people. It was not right or just. And I do not see that it is right for the Chinese people to do a similiar thing to the Tibetans by virtual of occupation. Nor is it right for the Chinese people to try to control the religious destiny of the Tibetan people anymore that it is right for the USA to control how the American Indian people practice their faith.

Two great wrongs do not make a right!

It is my hope that the great Chinese people not make the same mistakes as American people did in the 19th century.

[Vanessa White]

Daniel, one observation I make of this situation as well, is that I believe that many Chinese citizens believe that the Dalai Lama is stirring the pot and the source of the trouble, out of fear about speaking out against their government, or fear of facing what the facts may possibly be about the source of the conflicts that have occurred. I know, as an American citizen, one that does not feel the need for censorship of my views as exists there, I am at times naive and even in denial about the extent to which our government here may have less than the highest of motives for doing what they do. For citizens there, I imagine it must be fear that is so much more intense, due to the years of oppression and the fear for their physical safety.

For a group of people, like the Tibetans, to want freedom, equality, and to be treated with fairness, ends up appearing as if they are demanding something that is unreasonable, when in fact, it is human.

And the parallel with the American Indians in this country: that is right on. There was a level of trust at times that the Indians tried to have for the US government, and they were exterminated and the their land was taken away. But our government ended up getting their wish, by stealing so much of their lands from them, never giving any back but a bit that if they "keep their place", they don't have to pay taxes. Doesn't matter that many live in desperate poverty and addiction.

So much for human rights.

[Daniel]

The fear that the DL is behind the protests in Tibet is based on- as I see it frankly- projected aggression. If anything, he has endeavored to teach younger (and thus inherently impatient) Tibetans the teachings of nonviolence.

The man has expoused nonviolence as a point of fact since he left Tibet for fear of his own life. He has- for these many years- asked his people to be nonviolent towards the Chinese people.

Has this been reciprocated?

No!

The Chinese built a railroard over the mountains and brought vast numbers of people to the land of the Tibetans. Was this done in peace and love?

I do not think so.

It was not right for the White Man to indocrinate the American Indian. And is it is not right for the Chinese to dominate the Tibetan poeple in their own land. It is the actions of the Chinese people which has now caused unrest and protest.

The DL is a man of peace as was Gandhi and King. And anyone who thinks otherwise, either does not know the man or has an agenda of his own.

[刘卓邕]

And I do not see that it is right for the Chinese people to do a similiar thing to the Tibetans by virtual of occupation...

China today comes from an empire,a political unit having an extensive territory or comprising a number of territories or nations and ruled by a single supreme authority.

Many ethnic groups have blended with each other for a long time.

Romantic nationalism of western nations can apply here?

[Daniel]

Originally Posted by ???

China today comes from an empire,a political unit having an extensive territory or comprising a number of territories or nations and ruled by a single supreme authority.

Many ethnic groups have blended with each other for a long time.

Romantic nationalism of western nations can apply here?

Current historical events refutes your postion- and that is not an romanticization on my part.

There has been no blending of Tibetans and the Chinese who have mass immigrated to Tibet. You are wrong sir. Dead wrong. Reports from international press have revealed that the Chinese in Tibet treat Tibetans with distain and the two groups do not association with each other.

How would you like it if I set up camp on your front lawn? Would you consider me your 'friend'. I rather doubt it.

For the Chinese people to virtually take over Tibet by mass immigration is an aggressive act- amounting to an occupation- no matter how you rationalize it. And you are rationalizing it.

I find your reasoning offensive, ignorant and arrogant- and yes- aggressive. And from your post here, I do not know why you are trying to get support for the boycott of the Games on this forum, but it is clear to me (you have not stated otherwise) that you do not support Tibetans.


~

Now here's an interesting developement.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/08/wo...8torch.html?hp

Protests at Torch Relay in Paris

”One would almost think oneself in Lhasa,” said Jean-Paul Ribes, leader of the Support Committee of the Tibetan People in France, who was among the thousands massed on the Trocadero square, across the Seine from the Eiffel tower, where the flame began its passage through Paris. “It snowed last night, now the sky is blue — and police are everywhere,” Mr. Ribes said.

As well.....

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/07/wo...e/07torch.html

Protests of China Make Olympic Torch Relay an Obstacle Course

By JOHN F. BURNS
Published: April 7, 2008
LONDON — Shouting “Shame on China!” and waving Tibetan flags, pro-Tibetan demonstrators and others protesting Chinese human rights abuses turned the running of the Olympic torch through the streets here on Sunday into a tumult of scuffles. The police said that one man broke through a tight security cordon and made a failed grab for the torch, and that 35 people were arrested.

-------

One of the protesters who sparred verbally with pro-China groups in Trafalgar Square was David Phillips, a 25-year-old American from Austin, Tex., who said he had worked for six months at the American Embassy in Beijing.

Now working at a travel agency in London, Mr. Phillips said he had witnessed human rights abuses in China. “There are serious human rights violations going on, and you can’t ignore that,” he said. “And this is an appropriate place for us to voice our feelings.”

[Vanessa White]

It is a totally different world, when the Olympic torch is having to fight to stay lit. It is encouraging that so many people, from all over the world, are speaking up about this. I am very interested to see what happens in San Francisco when the torch arrives on Wednesday. I am sure it will not be a quiet arrival by any means....

[TigerXero]

Originally Posted by Daniel

Is that because the issuse of this thread is 'over there' and nothing anyone here- seeminly- can do anything about? 'They' are Buddhist's while most of the participants of this forum - 'us'- are gay Christian and fighting for our own dream in our neck of the woods?

Daniel! *raises hand at identification of being gay and currently studying and showing interest in apply the teachings of Buddhism and Taoism (Zen Buddhism?) to his life* ...

AND I'm involved with a group called AWAKE (A Global Movement of Awakening Youth... an outgrowth a the work of her Holiness Sai Maa) who just kicked off their movement yesterday. I'm part of the Nashville group, and we're going to be doing, aside from our own spiritual and mediative growth, community service type work, one of the first things of which we decided would be consciousness raising about the happenings in Tibet in our city.

So, I'm still involved with two groups on campus that do work for the gay community, so... I guess I'm a gay [aspiring] Zen Buddhist who is in the process of working for the gay community and the Tibetans.

As for Tibet, let me post some things that YOU can do right from your computer...

Take Action for Tibet!

Tibet, the rooftop of the world, the home of Chomolungma (Mt. Everest), may soon have its people, their culture and their religion crushed is we do not act now. On our trail to justice in Tibet, every small step is important in reaching the summit. How far you are willing or able to climb is up to you. Here are some suggestions for how you can help:

Easy Climb:

Sign a petition to boycott the Olympic Games unless China changes its policy on Tibet: www.racefortibet.org. Forward it.

Visit Students for a Free Tibet at www.studentsforafreetibet.org where you can quickly send form letters to members of Congress and the Olympic Committee to demand the Olympic Torch not pass through Tibet and more.

Put a "Save Tibet" or "Race for Tibet" bumper sticker on your car. This helps put a personal touch on the publicity for Tibet and will continue to help raise the consciousness of people on the Tibetan issue, even if the media attention fades.

Make a friend request to the Myspace profile "One Human Race ~ Justice" www.myspace.com/onehumanracejustice and read and forward bulletins with information on current developments and action steps.

Make a smal donation of $10 to Giving Justice, a local project helping Tibetan rejugees in India. 100% of donations go directly to the people who need it, and no adminitative fees are deducted. Contact Ngawang Losel, (615) 478-5090 or ngawangser@yahoo.com

March 31 is Global Day of Action for Tibet. Visit the link for action steps: www.tibetnetwork.org/march31

Moderate Climb:

Join and become an active memeber of International Campaign for Tibet and forward e-mails to your contacts to urge them to become involved in action steps such as signing petitions, etc. Individual membership is $35. www.savetibet.org

Write a short, informed personal letter to your representatives in D.C. urging them to call for China to use restraint in its dealing with Tibet and to open a dialogue with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Demand that people are no longer imprisoned for possessing a photo of the Dalai Lama or the Tibetan flag, for singing Tibetan freedom songs, or shouting "Free Tibet." Write to President Bush as well. For Congressional contact information: www.visi.com/juan/congress

Sponsor a child at a Tibetan Refugee School through Tibetan Children's Villages for $30 a month. You can also make a one-time donation for much-needed supplies or send warm clothing for children and adults. www.tcv.org.in/home.shtml

Read, read, read about Tibet and the current situation. Be able to speak about it in an informed, reasonale but passionate manner to people. Open a formal discsion about Tibet with groups in which you are involved.

Strenuous Climb:

Write Op Ed letters to local, reional, national and international press to continue to keep this issue in the public eye and to voice your personal opinion on China's actions in Tibet.

Devote your time, talents, and energy to activist organizations such as One Human Race ~ Justice, International Campaign for Tibet, Students For a Free Tibet or others.

Set up a Tibet information table at public events. Order or create and distribute materials such as brochures, bumper stickers, etc. to help educate people and further their interest and action on the Tibetan situation.

Loop Trail - - Gobal Human Rights:

Amnesty International: www.amnesty.org
Action for Human Rights. Hope for Humanity.
Nashville local chapter's blog: http://aiusa149.blogspot.com

Human Rights Watch: www.hrw.org
Defending Human Rights Worldwide

Talking points about Tibet:

• The situation in Tibet is urgent. Although a small group of government-escorted journalists were allowed in Lhasa in the last few days, all other journalists and tourtists have been expelled from Tibet, thousands of Chinese troops have been sent in, and communication lines cut. Chinese reports on casualities and arrests are suspect. On Thursday, monks in Jokhang Temple forced through security lines to tell journalists: "The cadres and the army killed more than 100 Tibetans. They arrested more than a thousand." They cried, "Tibetans have no freedom," and "Tibet is not Free, Tibet is not Free!" They shared this information at serious risk to their lives, and now there are fears for their welfare and their whereabouts.

• Tibetans are not allowed to speak or worship freely. Monks, nuns and school children are routinely forced to publicly denounce their exiled spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama. His photo, as well as the Tibetan flad, are illegal in Tibet and possessing oneocan lead to imprisonment and even torture.

• Tibetan prisoners of conscience (those imprisoned merely for their beliefs) face brutal torture. Many monks and nuns have endured more than a decade in prison merely for holding fast to their religious beliefs and refusing to denounce His Holiness. Documented frequently-used techniques include electric cattle prods to mouths and genitals, starvation, sleep deprivation, solutary confinement, aerial suspension and beating with metal rods. In additional, Tibetan women are routinely forced to undergo sterilization procedures (as are some women in China).

• Beijing's hosting of the Olympic Games is recognized as the most global opportunity for addressing the long-standing oppression of Tibetans by the Chinese government. The protests on and around March 10, 2008 have been the largest scale since the Tibetan Uprising Day in 1959.

• Tibet was a distinct nation for hundreds of years prior to the Chinese invasion in 1950. It had its own unique culture, language and religion, and its political leaders signed treaties with other nations. Due to a government policy encouraging migration to Tibet, Han Chinese now outnumber Tibetans in many areas. Tibetans are often treated as second-class citizens in their own land.

And YES... I did type all that. *fingers die*

[Daniel]

Well.....Otter- Zero....what a take charge post! Wow! When I read it, the first thing that popped into my head was the phrase from the old standard by Gershwin: "Who could ask for anything more?"

You've done yeoman's duty in gathering and posting all this information and stuff to 'do'. Really stuff.

Thank you so much for your effort and commitment- and inspiration! And I encourage members here to take the climb in effecting change for the Tibetan people- who are in sore need of help.

~

I've been blessed to sit with the DL three time: the first time at a sunrise meditation in Central Park- where I sat not more than 50 feet from him. He rubbed his eyes like a kid at the end and waved and laughed as he always does- a laugh of joy and warmth.

Second time during a series of teaching, and then the third time- again in Central Park. Each time, I have been struck by the man's compassion and warmth.

Namaste!

Daniel