US interests in 'Free Tibet' movement: it's hard to be an activist.

The recent violence surrounding the Tibetan protest against Chinese rule has taught me a little bit about "news behind news." Although there have been many US citizens who were interested in the welfare and rights of Tibetans for decades, the US has not offered any opinion one way or another towards Chinese government until this past month (as far as I know about Tibet issue). I was thinking why US government proper would be so interested in voicing their opinions this way until I remembered all kinds of news I've been hearing about China.

If you go back for the past year, most news and statements towards China have been Orwellian. China is investing heavily in natural resources in Sudan and has indirect ties with what's happening in Darfur. China is aggravating global warming. China eats babies. China grows horns. China is the devil.

True; most of the news has factual basis (minus the horns and eating babies). China does have horrible human rights record. However, the effect these news and public statements seem to be getting the American populous ready for another war. A preemptive justification for conflict of any type between US and China. Of course, I would sound pretty dumb to imply that US and China are going to war anytime soon. But, it doesn't have to be a physical conflict; the Soviet and US were never really in physical conflict during the cold war. In fact we may actually be in an economic war between China and not even know about it. But I digress.

I feel 'Free Tibet' has become another China-bashing bandwagon for the US media conglomerates (and subsequently the powers that be) to jump on. This is a difficult situation for activists because it is hard to maintain neutrality when a big power is also supporting your cause. From what I've observed from history, wiser and safer (for the people we are helping) course are taken by activists who take the independent, neutral path. Even if the government or the media walks next to us for the moment, we will continue to walk straight until the mission is accomplished.

Tibetan people's rights must be respected.
The government of China, as are all governments including our own, should be held accountable for any human rights violation.
The activists must be vigilant about unsolicited alliances which are often wrought with ulterior motives. We do this not for our ignorant pride, but for the people we work and die for.

With the recent escalation of Tibetan protest against the Chinese government, Dalai Lama spoke against the violence and even threatened to resign from his executive position in Tibetan government-in-exile if Tibetan protesters continue to resort to violence. Initially, I thought it was a prudent thing to say for a buddha to say until I thought that it may have been a political move to separate the goverment-in-exile from being associated with the violence aspect of the protest. If I was a buddha and a leader of people, I would just have said, "please stop fighting" without the negative consequences of not obeying what I believe is The Way. As much as it hurts me to say write this, I think Dalai Lama's spiritual leadership may have been compromised by political needs.

It is better for a parent to console a hurt child then to threaten orphanhood. Tibetan people need Dalai Lama. The world needs Dalai Lama. He may not quit his leadership. He may not threaten his own downtrodden people.

Guys, it's true what they say about surgery. It's not human.

I am going to sleep and getting up earlier and earlier. Like 3:30am this morning. It's back breaking work. I'm sore every day. Please call the whambulance, etc.

But what "they" didn't tell you is this work is as fascinating and worthy as it is hard.

Is all. Gotta go study and preround.

Children cry and laugh.
Snow faces smile ear to ear
Nose runs on red cheeks.