However one really only needs to look at the facts to see that there is a serious problem inside Tibet. One only needs to listen to the voices of those that are wrongly imprisoned and tortured, to know that there are Human Rights abuses taking place. One only needs to hear the cry on one son or daughter that has no idea where their family is and is terrified to even place a phone call for fear that the Chinese government will harass or persecute their family, to know that there is a system of fear and intimidation at work. One needs only to know that over 1000 Buddhist monks - have dissapeared from their monasteries in the last couple months to know that the Chinese are squashing freedom of religion and freedom of speech. One need only accept that the totalitarian Chinese government is not a democracy to understand the seriousness of the situation and the massive amount of propaganda that has been spread across the globe. One need only look at the fact that Tibet is rich in natural resources (including coal and uranium) and is a major source of water for China to understand why the Chinese government would be working so desperately to maintain Tibet as a part of China. And finally, one need only listen to the Dalai Lama and read the Chinese constitution to understand that there is a mutally agreeable solution to provide for Minority Autonomy, yet the Chinese government has refused to execute or uphold its own constitution.

The Tibetan government and leadership are not even asking to be separate - they merely want the freedom to practice their religion, speak their language, and not be tortured and wrongly imprisoned - Basic Human Rights.

And that is what is really at stake here for the world. That and challenging the underlying assumption that “Might Makes Right” The Tibetans are not waging a war - they are not amassing weapons or engaging in suicide bombings or guerrilla operations. There has been some violence, yes, but it has been the exception, and the Chinese response has been brutal to even peaceful protests. Are we, as civilized human beings, going to continue to resolve our conflicts with violence and war and oppression?

The Tibetan people are at the end of their rope. its been 50 years… people have lost family members, their homes, their monasteries, been forced to accept and teach Han Chinese culture, they have endured so much it is, in my opinion, completely understandable that some would respond with violence. But it is the exception. Overall the Tibetans have promoted a peaceful non-violent mutually agreeable solution… so why does China continue to deny that outcome?

Since there have tons of pro-Tibetan or anti-China reports ciculatiing like this one in the West, i assume I don’t need to add to it. So, I am taking the chance to offer my thoughts just on “Do the research”. I have been asking people seriously interested on the Tibetan controversy: Do you have the basic tools (methodology)to do the original academic/impartial research–reading fluecny in both Chinese( both classical and simplified) and Tibetan languages? If not, your “reseach” based on second-hand ot tertiary resources will severely discredited or simply overlooked especially when it comes to the historial part. Have you read the same number of works/articles/documents/chronicals written by both parties? Have you interviewed same number of average people and scholars from both sides? Are you well read about the what Tibet was really like before 1959? Are you conscious enough Chinese culutre and Asian culture in general including Tibetan culure is basically a collectivism oreinted culture that runs remarkably different from the individualism oriented Western culure? I guess i will just stop here as my intention is to just remind people of the other way to look at the matter and encourage them to the real research rather than being credulous of the pop media.

Little by little, slowly slowly, we build a movement, we learn what works and what doesn’t, we get better at creating our world and being part of the solution.

Namaste

Tom Sepe

Thank you for the beautiful offering of your consciousness represented by this piece. I know that each interview and each clip of this was created with your great prayers for peace. May this work amplify the awareness and action being taken globally at this time.

I am honored to share this link and to donate money to Digital Dharma Films.

May all beings be happy! May all beings be free!

In harmony and joy,
Amira Diamond

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_they_came...

As I learn my life lessons, I discover how both action and in-action creates a ripple of some type. I recall a discussion with an aid for (now deceased) Senator Paul Wellstone post regarding my regional organizational efforts on behalf of the April 25, 1993 National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. This aid stated:

- one hand-written short letter to a House or Senate representative receives MORE attention than 1000’s of type-written, printed letters.

- one hand-written short letter receive MORE attention than 100,000’s of emails.

Today, I’ll hand-write a few letters. My message?

“Senator / Representative ______.

What do ethics and happiness have in common?

His Holiness The Dalai Lama in his best-selling book, “Ethics For The New Millennium” gracefully unfolds the connection between living an ethical life and it’s ability to inspire happiness, locally and globally.

The United States must rapidly, compassionately, permanently establish a presence as a shining light for ethical, sustained support of basic human rights locally and globally.

Why?

Supporting basic human rights (an ethical action) naturally inspires happiness. Imagine what might be the byproduct of more happy citizens. More integrity? More hope?

As we gain integrity, we gain the resources required to be of service to all seeking to live a happy, ethical life. From our actions, we demonstrate our call to serve not only Tibetans who’ve endured almost 50 years of active persecution, but serve ANYONE who lacks the ability to enjoy happiness.

I ask you now to join your voice to a song to build a global chorus. The song? Human Rights. The chorus? Our future happiness.”

Namaste
SoulDancer