Rebecca Novick presents a fascinating story of a young Chinese american who was recently arrested and detained by Chinese authorities while traveling in Tibet. Here is an excerpt of the article that appeared the the Huffington Post on August 12th, 2008:
Wen was now convinced that the Chinese intelligence was reading her email. Back in Dharamsala, India, she had helped to start an organization called Raise Tibetan Flags Campaign. “We’re trying to promote awareness and dialogue about what’s going on in Tibet by raising Tibetan flags worldwide. I’d been in contact with people in Dharamsala about the campaign. It’s just become a part of the dialogue. After I received this email from Google, I seriously considered going back for the first time. I seriously feared for my safety.
I’ve been working for days now trying to get this new blog and forums installed! Whew! What an incredible time we live in. The tools available to us… wow. At the same time a bit daunting… Doing the best I can here.. I hope it looks good!
Tashi Delek! Welcome! Hello!
We are very excited about our new … well everything! New Project, New Website, New Blog. Its all happening so fast I have to be standing while I type this!
Please be sure to check out our PROJECTS page, where you can read about the full-length documentary film we are producing about Non-Violence and the Tibetan Uprising.
Also we are still completely self funded.. so any DONATION helps out tremendously. What’s 20 bucks?
There is so much to share.. I really hope you will take some time to read some of our Blog. And send us a note too!
We also interviewed Mary Gendler, who has been doing non-violent training here in India with the Tibetans for over 15 years! She was also close with the King family and involved with the March on Selma.
A few nights ago we did an audio-only interview with 6 ex-political prisoners - Tibetan Monks that had all been tortured and imprisoned by the Chinese Government. They did not want their faces to be shown for fear that the Chinese Governement will persecute their families back in occupied Tibet.
In addition we have been befriended by a wonderful couple here - Ronny and Rebecca Novick. Rebecca works for KPFK radio in Los Angeles, and Ronny does video documentary work. They have a fantastic website: http://thetibetconnection.org
Together with Ronny and Rebecca we are going to create a website “tibetin49seconds.org” where we will have a youtube video contest for people to submit their 49 second videos on the subject of Tibet. Stay tuned on that one…
I’m excited to start the editing process. We are starting to review some of our tapes while here…. its been such a whirlwind!
We are planning a couple of screenings here this week, one at KhanaNirvana Cafe, to share some of the footage from San Francisco - I think the Tibetans will get a kick out of seeing the thousands of protesters in SF as well as hearing the inspirational words of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. (see video below)
Anyhow that’s the update… We are still planning more interviews and some trips to some monasteries… stay tuned!
Tom
here’s is a video of Desmond Tutu speaking on April 8th in SF. By SazzyV (My footage is in the process of being transcoded!)
(For further updates, I’ve set up a mailing list. Please visit this page: sepeblog.com/free-tibet/ to sign up.)
Just a quick update to let you know that I have arrived safely and without hassle in McLeod Gange, the small town above Dharamsala, India this morning!
WOW.
Hard to believe that a couple weeks ago I was asking for assitance, and now the help of my community has sent me to the heart of the Tibetan exile community. Its thrilling and unbelieveable!
Andrea and I just had a fantastic brainstorming lunch and are developing and clarifying our vision for the project.
Before leaving I was able to get some great footage of the Olympic Torch Protests in SF, as well as the Tibetan Fredom Torch Candle light Vigil where Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Richard Gere as well as many other incredible people spoke… not to mention the GG bridge action and the March To Tibet event in SF at 1015 Folsom. I’ve also already done about 10 interviews before I even got here! Its amazing how this is all unfolding! Big shoutout to Heather Hill for assisting with filming and for Caylee Sitz for rockstar support.
I’ve posted a couple things on my youtube page:
Laurel Sutherlin Speaks @ 1015
Karsh Kale Interview with Wasfia Nazreen
So again I send my thanks! YOU are all making this possible and I encourage all of you to find out more about the Tibetan’s situation, to spread the word, and to take actions of solidarity so that this non-violent movement for freedom can suceed. For the sake of the Tibetan’s and for the sake of all people who care about peace and justice.
On April 5th, the students here, (some born here, some in exile) lead the entire community in an all night prayer and candle light vigil. They were joined by their teachers, family, and many of the monastic community. It was a beautiful and touching event. They filled the streets wrapping around the blocks several times. I was deeply moved by such a genuine call for non-violence, peace, and freedom. Many of them have family that are currently living in Chinese occupied Tibet. Many of their family are currently imprisoned, missing or dead.
After the march, they moved into the temple, filled its hall, and sang the Tibetan national anthem.
The words to the (illegal to be sung in Chinese occupied Tibet), anthem are these;
Tibetan National Anthem
Let the radiant light shine of Buddha’s wish-fulfilling gem teachings,
the treasure mine of all hopes for happiness and benefit
in both worldly life and liberation.
O Protectors who hold the jewel of the teachings and all beings,
nourishing them greatly,
may the sum of your virtuous deeds grow full.
Firmly enduring in a diamond-hard state, guard all directions with
Compassion and love.
Above our heads may divinely appointed rule abide
endowed with a hundred benefits and let the power increase
of four fold auspiciousness,
May a new golden age of happiness and bliss spread
throughout the three provinces of Tibet
and the glory expand of religious-secular rule.
By the spread of Buddha’s teachings in the ten directions,
may everyone throughout the world
enjoy the glories of happiness and peace.
In the battle against dark negative forces
may the auspicious sunshine of the teachings and beings of
Tibet and the brilliance of a myriad radiant prosperitys
be ever triumphant.
I am really excited about the events going on in San Francisco. Right now, many of you are heading out to rally in around freedom for Tibet, and Tibetans. Its all very exciting, tragic, and beautiful to see the world uniting for basic humanity. I hope this video gives inspiration to you, as you have given inspiration to the community here.
I writing to you to ask for your assistance. I am going to Dharamsala to collaborate with Andrea Vecchione, on a video documentary of recent events involving the Tibetan struggle for independence. Our goal is to document current events as they unfold by connecting with first-person accounts. Andrea is already there laying the groundwork. I am hoping to leave as soon as possible. I am standing up in solidarity with the people of Tibet against the cultural genocide enacted by the Chinese Government.
I have received partial funding to travel to India, however I am in need of funds for equipment and expenses. Therefore I am calling out to my community, to raise about $2000 for a prosumer HDDV camera, extra batteries, etc as well as part of my plane ticket.
Any Donation will assist in this endeavor. Every bit counts and will add up in the end. What’s 20 bucks?
Please, if you are able to assist me, the cause of the Tibetan people, and the struggle for truth and peace worldwide, know that my work is in service to this. Contributions can be sent to me via PayPal: thomas@tomsepe.com or by check and snailmail:
Thomas Sepe
430 Ashland St
Ashland, Or 97520
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