Van Thanh Rudd's painting

Van Thanh Rudd (Kevin Rudd's nephew) has produced a political art piece (above, beside him)that I think is fabulous. It depicts Ronald McDonald happily running with the Olympic Torch beside a burning monk. Unfortunately, it has been banned from the art exhibition which it was created for.

"He said the work reflects his belief that the global economy is a hurdle to dealing with human rights abuses, including those in Tibet."

I think he has conveyed his message powerfully and I agree with him.

You can read the relevant article here.

Should Free Tibet be quiet because of the earthquake?

NEWS.com.au: 'Tibetan Olympics begin in India'

"A MOCK "Olympics" organised by Tibetan exiles kicked off in northern India today despite calls to halt anti-China protests as a mark of respect for earthquake victims."

"The world goes to Beijing for the Olympics Games, but we have nowhere to go - and so we must demonstrate we the Tibetan people are also alive,'' games director Lobsang Wangyal said."

"Catherine Schuetze, an Australian acting as volunteer book-keeper for the "Tibetan Olympics'' said lack of money was threatening the event in Dharamshala, home to the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.

Mr Wangyal said he did not have enough cash to hand out $US8000 ($A8300) in promised prize money. "I've got just 40,000 rupees ($A1000) and total expenses are expected to be well over two million rupees,'' Mr Wangyal said.

The Dalai Lama's exiled Tibetan administration in Dharamshala has turned its back on the event, which it views as insulting to China and likely to damage the prospects of future talks."

"But the influential Tibetan Youth Congress, which largely ignores the Dalai Lama's appeals for moderation, threw its weight behind the alternative games."

What do you reckon? Should these Tibetans drop their plan for a "Tibetan Olympics" because of the tragic earthquake (and severe aftershocks) that has rocked China? If they do not highlight their cause now, then when? Would people listen then?

I think the Beijing Olympics has created a rare platform for Tibet to air its grievances and actually have the world pay attention. The Chinese earthquake and the high number of casualties are devastating and there is a need to respect the victims. However, Tibetans have gone through devastating injustices for an extended period of time. While I do not wish to equate the two forms of suffering, I support what the advocates of Free Tibet are doing to continue to highlight its cause because it is crucial to do so now. The Chinese victims need to be helped and respected, but the Tibetans deserve to be heard and respected too.

By the way, if you're a little confused by the Dalai Lama's administration's disapproval of the political move and the Tibetan Youth Congress' support, the latter has been vocal about "Free Tibet" and advocates the independence of Tibet, while the Dalai Lama has been significantly less political and more interested in having talks, creating a "Middle Way", and creating a sense of peace in Tibet. (He's more zen, if you will.)

What is legal may not be what is right

CNN Report (29 April): '17 sentenced for alleged roles in Tibet riots'

- China has sentenced 17 people to jail terms ranging from three years to life, for their alleged roles in the Tibet riots.

- " "Monks have been taught legal knowledge in recent days and the monastery has resumed normal religious activities," Tenzin Namgyal, deputy director of the Tibet Autonomous Regional Ethnic and Religious Affairs Committee, was quoted as saying.
Other monasteries that were closed will be reopened soon, he said."

- "Chinese authorities have increased patriotic education classes that require monks to make ritual denunciations of the exiled Tibetan Buddhist leader Dalai Lama, accept the Chinese-appointed Panchen Lama, and pledge allegiance to Beijing."

I wonder what the exact charges laid against the people sentenced to life were. I also wonder if all the people sentenced were Tibetans, or if there were any Hans Chinese prosecuted. Were the Hans Chinese completely innocent during the violent riots? Were there no retaliation or violent acts on their part? We don't really know, because the Chinese state media has made it out that all the injured and killed were Hans, and the Tibetans, masterminded by the 'evil' Dalai Lama, were the violent barbaric perpetrators. How true was that?

While resuming talks with representatives of the Dalai Lama, the Chinese government conducts 'patriotic' education classes for monks in the Tibetan Autonomous Region that REQUIRES them to denounce their leader, the Dalai Lama. So-called legal education. It may be legal, but is it right?

Is this what China calls autonomy for Tibet?

Anti-China Drama at the Olympic Torch Relay

BBC Report (6 April): 'Torch Carries Tibet Debate to UK'

- Protests in London disrupts the relay as the Olympic Torch passes through London en route to the Beijing Olympics. There are 2 groups, the anti-China group protesting against the human right violations in Tibet and the pro-China protestors claiming that the Western media has been twisting the facts. More attention is now cast upon the Tibetan issue.

(Note: This increased publicity is probably due to the fact that many 'Free Tibet' organisations are based in London. But increased awareness on Tibet is great regardless.)

CNN Report (7 April): 'Olympic Torch Extinguished During Paris Leg'

- Continued protests as the Olympic Torch goes through Paris.

(Note: There are rumours that French President Sarkozy is boycotting the Olympics opening ceremony unless certain conditions are met by China with regards to Tibet. But his office has not confirmed this.)

CNN Report (7 April): 'IOC president "very concerned" about Tibet'

- International Olympic Committee head Jacques Rogge expresses concern over Tibet but continues to downplay talk of boycotting the Olympics.

News Updates on continued unrest over Tibet

CNN Report (1 April): 'Clashes Reported in Tibetan Region'

- New violence has broken out in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, with police opening fire on Buddhist monks and lay people to control protests

CNN Report (1 April): 'Nepali Police Arrest Dozens of Tibetans'

- Nepali police arrest Tibetan protestors outside the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu.
-Nepal exercises tight control over anti-Chinese activities on its soil and may be using excessive force.

MSNBC Report (3 April): 'China Jails Outspoken Activist Over Tibet News'

- An outspoken Chinese dissident, Hu Jia, has been jailed after a brief trial over his remarks about Tibet and other sensitive topics. He is an advocate for rural HIV/AIDS sufferers, democratic rights, religious freedom and self-determination for Tibet.

- The United States condemns the sentencing.

Athletes speak out

'India Football Captain Won't Carry Games Torch'

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/SPORT/04/01/india.soccer.tibet.ap/index.html#cnnSTCText

A Chinese dissident writes

'Olympics a Political Turning Point'

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23414977-5007146,00.html

Read the opinion piece by Wei Jingsheng, a prominent Chinese dissident in the democracy movement, who is currently living in exile in Washington. He writes about the need for the Olympic and international community to exert pressure on China for its human rights violations in Tibet during this crucial time. I think his views are worth your time.

Tiananmen Square

'Olympic Torch re-lit in Tiananmen Square'

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/31/olympics.torch.ap/index.html

I'm not sure how many people are aware of the Tiananmen Square Massacre in 1989, but the news article above inspired me to write briefly about the issue. In 19 years, China's attitude towards political activism and calls for democratic reforms has not changed. If the government can do what it did to its Chinese students calling for democracy, what makes us think it will show restraint when it comes to Tibetans calling for independence?

Hu Yaobang was the Secretary General of the Communist Party of China and a very prominent reformer. He spoke out against the excesses of 'Maoism', was in favour of Tibetan autonomy, and partial towards China's liberal intelligentsia. Deng Xiaoping removed Hu from his post in 1987, main reason being Hu's diversion from the CPC's political principles. Hu died of a heart attack on 15 April 1989. Public mourning followed. In Beijing, this was concentrated on the Monument to the People's Heros in Tiananmen Square.

This gathering became an opportunity for the people (mostly students) to express anger against perceived nepotism and corruption in the government, and to demand democratic reforms. Protests started small in April, with a mass sit-in and demands to see government leaders. They then gained momentum when news of confrontation between protestors and students, and the media's contortion of the nature of the protests spread. People from all walks of life joined in. Students called for a strike in universities.

On May 4, around 100,000 students and workers marched in Beijing demanding a dialogue between the government and student-elected representatatives. Government refused On May 13, hundreds of students started a hunger strike for a week. The public began to realize the students were serious about their demands and public support grew.

After several failed attempts to dismiss the peaceful protestors, the government began an assault on the night of June 3, sending military tanks and armed troops who began shooting and beating up students. Soldiers were indiscriminately shooting at hundreds of unarmed protestors, even hurting nearby residents who were not involved in the protests. By the morning of June 4, hundreds of civilians had been killed, many more injured, and the Square was 'cleared'. The protests had been 'effectively' dealt with by the Chinese government. The exact number of casualties is unclear as the government never released official numbers or even a list of the deceased.

This massacre may have been hushed up if not for the presence of Western media that had been invited to cover the visit of Soviet leader, Mikhail Gorbachev, in May. There eventually was a clampdown on the media, with the government shutting down satellite transmissions and even arresting foreign journalists.

So there it is. My quick summary of the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989. An example of how the Chinese communist government deals with dissent, and its blatant disregard for human rights. Now try and imagine how the protesting Tibetan monks and nuns are being dealt with right now.

Wiki entry on Tiananmen Square protests 1989

BBC summary of the massacre on June 4

The Middle Way?

'Dalai Lama pleads for peaceful dialogue on Tibet'

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/28/china.tibet/index.html

Hmm... the Dalai Lama advocates his 'Middle Way' policy again, asking for 'meaningful self-rule' for Tibet while remaining a part of China. He said that protestors are seeking that, and not independence.

I disagree. The way protests seem to be going, protestors are very anti-Chinese government and I think the last thing they want is to be under continued Chinese control. Also, I doubt the Chinese government would be able to give Tibet reasonable autonomy. The Chinese political system is not conducive to decentralised power. The Communist Party needs maximum control to maintain the authoritarian regime, especially when it comes to a massive region of a different ethnicity and religion.

I understand that the Dalai Lama is a religious leader above all else and his priority is to advocate peace, which is great. However, this peace needs to be long-term, not just a temporary calm before a storm.

'Call for Olympic Boycott rejected'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7319147.stm

Protests in Canberra & Tibetan monks disrupt international media tour

'Tibet Protestor Runs at Chinese Embassy'

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23445647-29277,00.html

A TIBETAN protester jumped a plastic barrier and ran towards the Chinese embassy in Canberra during a demonstration today against human rights abuses in his homeland.

'Activists fear for Tibetan monks who protested at media tour'

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/27/tibet.china.ap/index.html#cnnSTCText

A group of Tibetan monks disrupted a government-controlled media briefing for foreign journalists at the Jokhang Temple with an emotional outburst of grievances against the Chinese government. The outburst lasted 15 minutes before government officials abruptly ended the session and told journalists it was "time to go".

Activists now fear a government backlash against these monks.

Bush's Response to China

'Bush phones China's president about Tibet protestors'

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/26/bush.tibet/index.html

Bush expressed concerns but said no to boycotting the Olympics. The only world leader open to the option of boycotting the Olympics is French President Sarkozy. The call from the pro-Tibet movement to boycott the Olympics seem to have been miscontrued. I read in a recent article that protestors merely want countries to boycott the opening ceremony to make a strong statement, not the entire summer Olympics. But I could be wrong on this point.

Anyway, if you are reading this blog, I would love to know what you think about the Tibet/China issue. Leave a comment, or drop me an email if you like. Pro-China? Pro-Tibet? Pro-apathy? Let me know. And if it is not obvious enough, I am 110% pro-Tibet and a strong believer in human rights.

'China lets foreign journalists visit Tibet'

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/26/china.tibet.ap/index.html?iref=newssearch

A note on Tibetan Buddhism

'Protestors disrupt Olympic torch ceremony: Tibetan woman covered in fake blood, 3 French nationals interrupt event.'

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23774375/

I think more protests can be expected from now to the end of the Olympics. Hopefully the world will take notice AND remember Tibet, before the Tibetan cause drops off the radar after the Olympics.

This is not a mere issue of politics, nor is it too complicated for the layman. The Tibetan issue is a consistent violation of the Tibetans' human rights over five decades. Tibetans are being oppressed, deprived of resources and treated as second-class citizens in their own homeland.

Buddhism has become the religion, culture and way of life for many Tibetans, and is very important to them. Yet, China has no intention of respecting that, or the people's right to choose and organize their own religion. The Tibetans believe in reincarnation, particularly, the reincarnation of Bodhisattva Chenrizi (hence the Dalai Lamas), and the reincarnation of Amitabha (the Panchen Lamas). Panchen Lama means "Great Scholar" and is "a reincarnate lineage of Gelugpa Buddhist teachers, Tulku".

After the current Dalai Lama recognized a six-year-old boy as the 11th Panchen Lama in 1995, the boy and his family were detained by the Chinese at an undisclosed location, making him the youngest political prisoner in the world. He has been missing since. After abducting him, the atheist Chinese government then chose a young Tibetan and declared him the true reincarnation of the tenth Panchen Lama. The Chinese also has intentions of picking the next Dalai Lama after the current one passes on. For an anti-religious government, they sure have a lot of opinions on who is the real Bodhisattva reincarnate.

Beijing Olympic Torch Lit

'Beijing Olympic Torch Lit'

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23425757-2,00.html

Three protestors who are believed to be part of the international human rights group Reporters Without Borders managed a quick disruption of China organising committee chief Liu Qi's speech in Greece by grabbing the microphone and unfurling a banner reading "Boycott the country that tramples on human rights".

"The Olympic flame will radiate light and happiness, peace and friendship, and hope and dreams to the people of China and the whole world," Liu Qi said in his speech.

I bet the disruption was way more interesting than Liu's speech, which was just weak propaganda not worth the world's time.

China blames everyone else for Tibetan unrest

'China blasts Dalai Lama, U.S. House Speaker over Tibet'

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/23/tibet.china.ap/index.html

China accuses Dalai Lama, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, of trying to harm China's image ahead of the Olympics. The fact is, the Dalai Lama has done no such thing. He advocates the 'Middle Way' policy, which aims not for independence, but for Tibetan autonomy.

(This is different from what most of the protestors want, which is Tibetan independence. Tibet was never part of China, despite what Chinese history books attempt to teach its people. Since 1951, Tibet has been illegally occupied by China.)

Besides, what image?! China has always had an outrageous human rights record. Seriously, get real.

China has also consistently presented lies about the situation. It has under-reported the number of casualties, the severity of the riots, and recently claims that the region is under control and stability has returned to the areas. At the same time, the Chinese authorities are banning foreign media from the region, AND using their national media to publish propagandist material. (Check out the link below.)

By the way, one of Thailand's six Olympic torchbearers, Narisa Chakrabongse, withdrew as a protest against China's actions. He wants "to send a strong message to China that the world community could not accept its actions." I am grateful for his withdrawal.

'China puts out its Tibet version'

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/23/china.tibet.ap/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

China hunts down anti-government protestors

'Manhunt for Tibet Ringleaders'

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23721220/

- A Most Wanted List of 21 anti-China protestors has been issued and there is an intensified manhunt for these protestors.

- Thousands of Chinese troops enter west China to contain unrest.

- China accuses Dalai Lama of orchestrating violence in the Tibetan region. (Not True.)

- Casualty numbers are unclear because China keeps tight control over information. The numbers provided by the Chinese media are often gross understatements.

- Protests in Lhasa (Tibet) spark sympathy demonstrations in neighbouring provinces.

"Moving from town to town, police set up blockades and checkpoints to keep Tibetans in and journalists out. The mobilization helped authorities reassert control after protests flared in Sichuan, Qinghai and Gansu provinces."

'Desperate Devotion:
As the Tibetan crisis continues, Buddhist monks in neighboring areas are resorting to extreme measures. An on-scene report from a monastery town.'

http://www.newsweek.com/id/124512

The above article may help you to see the issue from the perspective of people actually living in the region, and to see the current situation beyond just riots. Protests are turning violent and extreme because the situation that these people have to live in is awful.

Nancy Pelosi Speaks Up for Tibet

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/03/21/tibet.dalai.lama/index.html

Nancy Pelosi, U.S. House Speaker, calls on nations to protest China's hold on Tibet.

Finally, someone in government said something MORE than just "show restraint" about China's crackdown on Tibet.

"If freedom-loving people throughout the world do not speak out against China's oppression in China and Tibet, we have lost all moral authority to speak on behalf of human rights anywhere in the world," Pelosi told reporters.

"The situation in Tibet is a challenge to the conscience of the world."

Her statements are her personal opinion and do not reflect U.S. policy. However, I respect her for speaking out against China's oppressive treatment of the Tibetans. She is right. What China is doing is an outright violation of human rights, and if we value freedom and human rights at all, we need to speak out.

Somebody actually needs to care about what's happening.

Tibet Update

'Dalai Lama holds talks with radical Tibetan exiles'
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/03/19/2194749.htm?section=justin

- The Dalai Lama is facing challenges as the leader of the exile movement with stronger calls from the Tibetan Youth Congress for independence, instead of the Dalai Lama's 'Middle Way' policy which simply calls for greater autonomy from China for the region.

- Foreign journalists have been blocked by the Chinese authorities from reporting on the current Tibetan unrest, and some have been threatened. There is little regard for press freedom.

- The Chinese authorities state that the initial plan for the Olympic torch to pass through Tibet will go ahead.

- Protests against Chinese rule and oppression continue.


'Resentment runs deep in Tibet'
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/03/19/2193763.htm?section=world

Speak, you have a voice!

"Be still when you have nothing to say; when genuine passion moves you, say what you've got to say, and say it hot." -- D.H. Lawrence (1885-1930)

It is shameful to be an intelligent human being and yet allow cynicism and apathy to keep one from making a difference. I've heard many sit back and mock, but seen few stand up and speak. But I believe with all my heart that we are able to do so much more for this world we live in, for the poor and needy, for the oppressed and muted. Social injustice cannot and should not be accepted with a mere shrug because they happen to real people. They are not just words on paper.

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Luke 6:31

Do not expect your governments to take action against horrific injustices in the world like genocides, torture and civil wars if you are not willing to do anything more than sitting in front of the tv and shake your ill-used head. Governments have to protect national interests, even if it means sitting on the fence with extreme diplomacy while the field is drenched with blood. But things can change if we speak up and demand action. If we open our eyes and ears and actually find out what is happening all over the world and be aware. Democratic governments are supposed to be representatives of the people. So if the people are united in pushing for a course of action, I believe governments will have to act.

So please, do not be ignorant of current affairs. Read up, find out, and do something! We seriously cannot afford to do nothing again. History is filled with the bloody shame of humans doing nothing in the face of great evil.

Right now, you have the chance to find out what is happening in Tibet and find out if there is something you can do. This is not a new issue. China has been illegally occupying Tibet since 1950. Tibet is a region with its own unique cultural identity, religion and ethnicity. But China has been conducting an insidious cultural genocide by moving large numbers of low-income Chinese into the region in an attempt to make the indigenous Tibetans a weak minority. The Tibetans have been denied equal rights and opportunities, had their resources exploited by the Chinese and treated as second class people in their own homeland. There has also been massacres and outrageous violations of human rights before. Moreover, because of the highly censored Chinese media, the information we get about casualties and the situation from China are deceptive.

Because of the impending Olympics, all eyes are on China. Use this chance to champion the Tibetan cause. Please. Ideas, words and people do have the power to effect change.

'Detained pro-Tibet protesters at risk of torture'

'Free Tibet' Protests

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23655386/

Massacre of protesters and cultural genocide in Tibet.

Please read. People need to understand the Tibetan issue and know what China is doing in Tibet. Nations need to speak up against this injustice before we have another Rwandan or Khmer Rouge genocide on our hands.