Our hearts just now are with the Tibetan people, pushed to the breaking point by escalating repression in their homeland by the Communist Chinese occupiers. So long they have wanted the simple dignity of self-determination and religious freedom. So long the Communist Chinese have arrogantly insulted their culture. Reports are now coming in that Chinese police have fired on protesting crowds in Lhasa, killing some.
The Chinese know that the world is watching closely this time. We pray that they may, for once, exhibit restraint and empathy. We hope they understand that the deep symbolism of hosting the international community for the Olympic Games means respecting basic human rights.
The world is watching closely.
There is good round-up coverage at the Tricycle blog.
You can also stay up-to-date at the International Campaign for Tibet's site.
UPDATE: There, someone had to say it. Thank you, Richard Gere.
(image snatched from The Worst Horse)
violence just begets violence. Prayers for peace
Posted by: sisLaura | March 14, 2008 at 07:07 PM
I have missed this site!
I was sorry to hear about the news in Tibet. I don't pretend to have much knowledge about the history and the details, but it doesn't take a genius to surmise that it's a bad situation.
Interestingly, this year, I've had two students from Myanmar, one from Thailand, and one from Cambodia. They don't know enough English yet to tell me about what brought them here, but I am curious about what their stories are. A couple of clues are that the boy from Thailand speaks Thai and Kirin, and I'm pretty sure that all or most of the four are Buddhist. What they may have faced in their homelands is a complete mystery to me.
Anyway -- good to be back. It seems your Australian trip was amazing. Have you been following the US elections at all from your locale, or is that TMI for me to ask?
Posted by: Sarabaite | March 16, 2008 at 12:25 AM