Tibet's troubled transformation

Jackelin Smith — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 14:08:20 GMT

The least you American terrorists could do is go to war with China too!

Tibet's troubled transformation

Momoiro Kakarico, Carlsbad, Ca — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 15:12:36 GMT

I wonder what the writer of this article thinks about Indian casinos and reservations in the US.

Tibet's troubled transformation

Jim Allen, Atlanta GA — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 16:17:00 GMT

Rather than criticize China for its cultural sterilization of Tibet, we need to embrace the socio-economic skills of China and have them take over our war in Iraq.

It would be a lot more cost efficient (literally more "bang for the buck") than our army or Blackwater, and we wouldn't have to worry about other countries complaining about OUR violating the "civil rights" of the Iraqis.

Besides, China needs Iraq's oil even more than we do.

Tibet's troubled transformation

Tom Crane, Cape May, New Jersey — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 18:15:53 GMT

The Tibetans are, well, Tibetan. They are not Chinese. The Chinese in charge of Tibet were not asked by the Tibetans to be in charge of Tibet. Tibet is an occupied country. The Chinese occupy Tibet. These are facts.

Tibet's troubled transformation

Scott, Port Orchard,Wash — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 18:31:33 GMT

please try not to buy things made in china.
show your support for a free Tibet.

Tibet's troubled transformation

Scott, Port Orchard,Wash — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 18:36:11 GMT

SUPPORT A FREE TIBET
DO NOT BUY MADE IN CHINA ITEMS

Tibet's troubled transformation

Suzan Judd, Tempe, Az. — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 18:41:09 GMT

I wish the Chinese had just left them alone. How cowardly to have 'battled' Tibets completely peaceful, contented and faithful people. It was not a battle fairly won. It would have been nice to have a part of the world unchanged over centuries, unblemmished, uncorrupted. They were so happy, now they will be dragged kicking and screaming into the modern age. Like Alaskan natives, it won't be a pleasant transition. Shame on the Chinese.
Suzan Judd

Tibet's troubled transformation

Raj, Chicago, USA — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 18:50:17 GMT

World needs to Boycott china at every level. At the minimum Chinese olympci next year. China has done major atrocities in places such as Tibet, Myanmar(burma), Sudan, Darfur, Ethioplenia and many other countries. IF we do not act now, catastrophic events are likly in next 10-15 years. IT will be energy dependence on middle east times 1000. China will use and abuse everthing possible. China doesn't value humans, animals...Just money and power, Not sure for what? It's crazy country with no values. Boycott China. India is also pre-occupied with economic growth and ignoring it's culture, spiriual belief. India needs to stand up to China and help it's neighbour such as Tibet, Burma,etc...

Tibet's troubled transformation

pat, Tampa, Fl — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 18:56:29 GMT

When is the U.S. going to learn to mind its own business and clean its own back yard before we try to clean others.

Tibet's troubled transformation

Bill, Albany NY — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 19:12:25 GMT

Wow, no comments yet. Guess we really don't want to anger our chinese masters. Tibet is the one of the last stands for freedom in the world, yet we sit by like cowards afraid to stand up along side of them. Guess we really are worried about our slaves in China cutting into our supply of cheap crap.

Tibet's troubled transformation

Mario Rios Pinot NY NY — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 19:14:02 GMT

Maybe Tibet was a part of China and then broke away? Which brings up the question of national self-determination but geopolitics being what it is could China have a weak neighbor that could be used to harass China? In old Tibet there may have been lots of exploitation with the monks sleeping on the backs of the peasants and high infant mortality rates. We all want to spread the benefits of medicine, and mechanization of agriculture no matter how cute backward peasants look.

Tibet's troubled transformation

Bill, Albany NY — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 19:16:27 GMT

never mind the no post comment, the servers are taking a while to catch up. The rest stands though.

Tibet's troubled transformation

Arthur Xu, Ontario, CA — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 19:30:30 GMT

Americans, please mind your own business. And how Chinese government runs their country, that is not your business. I don't understand how you people think you have the right to step into other country, and do what you think is right for their citizens. Just take a look at what you have done to Iraq. I don't think they are having a better life after your military occupancy. Please keep in mind, human need air, water, and food to stay alive, not democracy. The political system that fits you may not work for others.

Tibet's troubled transformation

J. R. Pacicca — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 19:32:38 GMT

The Chinese government should learn to govern their millions before tampering with peace, tradition and spirituality. A lesson in any kind of diplomacy would be helpful. It is not surprising that this giant would try to devour Tibet. We are talking about the government whose standard of commerce tripped into poisoning our pets, children, and , let's see...everyone in the USA!

Tibet's troubled transformation

Kenneth Kitch — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 19:54:18 GMT

It's just too common for Westerners to criticize before they even know what they are criticizing. Have you been to Tibet, I will assume that to be a 'NO', and where have you read the info from? Oh, from some anti-chinese websites or papers? Please make up your mind before criticizing others. That's the least you can do to respect yourselves and others. Just look at what you have done to Iraq, Afghanistan and all other Asian countries... Again, please dont your standards upon others!!! Go back and read thru the Chinese history texts and leave everyone else alone!

Tibet's troubled transformation

JC, DC — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 20:12:46 GMT

Once again a lot of ignorant here don’t know their fact. Can some of these Richard Gere followers tell me since when Tibet is a sovereign country. Know your history first before you talk. Tibet has been part of China for centuries.

The United States slaughtered thousands of native Indians and occupied their land is now lecturing China about Tibet? Give me a break.

Tibet's troubled transformation

Ithacacfalls — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 20:27:57 GMT

What will happen if invading Europians left local Indian people and culture well reserved and untouched? Chinese dealt with Tebetains in only a much more civilized way.

Tibet's troubled transformation

Lee Lou — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 20:41:16 GMT

I enjoy watching political games played at world stage and always wondering what now? I am so amazed that we never get tired of these games particularly when it involves religion.

Tibet's troubled transformation

Larry McCumber, Jacksonville, FLorida — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 21:13:09 GMT

To hell with China and what they think. When did we go from being a world power to a "world wimp"? We need to quit worrying so much about what China (or anyone else for that matter) thinks of us. They certainly don't care what we think of them. Good for Bush (finally) to do something right.

Tibet's troubled transformation

Paul Kormal — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 21:40:36 GMT

Tibet. Armenia genocide. The West is pretty good at critizing others. Will Congress pass a law declaring kill Native Indians was genocide? Will Belgium pass a law making it illegal to deny that it committed genocide during its brutal rule over the Congo when the population declined by over 6 million? I think we know the answer to that question.

The issue for the Dalai Lama is simple. In another 20 years, the average Tibetan will have a standard of living about equal to that of the average person in Greece. Meanwhile the average person in neighboring Bhutan and Nepal will have a standard of living about equal to the average person in Guatamala. And who will be responsible for that achievement? Will the average Tibetan want to revert back to a feudal religious theocracy? I think we know the answer to that question.

Tibet's troubled transformation

Paul — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 22:15:21 GMT

Actually , few people know the Tibet’s history, most of them is treated by media which it happen four years ago when we need a reason to war with Iraq.

Tibet's troubled transformation

Randy — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 22:20:27 GMT

To my knowledge, Tibet was rulled by monks with a slave system, people are owned by their masters. If this is the peace, tradition and spirituality we want them to keep, then Tibit must be a darkest socity by modern standard.

Tibet's troubled transformation

P. Tundrup — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 22:39:53 GMT

Happy to read about your travels in Tibet.

Sad to read that so much of the chinese official propaganda and rhetoric has been accepted by the free outside world who have limited knowledge of tibetan history and the current affairs of Tibet.

Tibet is not an issue of modernity vs. tradition,
Tibet is not an issue of religion vs. ateism,
Tibet is not an issue of Dalai Lama.

Tibet is an issue of a country illegally occupied by China. Out of this fundamental problem derives the unhappiness and suffering for the Tibetan people.

Freedom for Iraq! Freedom for Tibet! Freedom for Burma! Freedom and democracy for China!

Tibet's troubled transformation

Tibetan Youth — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 22:43:08 GMT

As a Tibetan I would beg the international community to continue their support towards the peaceful resolution of the Tibetan issue. It's China's chance to stand up infront of the world community and have dialogue with H.H. the Dalai Lama and give us clear autonomy. If China blows away this critical chance we the Tibetan youth have strong belief that we the non-violent Tibetans would have to resort to Violence to make CHINA listen to us.

Tibet's troubled transformation

Tsochung Maja , New Jersey — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 23:02:25 GMT

I want to thank all the people who support the Tibetan cause. No matter how big of a giant China is and try to intimidate the rest of the world. One fact remains, Tibet is for Tibetans and has never been nor will it ever be a part of China. Truth will prevail !

Tibet's troubled transformation

Mario Rios Pinot NY NY — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 23:22:51 GMT

Here is a little something from Wikipedia. Has anyone been there that can verify this?
"Evaluation by the People's Republic of China
The government of the PRC maintains that the Tibetan Government did almost nothing to improve the Tibetans' material and political standard of life during its rule from 1913–59, and that they opposed any reforms proposed by the Chinese government. According to the Chinese government, this is the reason for the tension that grew between some central government officials and the local Tibetan government in 1959.[46] The government of the PRC also rejects claims that the lives of Tibetans have deteriorated, and stated that the lives of Tibetans have been improved immensely compared to self rule before 1950.[77] Benefits that are commonly quoted include — the GDP of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) today is thirty times that of before 1950, workers in Tibet have the second highest wages in China,[78] the TAR has 22,500 km of highways, as opposed to none in 1950, all secular education in the TAR was created after the revolution, the TAR now has 25 scientific research institutes as opposed to none in 1950, infant mortality has dropped from 43% in 1950 to 0.661% in 2000, life expectancy has risen from 35.5 years in 1950 to 67 in 2000, the collection and publishing of the traditional Epic of King Gesar, which is the longest epic poem in the world and had only been handed down orally before, allocation of 300 million Renminbi since the 1980s for the maintenance and protection of Tibetan monasteries.[79] The Cultural Revolution and the cultural damage it wrought upon the entire PRC is generally condemned as a nationwide catastrophe, whose main instigators, in the PRC's view, the Gang of Four, have been brought to justice. And whose reoccurrence is unthinkable in an increasingly modernized China.[citation needed] The China Western Development plan is viewed by the PRC as a massive, benevolent, and patriotic undertaking by the wealthier eastern coast to help the western parts of China, including Tibet, catch up in prosperity and living standards."

Tibet's troubled transformation

hal kidder — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 23:27:53 GMT

was in Tibet last year, I understand that we are loosing an entire culture ( and it is a beautiful one) but of all people to denounce this, GW, I have to laugh, what religous or personal freedom has he promoted in our own country? I say we free tibet and also free the people of america

Tibet's troubled transformation

Gene Colavitti, Appleton, WI — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 23:47:36 GMT

I have the advantage of reading 15 comments before posting this one of my own. Earlier this year I visited China (Beijing, Xion, and Shanghai) and Lhasa, Tibet. I observed the peaceful and spiritual Tibetan people living under the domination of the People's Republic of China. I learned that college courses are becoming mandated to be taught in Chineese rather than TIbetan. I observed that Tibetan people cannot speak freely in the presence of Chinese. It is disappointing that those of you criticizing Americans for imposing our standards seem to support China for assuming dominance over Tibet. Continuing to support China may result in becoming submissive to them as they take over more of the world!

Tibet's troubled transformation

Tom G. Portland, Oregon — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 00:00:22 GMT

Tibet is Tibet not China. The super powers need to act more responsible about how they use their influence. Irag was a mistake we all know that. So, all you feeble minded liberals need get off the US case if not move to China...we don't want you here anyway !

Tibet's troubled transformation

Lisa — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 00:04:00 GMT

Buddhism teaches peace and harmony. We have billions of people suffering everyday in this world. If only the Dalai Lama uses his power to inspire those who are not enlightened to see the divine power of loving, caring and helping others. I cannot help but wonder why the Dalai Lama has chosen to take the Path of Confrontation when the Path of Enlightenment is his to pursue.

Tibet's troubled transformation

PT, Erie, Pennsylvania — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 00:07:54 GMT

Tibet should be free. I am getting very ill from people who turn unrelated stories into their outlet for their cowardice on the war on terror. I am sure if this was a story about fluffy bunnies some would find a way to tie the two together. As far as people like jackelin smith who call Americans terrorist go, I say at least you are writing in english and not german. If we had it your way, perhaps you could spend your time on the web looking for a burqa instead of spewing you misguided brainwashed prattle about my great nation. Arthur xy, I love Canada, my neighbor to the north, but you are a fine example of how every country has people who are not willing to be defenders of freedom. Crawl back into warm happy place. Freedom is the sure possession of those alone who have the courage to defend it.

Tibet's troubled transformation

bill smith, france — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 00:21:56 GMT

america likes to create a nice image by associating with the tibet. america also likes to support terrorism. i wonder what did the indians say to them when they saw these white pirates stealing their land in the first place? i can almost guess what they said... me big chief welcome you white maggot to steal land, oil, gold, silver,food, people ,etc..etc..from me!

Tibet's troubled transformation

Patricia L Hammons — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 00:35:19 GMT

I, like these comic strip balloons my words are placed in...where's the artist to draw my charcter...Mao. Philippians 3:19

Tibet's troubled transformation

DMA, Washington DC — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 02:40:44 GMT

Tibet has always been part of china. Read a history book!!! Even Dalai Lama (it's a title), he CAN NOT become Dalai Lama until the chinese government (or whatever the emperor in charge approves it). Tibet has been part of china for the past 900 years! Again, read a history book, please! BTW, before 1949, slavery
was still legal in Tibet. The communist chinese was trying to free the slaves which upset a lot of rich tibetans, including Dalai Lama himself.

Tibet's troubled transformation

Mathew Durie, Canada — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 05:29:47 GMT

What is typical of the chinese govenment in this matter ( and in regards to Taiwan. )is their total brainwashing of the masses and re-writing of history. The official statement is that Taiwan, like tibet has always been part of China and any will never be seperated. Any opinion to the contrary is subversive and illegal ( by pain of imprisonment for years), when the fact of the matter is, as any free thiking individual can see, that both territoiries are unique and have been autonomous for long periods of history. It's classic doublethink and completely repressive. I fear force is the only option for liberation.
As a side note, I spoke to a chinese university student about what their teachers taught them about the tienanmen square massare; she responded "some bad students were doing some terrorist acts against the government and the were dealt with efficiently"
Scarry.

Tibet's troubled transformation

Kristen Johanson, Seattle, Wash. — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 05:49:50 GMT

The Chinese are a sorry bunch of cowards, attacking, killing, and occupying nonviolent people and their land, Tibet. The Dalai Lama was just about to modernize certain aspects of the Tibetan culture, but the scum sucking Chinese had to go and ruin the beautiful Shangri-la Tibet by invading it.

Tibet's troubled transformation

chen yunpeng — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 14:35:36 GMT

Tibetans today look like Dalai Lama.
American Indians today look like Richard Gear.