So many thoughts. So many random facts/theories/opinions to add to the mix. Here they are in bullet-form.
Tibet & the Olympics:
- They’ve been wronged. Using the Olympics to bring up your protests and issues is smart. I hope the Chinese government listens, and demands are met.
- I think it’s hugely inspiring that people from around the world are meeting on this issue. It means that others are listening, especially heads of state.
- On the contrary, this is China’s chance to shine and be proud of themselves. There is much wrong with the world and the country, but why taint the triumphs of the country and the athletes involved? Ask China to make change separate of the Olympics. And be fair and equal! Realise the progress along with the wrongs.
- “President George W Bush urged China to “begin a dialogue” with Tibet’s exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama” via the bbc. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry in outrage. Here’s my conflict: China: Tibet; US: Iraq except that Iraq was its own sovereign nation before the US government randomly decided to invade with no material evidence what-so-ever. *cough* I’m proud that US people voice their opinions. But the government, in all its hipocricy… wtf?
- To Richard Gere: let me please say this loud and clear… FUCK YOU! You’re a has-been actor. Thanks for Pretty Woman and Chicago, but I doubt that has anything to do with Tibet. Please don’t use your influence and fame as an actor to voice your non-expert opinion. Also, please don’t use it to further your publicity. This is about real people and real issues. Now go back and play in Hollywood-land.
- To Richard Gere (the collected version): I don’t appreciate your attempt to voice your non-expert opinion in politics. Regardless of your experiences with China and Tibet, using your fame to influence people and to gain publicity is shameful. Also, please do not speak on behalf of another race. That’s belittling them; they can and are speaking for themselves. “The game plan of bringing this torch to Tibet, as if it was a harmonious society, is so patently false and insulting to the Tibetans.”
Sudan:
- Please see my entry on Protest the Protest Part II.
Falun Gong:
- I remember Falun Gong members handing out fliers in Philadelphia before the Liberty Bell was put under severe security lock down. The flier said that Falun Gong is a religion protesting for rights in China to operate. I ‘protest’ that description.
- Cults and religions may have a thin line dividing them to some people, but there are clear differences to others. Falun Gong to the Chinese government and to me is a cult.
- They go around the world using China’s other human rights violations to protest themselves, but I doubt that we have all the facts.
- Fact: the group hacked into and took over several major TV stations in China to spread their “word.”
- Fact: there are pictures of people starving themselves to death, while their family watched b/c they practice self-deprivation.
- Fact: families have brought mothers, fathers, daughter and sons to hospitals, where they are force fed food.
- Fact: this is a huge toll, financially and psychological, on the country, both their people and the government.
Me: trying to be and honor both.
