March 14, 2008
In Solidarity with Tibet
Those of us in the Cuban community have been locked in a bitter battle against a reviled dictatorship for some 49 years now. That said, it is very easy to forget similar battles being waged in other countries across the world. Today, I ask you to remember Tibet.
It was 1951 when Chairman Mao’s military machine seized control of Tibet and 1959 when Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, was forced into exile, effectively ending any autonomy in the SOVEREIGN nation of Tibet.
This week comes word of some of the most violent anti-government protests in Tibet in two decades. In an action similar to those of Bhuddist monks in Bhurma earlier this year, monks have been leading protests against Chinese rule that have apparently turned violent in the holy city of Lhasa. Wire service reports indicate the burning of shops and vehicles and the stoning of Chinese visitors to the Himalayan city. Hundreds of monks have taken to the cause, putting Chinese authorities in the difficult position of perhaps wanting to exert force as a reaction to the protests, but not willing to portray itself as an oppressive regime in the run-up to the Beijing Olympic Games this August. In short, the monks know exactly what they’re doing.
An Associated Press report refers to a Western traveler who told BBC World television that “police had attacked monks near monasteries and said he saw military convoys moving into Lhasa carrying heavily armed troops.”
The Cuban community shares much in common with the peaceful people of Tibet. Our political histories are somewhat similar and that both our respective peoples have suffered the effects of dictatorial regimes. For this reason, my thoughts, and my support, are with the good people of Tibet. I for one, hope to see a . . .
FREE TIBET!
UPDATE - 1:06 p.m. EST
The situation seems to be getting worse.
UPDATE - 2:13 p.m. EST
Reuters is now reporting deaths in the ongoing confrontation. In a page taken straight out of the communist playbook, the Chinese government is blaming the deaths on the Dalai Lama.
When's the last time any of you heard of the Dalai Lama sending arms shipments to Tibetan separatists. I would laugh if this weren't such a harrowing situation for those poor folks.
Posted by at March 14, 2008 11:51 AM
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Comments
Ditto, Ditto.
Tibet as a great champion in Richard Gere. Hopefully he's following all these events.
Posted by: Firefly ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.babalublog.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at March 14, 2008 12:52 PM
Back in 1995 when (c)castro visited NYC for the 50th Anniversary of that prestigious debating society or in 1996 when (r)aul shot down the BTTR cesnas, I can’t remember which event, there was a massive anti-(c)astro demonstration in at the UN. There was also another group demonstrating there-Tibetans. Us Cubans had blow horns, microphones and big mouths. We ere drowning them out and then Congressman now Senator (and fellow Peacock), Bob Menendez, took the podium and acknowledged the Tibetans and their similar struggle. They later let them use our PA system to address the joint crowd. It was something to see many elderly Cubans proclaim Viva Tibé. Firefly:A few years ago some members of the non-profit I work for were in Washington for a conference and they set up a meeting with Congresswoman Ros- Lehtinen to lobby for a children’s cause. When they got to her office, Richard Gere was there and the congresswoman invited my swooning co-workers in to meet a very gracious Gere and pose for pictures. When I saw the pics, I asked why he was meeting with Ileana and they didn’t know. I said I bet is was about Tibet. I don’t know if “it’s getting worse”. I wish we had a few priests in Cuba like those Tibetan monks.
Posted by: Gusano at March 14, 2008 01:27 PM
Beautiful story, Gusano.
Posted by: CubaWatch at March 14, 2008 01:31 PM
God be with you, Tibet.
Posted by: Zhangliqun at March 14, 2008 02:43 PM
PULL THE AMERICANS OUT OF THE OLYMPIC GAMES
THE CHINESE WILL GET THE MESSAGE
BOYCOTT THE GAMES NOW
VAMOS BUSHITO YOU CAN DO IT
Posted by: Abajofidel at March 14, 2008 02:43 PM
Viva Tibé. That's great. I want that t-shirt.
Posted by: Frankestein En La Playa at March 14, 2008 05:01 PM
Richard Gere reads the comments section at babalu
lol
http://www.iht.com/articles/reuters/2008/03/15/sports/OUKSP-UK-CHINA-TIBET-GERE.php
Posted by: Abajofidel at March 14, 2008 11:35 PM
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