Tibetan hopes

Why not take the easy way and just keep silent, forget about protests and Tibetan freedom?

Although I am not Tibetan I can grieve for them. I can feel their pain, the longing for freedom of expression, definition of self and, pursuit of happiness is something that every being can embrace. The impetus for becoming unshackled by a domineering force is something with which all strong men and women can emphasize.

To see monks and innocents with broken heads, beaten or killed to subdue anger and rebellion is something that makes all freedom loving peoples angry. The emotions of such a situation turn all hands against an oppressor. Defiant monks and those common folks who are being driven to the brink of despair demand our respect and attention.

With the boundaries of technology removing the barriers of space and time from the displacement of events -most non Tibetans feel their pain. Many if given half a chance would gladly stand beside the defiant ones. A bond between freedom loving people who have similar hopes is formed.

China's predicament -why fight this battle now?

Tibetans are part of many minorities within the Chinese sphere of influence. China itself was forged from a number of smaller kingdoms. It is a story of the ages that together the kingdoms are better rather than as independent countries. A long history of war between these countries is how the wisdom was obtained.

The need to maintain the one kingdom of China is related to stability and safety for all of China. Should Tibetan independence win out, no doubt about it, we would start to see many similar eruptions among the ethnically diverse Chinese. Most westerners think of only one China while all Chinese know of the many distinctions between the populace.

The struggle for China and Tibet to both maintain their identity is something that concerns or should concern everyone on the planet. We must learn to live, love and, work together. This is a hard balance to strike in an insecure terribly cruel world. There are many scenarios in which the loss of Tibet might preclude the fall of China.

Ethical dilemmas like this must be faced. We as a people must face them together and find ways to allow space for each of us to grow. It is important for us to consider all sides but to remember that human dignity cannot be suppressed for over-long.

Blessings and hope to each of you.