Beijing Olympics
A Readers Oppinion -
It should be apparent to everyone nowadays that the Olympics has turned into an overwhelmingly political event. It is impossible to consider them otherwise...in spite of the continual Chinese party line and to the opposite. The change of the Olympics into a political affair is consistent with numerous other global customs, traditions, and institutions which have been altered by the globalization of thoughts and markets. The Olympics cannot expect that it would continue unaffected in this regard. Too many respected customs have vanished in the sea of change flowing across our world.
Concerning Tibet, China has preferred its ancient, suppressive, and counter-productive methods of coping with in-house political opposition. This is China's choice of course. The remainder of the world is not required to close the eyes to these events even though China insists that the problems withTibet are an internal matter. It is evident that this is no longer a realistic basis for using military power against passive protesters. Perhaps the rest of the world is unable to keep China from this, but without doubt it can take notice.
Just as empty and convenient is China’s obstinate and short-sighted rejection to recognize and work with the Dalai Lama as one of the most crucial aspects to bringing long-term stability to Tibet. Unfortunately China continues to lie and twist the Dalai Lama’s function for Tibet. Unfortunately they do not see that at this very moment, they hold the key to the Olympic moment they are looking for. Grasping and making the best of this moment though, necessitates a basic shift in dealing with the Tibetan matter, one that acknowledges and changes China’s caustic policies and dealings in Tibet.
It is evident that China does not realize that dealing with the core root of the turmoil in Tibet is the real way out. That fundamental basis is China’s occupation in itself. The minority are requesting out-and-out autonomy for Tibet. Physical violence and putting monks behind bars will definitely in no way restore harmony and stability. Maybe it is merely not in the combined Chinese psyche to “live and let live” in connection with Tibetans, or for that matter any other cultural or political assembly which disagrees with Communist Party policies.
