Tibetan revolution - not just for monks anymore!

Post by **Mikey** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 3:06 pm

The Tibetan liberty movement appears to have FINALLY spread beyond the clergy:

http://www.comcast.net/news/articles/wo ... ina.Tibet/

Sionnach Glic · Post by **Sionnach Glic** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 3:40 pm

Well, it's a start. Though I can't really see this going anywhere. And that may actualy be for the best, given Tibet's theocratic past.

Post by **Mikey** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 3:55 pm

Yeah, but anything's got to be better than living in a regime in which it is a CAPITAL offense to fly your traditional national flag.

Sionnach Glic · Post by **Sionnach Glic** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 4:03 pm

Well, the ban on the flag is a bit over the top, agreed, but I think I'd still prefer to be living under the PRC than the old Tibet. There were all sorts of atrocities and torture that went on there that make the PRC look like angels in comparison. In all honesty, I have no real support for either China or Tibet in this case.

Enkidu · Post by **Enkidu** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 6:16 pm

I wonder how the Chinese are going to play this? I've read some reports of tanks on the street, but with the Olympics looming it may well limit some of the traditional Totalitarian response to unrest.

Post by **Mikey** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 8:26 pm

Supposedly, there are MP's in place in Tibet to curtail large gatherings. As far as the Olympics coming up, the Tibetans are no dummies - that's why this is happening NOW.

Sionnach Glic · Post by **Sionnach Glic** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 8:44 pm

Exactly. The PRC can't go Tienamen Square on the protestors with half the planet keeping an eye on events in China. They need a good image for the upcoming Olympics.

Post by **Captain Seafort** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 9:21 pm

Rochey wrote:Exactly. The PRC can't go Tienamen Square on the protestors with half the planet keeping an eye on events in China. They need a good image for the upcoming Olympics.

For the duration of the Olympics sure, but I wouldn't be at all surprised if they clamp down hard once the games are over. At Tiananmen they waited for several weeks before sending in troops.

Sionnach Glic · Post by **Sionnach Glic** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 9:31 pm

Indeed. They can afford to wait. As soon as the Olympics are over, the planet will just reply to a massacre with "Meh. Is the game on?".

Post by **Captain Seafort** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 9:37 pm

Rochey wrote:Indeed. They can afford to wait. As soon as the Olympics are over, the planet will just reply to a massacre with "Meh. Is the game on?".

No, it'll respond with outrage, condemnation, and admonishments that China must be punished for such unacceptable behaviour.

This will last for about a week, maybe two at the most, and then it'll be back to business as usual. I'm not sure which is worse - the indifference you predict or the hypocrisy I do.

Sionnach Glic · Post by **Sionnach Glic** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 9:50 pm

Yeah, good point.

Post by **Tsukiyumi** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 10:29 pm

I'd say you guys nailed that one on the head.

Monroe · Post by **Monroe** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 1:53 am

Rochey wrote:Well, it's a start. Though I can't really see this going anywhere. And that may actualy be for the best, given Tibet's theocratic past.

I honestly don't think anyone has to fear a Buddist theocratic government

Post by **Mikey** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 1:57 am

There is a much different form of religion being practiced there today - the lamas practice a much more Indian-influenced sort of Buddhism.

Sionnach Glic · Post by **Sionnach Glic** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 1:18 pm

Monroe wrote:I honestly don't think anyone has to fear a Buddist theocratic government

You'd be surprised. Said Budhist theocratic government commited horific torture in the past.

Mikey wrote:There is a much different form of religion being practiced there today - the lamas practice a much more Indian-influenced sort of Buddhism.

Maybe so, but how long would it really take for the old ways to spring back up? Theocratic governments always end up going downhill at some stage, it's just a case of sooner or later.