What a joke. At least he openly admits it though, unlike some so-called leaders
news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080...jc25DmbOrgF
"When you're dealing in international relations with countries as important as China, obviously when you make economic decisions it's sometimes at the expense of human rights," he added. "That's elementary realism."
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Unsu...
Re: Economics trump human rights
Wed, March 19, 2008 - 12:46 PMNot only that... so many Western countries are not exemplary in their own "human rights conduct" - so they hardly have a standing nor can they have a moral force as a result.
What can we really say? Of course we all want a spiritual culture like Tibet so survive desperately (we need that culture and the practices for the upliftment of the universe) - at the same time - we did the same what the Chinese did in Tibet here in the US, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, India, and Iraq... and are not necessarily any better as the Chinese.
Because we have little standing as countries on moral grounds and we sure like to downplay and forget our own history, we can mainly only act as individuals in the here and now to help.
Really, that is why negotiation is more important than violence to make a difference and get a desired outcome.
I am sure glad at this point that the lamas give teachings to Westerners. This will sure help for a universal all inclusive type of Dharma to spread and survive.
I like to suggest Professor Johan Galtung to get involved. He is a good peace negotiator and has worked in many countries. He has earned the Alternative Peace Nobel Price and I met him in person for a number of classes and seminars at UCLA in the past, although I doubt he remembers me since he literally meets thousands of people. Anyway, I sure have been impressed by him!
transcend.org/
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Re: Economics trump human rights
Thu, March 20, 2008 - 3:36 AMIt is true that america and australia did terrible things to the native population. There has been plenty of blame to go around when it comes to suppressing, killing, and even the mass extermination of those of differing races or cultures.
If we are to improve the situation on this planet, we had better not look to the past for standards.
The Chinese have paid a lot of lip service to "anti imperialism" . "Running dog lackey of american imperialism" is a phrase that i remember them using a lot in the past. This is imperialism plain and simple.
I think we should stop seeing the world through the lens of nationalism. I think that when we say "we" we should mean "Earthlings", and not be referring to national identity like that is some sort of ultimate distinction between us. I think we should be critical of the use of power over people in this way wherever and whenever we see it.
Nationalism has caused a lot of pain and suffering. I think we should get over it, and work together for a world where local self determination and international cooperation are the order of the new day.
Free Tibet! -
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Re: Economics trump human rights
Thu, March 20, 2008 - 8:55 AMwell said wil..
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Re: Economics trump human rights
Thu, March 20, 2008 - 9:26 PMIt is undeniable that many atrocities have been commited in the past by Western countries. But we have the resposibility to raise our moral standards. We now have to stand up for what is right. We cannot remain silent about the brutal repression and cultural genocide in Tibet, or anywhere else for that matter. There is no place for neutrality.
"He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it." Martin Luther king, Jr.
"History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people." Martin Luther King, Jr.
And I agree that nationalism is the root of many of the evils of the world. That's why I never liked it. By the way the Chinese is brainwashing its people with a chauvinistic and revisionist vision of China and its history, not too different from what the Nazis did in Germany, in order to keep its power.
We people have the power, let's use it consciously and with morals. And don't forget: TIBET WILL BE FREE!! -
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Unsu...
Re: Economics trump human rights
Fri, March 21, 2008 - 12:18 PMThe standard is that if countries are or have been an independent country before, even not all the time...
then it's up to the people in the area to decide if they want to be part of the country or not. It can't be forcibly imposed.
Kuwait got annexed forcibly and it was recognized that Kuwait had the right to decide for themselves
by the World. All the Soviet Union countries were allowed to declare independence. Pakistan
and Bangladesh decided to be independent. So why can't Tibet get independence eventually.
There is only one reason why they can not possibly be independent and that is because China won't let them and
the world is too afraid to confront big China.
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We need to change our culture of violence
Mon, March 24, 2008 - 7:17 PMI think we can make a small change by not supporting agression when ever and where ever we see it. Look at our TV and how violent it is.. American's seem to be blood thirsty!
Our cultures superhero's are violent..
look at our political parties.. each one loving to hate the other. .etc..
It's no wonder peace is hard to realize.. everyone is looking out for their own selfish interest...
I say we need to inspire our friends and loved ones to step up their compassion by everyone of us becoming incrementally more compassionate.
I cannot change the mind of Chinese leaders, but I can certainly try to influence those around me throught my actions and my speach...
just like ghandi said.. becoming the change we wish to see in the world.
