quintus

Recent comments by this user

Karl Rove Was On Paid Speaking Trip To Black Sea Resort When He Defied Congressional Subpoena

Gosh Karl, what's happened to your glow? You look seriously constipated. posted 07/20/2008 at 02:07:44

Phil Gramm Resigns From McCain Campaign

I don't understand why McCain isn't getting any flack for having this completely out-of-touch idiot for an advisor? posted 07/19/2008 at 00:29:41

Naomi Klein Debunks Bush's Offshore Drilling Plan (VIDEO)

What an embarrassment for Fox News to have these two uneducated dodos attempt an interview....especially when it was quickly obvious that neither of them knew what they were talking about.

Another sad day for Fox. At least get these people halfway up to speed. Halfway would be a big improvement. posted 07/19/2008 at 01:05:47

Bush lifts oil drilling ban, wants Congress to act

You know where this is likely to go? The Dems will cave on this one, too! What evidence exists to the contrary? posted 07/14/2008 at 11:17:48

Agreed! And succinctly put. posted 07/14/2008 at 11:16:37

Short-sighted, my friend. The technology exists and could be implemented years before we'll ever see that first barrel of oil processed from off-shore reserves or ANWR. posted 07/14/2008 at 11:16:04

Yikes! Controversial New Yorker Cover Shows Muslim, Flag-Burning, Osama-Loving, Fist-Bumping Obama

I just sent off my letter. I hope many others will follow suit. posted 07/13/2008 at 20:22:46

You're really got to seriously question the motivation of those at the New Yorker for putting this image on the front page. These are not stupid people....presumably. They would know that such an image would swing both ways. They would clearly know that there's a whole demographic of ignorant conservatives out there who will completely miss the satire supposedly implied.

Funny, isn't it that Blitt's illustration, entitled "The Politics of Fear" and supposedly meant as a satire only, will also be a powerful vehicle for increasing the fear around Obama and his wife?

I'd like to know the real thinking behind the decision to put this image on the front cover. posted 07/13/2008 at 20:06:50

Bush Supports Israeli Plan For Strike On Iran: Report

Agreed. There are other, ancillary, reasons for a preemptive attack on Iran, i.e., it would likely give McCain's campaign a big boost.

The American people have been largely somambulant these last seven years. The Democrats in Congress mostly impotent.

And, sadly, many now are worried and freaked out about the economy here at home; they don't have a lot of attention focused on Iraq, Afghanistan, and now, Iran. posted 07/13/2008 at 14:11:26

Actually, I posted several weeks back on this very scenario. I had just talked extensively with a non com officer who had recently come back from Iraq who told me that preparations for an attack on Iran with Israel's planes, ordinance, etc. was very far along. I found it interesting how quickly others posted in reply that this info couldn't possibly be credible because a non-com officer simply wouldn't have knowledge of such things. Gee, I guess they were wrong, huh? posted 07/13/2008 at 14:05:48

Senate Passes FISA Bill, Gives Telecoms Immunity

Touché! posted 07/10/2008 at 00:48:52

Stunning! You would expect this from the Republicans, but the Democrats? Maybe not so surprising given this Democratically controlled Congress? Bush seems to get just about everything he wants and the Congress seems to either fall all over themselves to accommodate him or they cave.

I think Obama made a mistake in voting for this.

At any rate, these Telecoms willingly and willfully broke the law, but are rewarded rather than punished. This country has seriously lost it's way. posted 07/10/2008 at 00:43:46

Cheney Wanted To Delete Major Parts Of Environmental Testimony

Cheney should be held accountable for white washing the human health effects of global warming. This man is devoid of integrity and ethics. He should have been impeached a long time ago. posted 07/08/2008 at 22:57:50

Bush: Skipping Opening Ceremony "An Affront To The Chinese"

Pathetic moral lassitude. Actually, his morals aren't merely flaccid, they're D.O.A. posted 07/06/2008 at 15:34:19

Obama Mulling Major Speech In Berlin During Europe Trip

What's laughable (and sad) is how quick you are to pass judgment on people you know nothing about.

What are you afraid of? An uppity black man who actually believes he can run for the highest office in the land? Is he packing too much self esteem for you? Or are you just intimidated by his intelligence? posted 07/06/2008 at 15:28:29

The guy's got more expertise and gravitas than McCain will ever have. The Brandenburg Gates is a befitting venue for a major address. posted 07/06/2008 at 01:44:44

Condoleezza Rice: I'm "Proud" Of The Decision To Invade Iraq

Her words strike me as obscene; political pornography.

Gives you a glimpse of how insanely out of touch this African American woman is from the catastrophic ongoing horror unleashed on the Iraqi population by Bush and Cheney. A war that had nothing to do with the 9/11 or Osama bin Laden. posted 07/04/2008 at 17:24:05

Wesley Clark Stands By McCain Criticism

I heartily applaud General Clark for his truth-telling and for the courage it took to say it. More, please!

I am actually sick and tired of hearing politician after politician, be it Republican or Democrat, preface their remarks and criticisms of McCain with, "John McCain is a genuine war hero and a true patriot, blah, blah, blah.... " Yes, we all know McCain spent time in a prisoner of war camp and that it was an arduous experience physically and mentally. What strikes me is how little he seems to have grown emotionally as a result of such an experience. Think of someone like Nelson Mandela if you want an example of what I am talking about. Or read about some of the Tibetan Buddhist monks who were imprisoned and tortured by the Chinese. They used their experience to practice compassion on a daily basis, taking as their object those who were torturing them. John McCain, on the contrary, though he talks about his aversion to war, seems quite prepared to let the Iraq war claim ever more American and Iraqi lives for years into the future. Iran, too, seems a likely target. Where is the wisdom to pursue a different, less confrontational tact? I see no evidence for it. In that regard, McCain is another Bush. posted 06/30/2008 at 22:43:41

McCain Uses Swift Boat Vet Bud Day To Rebut Wesley Clark

Wow! Way to go McCain! Smart move there! "Truth Squad" comprised of such men of stainless integrity like Bud Day?" What a holler. And pathetic at the same time. posted 06/30/2008 at 22:48:29

Seymour Hersh Exposes New US Covert Operations In Iran (VIDEO)

Odd timing to find this little news item on HuffPost. Had a lengthy conversation this morning with a noncom Army officer who's stint had just ended due to injuries incurred in Iraq during his second deployment. He told me that the administration is far along in their plan to attack Iran before Bush's presidency is up. The strategy for this attack will be carried out by the Israelis, who are already staging in Iraq. We will be providing them with a sizable portion of our own armaments, planes, etc. He mentioned upwards of 360 planes will be involved in this attack. U.S. ground forces will not be used, at least not initially. He says this is common knowledge among those who are currently in Iraq.

Of course, I have no way of substantiating this info, but it it's true, it would be a bombshell back here at home. I can imagine how this might affect the Presidential elections. posted 06/29/2008 at 21:50:28

Supreme Court Upholds Right To Own Guns For Self-Defense

I'll go with Stevens, Breyer, Ginsberg, and Souter. Not a ruling that reflects well our higher selves. Nor will many in the rest of the world hail this decision as enlightened. But America is on a downward spiral of late and I can't imagine the world will be too surprised. posted 06/26/2008 at 11:24:51

Congress Holding 40th Hearing This Year On The Cause Of High Oil Prices

"Perhaps 60% of today"s oil price is pure speculation"

"A June 2006 US Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations report on "The Role of Market Speculation in rising oil and gas prices," noted, "�there is substantial evidence supporting the conclusion that the large amount of speculation in the current market has significantly increased prices."

by F. William Engdahl

The really big question is why has Congress continued to ignore this report? And why is the CFTC (Commodity Futures Trading Trading Commission) MIA? They have been mandated by Congress "to ensure that prices on the futures market reflect the laws of supply and demand rather than manipulative practices or excessive speculation."

Anyone in Congress pursuing this? posted 06/25/2008 at 10:35:27

As these many posts suggest, a number of factors are responsible for the higher oil prices. But I agree with the views provided by StillAmused: the BULK (60%) of these higher prices can be attributable to speculation.

And yet Congress continues to hold hearing after hearing? Pathetic. And predictable. Blah, blah, blah, our hands are tied, blah, blah, blah, nothing we can do, etc. It IS a clown show!

"Perhaps 60% of today"s oil price is pure speculation"

by F. William Engdahl
Global Research, May 2, 2008

"As a result, over the past two years crude oil inventories have been steadily growing, resulting in US crude oil inventories that are now higher than at any time in the previous eight years. The large influx of speculative investment into oil futures has led to a situation where we have both high supplies of crude oil and high crude oil prices." posted 06/25/2008 at 10:23:05

Obama: Dobson "Making Stuff Up"

Enlightening to say the least. Thanks for suggesting it. posted 06/25/2008 at 10:50:22

Dobson and his like-minded ilk display a split as wide as the Grand Canyon between their world view, way of life and values and the words of Jesus. posted 06/25/2008 at 10:44:56

Excellent points. posted 06/25/2008 at 10:41:14

Michelle Obama's Strategy To Woo Clinton Voters

Pathetic post. Is it desperation that motivates you? The right (and Cindy McCain) have totally twisted the meaning of her comments on pride of country. And keep beating her over the head even after she has "clarified" those original comments. Did you miss them? Let me help you out (not that it will make a bit of difference):

"What I was clearly talking about was that I'm proud in how Americans are engaging in the political process," she said.

"For the first time in my lifetime, I'm seeing people rolling up their sleeves in a way that I haven't seen and really trying to figure this out " and that's the source of pride that I was talking about," she added.

When asked if she had always been proud of her country, she replied "absolutely" and said she and her husband would not be where they are now if not for the opportunities of America.

Yes, Michelle had SUCH a privileged upbringing, didn't she? Everything was given to her on a silver platter; she never had to work hard for any of her accomplishments. Republicans usually love to tout this sort of success story (unless it's a Democrat), so what's your problem?

I'd say that maybe you have a better target with Cindy McCain than you do with Michelle Obama. Heiress to a beer fortune. Tough life. posted 06/22/2008 at 14:16:49

McCain's Battle Against Boeing Exposes More Lobbyist Connections

McCain continues to have ZERO credibility. Should anyone be surprised? The media appears to be avoiding this story. posted 06/22/2008 at 19:19:54

More US Capitol Computers Were Hacked From China

We're going to find out one day that China is not our friend. posted 06/21/2008 at 22:50:08

Obama Backs Bill Giving Immunity To Telecoms

Obama really failed the American people with this one and perhaps, presages what is to come if he is elected President. posted 06/20/2008 at 23:46:37

House easily passes compromise surveillance law

Pelosi doesn't deserve another term. She's been an abject failure. posted 06/20/2008 at 23:44:27

I, too, sent her an email expressing my outrage. I told her that I now highly suspect that she is actually a Republican! posted 06/20/2008 at 23:43:14

I think this latest bit of news confirms what I've been suspecting for some time: Pelosi and Reid are actually lapdog Republicans! I find this unbelievable!!!! posted 06/20/2008 at 11:22:30

As Long As We're Talking About Michelle Obama, Did You Know Cindy McCain Was A Drug Addict?

Svatantrika-Madhyamika or Prasangika-Madhymika? posted 06/22/2008 at 14:34:57

Barack Obama: Lay Off My Family

Joe Pounder's response: what we've come to expect from the Republicans. Pathetic, slimey stuff. posted 06/18/2008 at 23:54:39

The Coming Obama-McCain Mudfight

World views of liberals and conservatives are vastly different. George Lakoff's book, Moral Politics, doesan excellent job at flushing out what these differences are and where they originate. posted 06/15/2008 at 16:50:39

Dalai Lama Distances Himself From "Good Friend" Sharon Stone

Yes, strictly speaking you are right: karma is neither good nor bad. On the other hand, one does sow the seeds for either happiness or suffering through one's actions. Moreover, one can not reap the fruits of happiness from an unwholesome action or suffering from a wholesome act.

Bad karma is understood by many to mean an action that results in suffering for oneself in the future. Good karma creates the causes for happiness in the future.

Those responsible for implementing repressive policies in Tibet have definitely created the causes for their own suffering in the future, but it is impossible for most of us to know how and when that will manifest. posted 06/12/2008 at 10:00:53

Targeted Strike On Iran Again Under Discussion

Military action against Iran is going to happen before Bush leaves office. Either we do it or Israel does it. It's Iraq all over again. posted 06/11/2008 at 22:17:19

ENERGY DEPARTMENT: GET USED TO IT

I don't really see how anyone at the energy department can possibly predict that gas will stay at $4.00 for the next year. I don't think anyone fully understands what is really going on with the price of oil and gas. Many say it's supply and demand, but that's obviously not the only thing happening. Some believe that these "dark markets" are also responsible for much of the increase. In fact, some of the energy brokers who brought us Enron are now involved in these dark markets. The complete story has yet to come out.

That the energy department can predict the price of gas for the next year would make me wonder how they are complicit. posted 06/11/2008 at 22:15:29

Fox Anchor Calls Obama Fist Pound A "Terrorist Fist Jab"

Pathetic, vituperative propaganda. What we've come to expect from state-run t.v. posted 06/11/2008 at 09:54:31

Even In Defeat, It's All About Her

Actually, what I understand that this event on Saturday will not actually be about conceding the election. posted 06/04/2008 at 22:44:50

Yes, precisely. Which further proves the point that it's all about her. Even at such a moment as last night. Sorry, but small-minded comes close. posted 06/04/2008 at 22:42:52

My sentiments exactly. Jeffery Toobin summed it up in two words last night: deranged narcissism!

And yet, somehow, she tried last night to make it all about her supporters. What a huge pile of crap. posted 06/04/2008 at 22:39:29

Chinese Government Accuses Monks Of Planning Suicide Attacks

You did such an excellent job parodying that I actually took you at face value! Yikes. Thanks for setting me straight! posted 04/02/2008 at 11:43:09

Ah, there we are: the mindset of the Chinese government . You wear barbarism and brutality like a fine suit of clothes. posted 04/02/2008 at 01:56:26

The Dalai Lama a "religious dictator?" Now I know what an ignorant low life you really are. posted 04/01/2008 at 23:14:08

It is laughable for you to credit the Chinese government for an increase in the Tibetans life span. Tibet was a far more civilized country than Communist China. And even today, though they are kept down at every turn, they have managed to hold on to their humanity in a way that is remarkable. It is a testament to their strength of character, something that those running China do not have in the least. posted 04/01/2008 at 23:12:00

You'd feel more at home in China, I can assure you, given the drivel you've been putting out on this thread. posted 04/01/2008 at 23:08:05

Ignoramus. posted 04/01/2008 at 23:05:24

It is perhaps a rush to judgment to suggest they were trying to kill themselves, but if true, then clearly it was an act of self sacrifice to get the world to pay attention (finally!) to a brutal fifty year occupation of a peace-loving people. They have been driven to such extreme acts by the Chinese themselves. It is their actions that have created these uprisings. posted 04/01/2008 at 23:03:45

Then you must be a lackey?

The Chinese government is a brutal regime, a dictatorship, made up of the worst humanity has to offer. It is truly amazing that the Olympics were granted to such a government.

What China really needs to figure out is how to get the hell out of Tibet! If the world can help them do that by threatening a boycott of the Olympics, then so be it.

You are the ignorant and delusional one here! Spouting Chinese government propaganda dreck. posted 04/01/2008 at 22:58:20

You've created this situation in a country you invaded and have brutally occupied for fifty years. You call them "separatists." Because they want "independence" from China? Another insidious use of propagandist language.

They are actually patriots who want their country back. China should get the hell out of Tibet. posted 04/01/2008 at 22:50:46

You're a work of art. If you aren't part of the Chinese government, you surely should be. You'd fit right in. posted 04/01/2008 at 22:45:59

How much is the Chinese government paying you to churn out this dreck? Tibet has NEVER been a part of China! Tibetans are nothing like the Han Chinese! They are two completely separate people.

The Chinese government has brutally suppressed Tibetans for fifty years. Their rage is understandable. It is the Chinese government that is responsible for creating this situation. You cry about twenty Chinese people? When you are responsible for killing off hundreds of thousands of Tibetans!? How many have died in prison from torture? We'll never know, but there are first hand accounts from those who managed to survive. posted 04/01/2008 at 22:44:12

Are you merely an apologist for the Chinese government or one of it's lackeys?

I wonder how the people of China would fare under a fifty year brutal occupation of their country at the hands of the aggressors? Lets get real. Do you think that this situation might result in all manner of negative emotions for the Chinese people? Do you think that some Chinese, God forbid, MIGHT display anger, and even rage? Especially when the ongoing situation results in the Chinese being treated as second class citizens (that's a kind understatement), a prohibition against freedom of religion, etc.? The Chinese government is a brutal dictatorship. They have invaded another country and aggressively subjugated it's population.

Good effort (actually read "pathetic") in trying to demonize Tibetan Buddhist monks. I can assure you, whatever negative karma there might be for eating meat (if it's true) it doesn't hold a candle to the mountain of negative karma the Chinese have and are accruing for their inhumane treatment of a generally peace-loving people.

Shame on you. posted 04/01/2008 at 12:17:49

The Chinese government must be comprised of individuals who are not only suffering from delusion but who are also rather stupid. Given their hosting of the Summer Olympics and the tide of world opinion that is clearly against them with regard to their treatment of the Tibetans in general and this uprising in particular, you would think, common sense would dictate, that they would back off and pursue another, far more moderate course of action. But, in fact, the opposite is true! They give new meaning to the word "hard-liner."

I have known Tibetans for thirty years, am more knowledgeable than most regarding their history and their culture, including their religious beliefs (predominantly Buddhist) and I can tell you how utterly ridiculous and absurd it is for the Chinese government to accuse Buddhist monks of planning suicide attacks! First of all, that would be a first for any Tibetan, but especially a monk! Secondly, that would go against every molecule of their belief system. The act of suicide alone carries with it extremely negative karmic consequences, the fruits of which would adversely affect one's future lives for a very long time. But add the murder of innocent people to that act of suicide and what you have there is birth in the hell realms for eons! In other words, if you have even the slightest desire to progress along the Buddhist path, committing suicide in order to murder innocent people is not a smart way to go. posted 04/01/2008 at 11:58:02

John McCain's Biography Tour To Show How War Dominates His World View

Excuse me, but what a huge crock of sh*t! And what a twisted bit of pr propaganda. posted 03/31/2008 at 11:30:17

New York Times Responds To Reverend Jeremiah Wright's Year-Old Letter About Paper's "Misrepresentations"

Well spoken and spot on. I always find it interesting how someone's anger is perceived by others as something they shouldn't have. Anger is part of our human nature and if it can be channelled (which is what I see Pastor Wright doing), it can be an agent for change. Anger has tremendous energy and sharpness of focus that can be used constructively.

I also agree: where is the collective anger and outrage from whites over this absolutely outrageous war? We seem mostly silent and docile. What will it take to see the same sort of mass action that America brought to the Vietnam War? posted 03/31/2008 at 11:40:09

Police Beat Tibetan Protesters in Nepal

A lot of blame has to lie art the feet of those who granted China the Olympics in the first place! Hello? It's not as if they had a dearth of democratic nations to choose from. What were they thinking when the gave it to a dictatorship? posted 03/30/2008 at 13:31:02

Hillary And Bill: We Aren't Going Anywhere

I wonder when it will dawn on them (if it ever does dawn on them) that this isn't just about them? Don't they see the big picture? Don't they see that this is not helping the party?

Can you imagine McCain winning this election because, in part, the Democrats took this thing to the convention and turned it into a nasty debacle?

Can you imagine the ire and anger that will be directed at Hill and Bill? posted 03/28/2008 at 21:30:19

Bill Maher: Catholics Must Get Up Out Of The Pew And Walk Out Of The Church Forever

Really. All this outrage over Wright's "hateful" sermons (which have been carved up into precisely those sound bites most likely to send the implied message: black pastor spews hate), when the far far greater outrage lies with a religious institution that has sexually abused children at the hands of it's own priests and then tried to cover it all up. posted 03/28/2008 at 16:40:06

Rice: Race Still Issue Because Of U.S. "Birth Defect"

You're an idiot. Birth-defect = mental retardation? WTF!

"Retards?" Nice word for those born suffering from learning disabilities.

Given your post, and I'm no fan of Ms. Rice's, I'd say you're suffering yourself from some serious developmental disabilities? Not to mention an absence of empathy and/or compassion. posted 03/28/2008 at 16:26:34

A Defense Of Jeremiah Wright

If you think they're "hateful" then you're one of the people who have only heard the sound bites on T.V.

BTW, I'm not black, but your comment puts you at serious risk for being a racist. posted 03/27/2008 at 09:42:25

I agree, turning a critical eye on our problems here in America is quickly perceived by some as an overt act of betrayal, or a sign that one is throwing away one's patriotism. On the contrary, we have an obligation as citizens to speak up when we believe that our country is headed down the wrong road.

I believe Pastor Wright has been unfairly maligned by the media as a hate-monger when it seems closer to the truth to say that he is simply pointing out our failings as a government and as a people. posted 03/27/2008 at 00:43:10

I wonder if ministers like Wright, Jackson, and Sharpton don't also serve a positive function in the black community? You seem to imply that all they have to offer is anger? Aside from being cathartic for some (many?) of those in the congregation, these sermons DO often speak truth to power and therefore, validate the injustices many have experienced. Moreover, I think it's possible that these ministers might also be normalizing to some extent the rage that many may be carrying from years of racism, etc. posted 03/27/2008 at 00:32:36

Bravo and Right ON! My sentiments EXACTLY! Anyone who listens to any of these sermons in their entirety can not possibly label them as hateful and anti-American.

As always, what gets reported, what gets the headlines, is sensationalistic and superficial. posted 03/26/2008 at 22:37:02

Chris Wallace Regrets Speaking Out On Obama Bashing: "I'm Not Sure I'd Do It Again"

He got his peepee whacked by the higher-ups at Fox. Then, they told him he'd have to further humiliate himself by telling the whole world that he committed a big booboo. posted 03/26/2008 at 11:42:29

Hillary: That "I'm Human" Is A Revelation To Some People

How can any honest self-serving politician admit to lying? Especially one running for President of the United States? For that matter, can you recall ANY politician EVER admitting to telling a "lie?" Who expects the unvarnished truth from politicians? No, they've got to wrap the unseemly in something more palatable. Political-speak is all about wrapping the unseemly in something more palatable. posted 03/26/2008 at 11:39:29

Clinton: Wright "Would Not Have Been My Pastor"

Everything shifts when you get the opportunity to listen to the ENTIRE sermon. It makes a HUGE difference. It's so obvious that the media is deliberately going for sensationalism. posted 03/26/2008 at 01:02:45

Actually, that's bullsh*t. Yes, the media will bleed these things to death, if they can, but she didn't have to answer the question, did she? Complicity all around, for sure. posted 03/26/2008 at 00:49:12

McCain Says US Succeeding in Iraq

McCain=Bush=Cheney. What the hell do they care about public opinion, facts, etc.? posted 03/25/2008 at 12:13:46

Obama Girl Is Back, And She's Ready For That 3 A.M. Phone Call

Whoa! She's hot and she's right on message! posted 03/25/2008 at 01:37:12

Chinese Police Fire Into Crowd Of Protesting Monks And Nuns

America is FINALLY getting a small glimpse into the heart of the Chinese ruling elite. They've been brutalizing the Tibetans for fifty years, but the world had more important things to attend to. For those of us intimate with Tibetan history and culture, these atrocities are nothing new. China has, perhaps, finally overplayed it's hand (maybe their negative karma is finally coming to fruition?). I hope and pray the world wakes up and demands China cease these horrific hostilities. posted 03/25/2008 at 01:47:12

Uh, doesn't seem that China is listening to world opinion? You'd think they'd be smarter than this. I hope it all just fans the flames for a boycott. posted 03/24/2008 at 22:10:04

China Blasts Dalai Lama, Pelosi on Tibet

The Dalai Lama will be coming to my town ( Seattle) next month. Thirty years ago when he first came here, only a handful of people showed up. Next month over 150,000 are expected to see him. His popularity around the world is impressive. Too bad the people of China can't be given the opportunity to hear him speak; perhaps more than a few would change their impressions of him, which, after all, have been given to them by China's propaganda machine?

Yes, his time is running out for this present incarnation (the 14th). Lets hope he decides to return once again. posted 03/24/2008 at 12:16:45

China is not dissimilar to North Korea in many ways. China's propaganda machine, like North Korea's, is one big brainwashing apparatus. I guess the Chinese government would euphemistically refer to it as "re-education." Sad that the power elite in have manipulated their own people in this way. It hardly speaks to China's "greatness." posted 03/24/2008 at 12:06:00

Tibet is in no way like Hawaii, Alaska, or California! What? Tibet is not some state or province of the PRC! Tibet, in case you don't know, was a completely autonomous country prior to China's invasion/takeover. Tibet and China have interacted with one another throughout their history, but Tibet is in no way related culturally or ethnically with China. Tibetans and Han Chinese are two separate people! For China to claim that Tibet has always been a part of China is simply a lie. Period.

Just because Bush has squandered his moral authority in the world by invading Iraq, does not mean that others in our government who oppose our involvement there can't or shouldn't speak out when other countries/peoples are under attack. I commend Pelosi for her support of the Tibetans who are clearly being treated in the same brutal way the people of Burma were dealt with by the military junta. Barbaric doesn't describe it.

Our policy of engagement with China has yielded little to nothing. China's stranglehold on Tibet has only gotten stronger over the last fifty years. It is time we stop walking on egg shells with China. If threat of a boycott puts pressure on them to back off on their human rights abuses, then we should put it out there.

The Dalai Lama has remained open to a dialogue with the Chinese from the beginning. The Chinese government has not. On the contrary, they have been extremely hostile towards him. Their way of dealing with the Dalai Lama is to wait for him to die and then handpick his successor. But this will not work for the Chinese. The Dalai Lama has said on numerous occasions that if he decides to return as the 15th Dalai Lama he will surely not reincarnate inside Tibet. They will therefore be unable to kidnap him (as they did with the Panchen Lama) and replace him with a phony.

You are hopeful, perhaps. But unrealistic.

posted 03/24/2008 at 11:53:07

I agree. Who else from the US administration has made a commensurate effort? Bush continues to remain completely silent. Rice mumbled a few words early on. Otherwise, zilch. Sad and pathetic.

Most people, I've found, know next to nothing about Tibet's history or the Chinese invasion of their country, much less the destruction, fatalities, etc. that followed. posted 03/24/2008 at 10:18:15

Most Tibetan people will never leave the Dalai Lama behind because of their love for him and a history that goes back to the 14th c. You obviously regard him as simply an ordinary being, but to most Tibetans, he is a manifestation of the Buddha of Compassion, Chenrezig. You're entitled to your distorted opinion, but you clearly have no clue about what he does in the world and why.

One little piece of the puzzle you aren't considering: the law of cause and effect (karma). There are many compelling reasons for avoiding violence towards others, let alone the killing of other sentient beings. HH the Dalai Lama, particularly as the Buddha of Compassion, but also given his close karmic relationship with the Tibetan people, ONLY has their best interests in mind.

Actually, I would also disagree with you regarding Buddhism having no place in international politics. Serious practitioners do not compartmentalize their practice, limiting it to time on the cushion, etc.; their practice continues throughout the day regardless of what they're doing. posted 03/23/2008 at 23:01:02

And you are sad, pathetic brainwashed Chinese apparatchik. posted 03/23/2008 at 15:23:21

Wow! You are one desperate, whacked out dude! Sounds reasonable. I'm sure everyone reading your post will wholeheartedly agree. Everyone already knows about the Dalai Lama/Nazi connection. posted 03/23/2008 at 15:18:09

You must be either Chinese or a Chinese sympathizer. Your understanding of Tibet and Tibetan history is unrecognizable. Tibetan monk control?! What the hell are you talking about? This sounds similar to the rationalization the Chinese give for invading Tibet: we just wanted to save the people of Tibet (themselves predominantly Buddhist) from those dangerous Buddhist monks who are oppressing you. Boy, China sure did Tibet a big favor, didn't they? They invaded their country, "dispatched" hundreds of thousands of Tibetans (lots of laypeople, too, by the way), destroyed all their monasteries, and have ruthlessly ruled over them for some fifty years. If this is doing the Tibetan populace a favor, if this is liberation from tyranny, then black is surely white and night is day. China has no leg to stand on. China's despicable behavior is a blight on civilization.

Pelosi and the Democrats in Congress have been largely ineffectual due, for the most part, to such a slim majority. Pelosi is not Bush and has never condoned the invasion of Iraq. Even though the Bush administration has little moral authority of it's own, Pelosi's solidarity with Tibet is still valid. posted 03/23/2008 at 15:12:21

Whoa! China's propaganda machine can't spin this one fast enough. Pelosi has obviously gotten under their skin in a big way. It is BEYOND LAUGHABLE that the Chinese are trying to portray THEMSELVES as victims of the riots! WTF! These people are DANGEROUS! They will do whatever it takes in Tibet to put down this uprising, i.e., shoot and kill men, women, and children, house to house searches, imprisonment, etc.

They are all like hardcore drug addicts who are INCAPABLE of taking responsibility for their own actions and blame it all on someone else.

Pelosi is right; the world should speak out LOUD and CLEAR on what is happening in Tibet or forever lose it's moral authority.

The sad thing is that America has already lost a great deal of it's moral authority with it's own illegal invasion of a sovereign nation, the tremendous lose of innocent lives, and the human rights abuses committed by her troops.

Still, Pelosi, unlike Bush (who has yet to utter a single word on this issue), has made an effort to stand up for the Tibetans who have endured fifty years of a brutal Chinese occupation of their own country. posted 03/23/2008 at 13:35:35

US Interpreter In Iraq Denied Green Card After 4 Years Translating For US Forces

Unconscionable! But hardly surprising. After all how well have they taken care of our own troops both on the battlefield and off? Poorly and inadequately equipped while there, and unable, once home, to get adequate help for their injuries. Bush and his ilk have shown again and again that they can talk the talk but can't walk the walk. "We're proud of your service over in Iraq, we're touched by your sacrifices for our country, but we're not going to give you benefits for your traumatic brain injuries or your PTSD." posted 03/23/2008 at 13:00:53

Bush Remains Silent Over Tibet Crackdown

I would agree with nearly everything you've posted, except, perhaps, your characterization of Tibet as a "brutal theocracy." I think their history is a bit more nuanced than that. What about, for example, the great King Songsten Gampo, who is credited with bringing Buddhism to Tibet? Or King Trisong Detsen, who was a patron of Buddhism and is responsible for building Tibet's first monastery, Samye? Or King Ralpachen, who is responsible for the first dictionary, a Sanskrit-Tibetan lexicon that made the translation of Sanskrit Buddhist texts into Tibetan possible? Not to mention the Dalai Lamas, especially the great 13th.

Yes, Tibet's history is peppered with political intrigue and violence, but Tibet is also a country transformed in a good way by the advent and cultivation of Buddhism over the centuries. posted 03/22/2008 at 20:19:28

You're correct. Bush has been bought and he has sold America down the river.

Where do you think the money all of us will be getting this Spring will be coming from? As we have no money in our treasury (Bush has spent it all), that money will be borrowed from China. China now has us (excuse the expression) by our balls. Good job. posted 03/22/2008 at 16:45:33

Of course, you are completely correct. And I also believe it's only a matter of time before China invades Taiwan. It is tragic and myopic that the Taiwanese people just voted in a man who will only strengthen ties to China. What are they thinking? Is Taiwan so dissimilar from Tibet? No, not at all.
posted 03/22/2008 at 16:40:37

Bush will go to his grave crowing about his justifiable invasion of Iraq and how he "liberated" the people of Iraq from a ruthless dictator, but when it comes to addressing China's ruthless fifty year occupation of Tibet (and their ongoing cultural genocide), he's oddly silent. Why? This is hypocritical and pathetic moral leadership. This is yet another example of why the rest of the world no longer respects America.

I have been frustrated and disappointed with our current Democratic Congress and Pelosi's leadership, but she definitely did the right thing by meeting with HH the Dalai Lama and calling on the world to hold China accountable for the current barbaric treatment of Tibetan dissidents. posted 03/22/2008 at 16:17:16

China May Ban Live Broadcasts During Olympics

I've been a student of Tibetan history for thirty years, so I'm intimately familiar with the ongoing abuses suffered by Tibetans at the hands of the Chinese all these years. Oddly and inexplicably, the world has chosen, for the most part, to ignore the plight of these people.

If we were truly supportive of oppressed peoples everywhere in the world, our government would be unbending in their relations with China: return Tibet to the Tibetans if you want trade relations. If not, expect sanctions. posted 03/22/2008 at 15:11:34

Are you, too, suffering from some of the same mental deficits that the Chinese authorities are clearly suffering from? If so, I don't think I can help you. posted 03/22/2008 at 15:01:57

Yes, true enough, which makes their present status on the evolutionary ladder so tragic, so heartbreaking. All that history, all that potential thrown away. If their present state of governance is a measure of where you end up after all this time, the human race is f*cked. posted 03/22/2008 at 14:57:05

Hoo Boy! Excessive control seems to be a bit of a problem amongst China's power elites. This sort of control qualifies as aberrant for sure. How do such twisted people manage to get to the top and run the lives of millions of other far more normal people?

Paranoid, fearful little men. They think their iron-fisted control speaks to their strength, but it's just the opposite: it speaks to their weakness, their fear of impotency.

Everyone sees what is happening in Tibet and how the Chinese are dealing with it. The cat's out of the bag. Maybe it's time to seriously consider the unthinkable: return Tibet to the Tibetans? China's standing in the world would rise appreciably. Censoring the Olympics just puts another nail in their coffin. Besides being control freaks, these people are surprisingly stupid.
posted 03/22/2008 at 14:36:47

Uh, maybe that's precisely why Bush and his administration have been so quiet? They don't really have a moral leg to stand on. And would only be labelled as hypocrites by the Chines power elite.

This is how Bush has destroyed our reputation in the world. posted 03/22/2008 at 14:21:57

Another Bill Clinton Moment On The Campaign Trail

....people who know what they are doing? Who would that be? Nobody else running comes to mind. posted 03/22/2008 at 14:43:52

China Issues Most Wanted List of Rioters

China's tactics resemble those of Burma's junta and other extremely repressive regimes. What do you think will happen to those they round up? Do you think they'll be getting a mild slap on the wrist before they're released? No, the Chinese are absolutely ruthless. The atrocities we've committed against Islamic insurgents, i.e., waterboarding for example, pale by comparison. You can read firsthand accounts of what Tibetans have suffered in Chinese prisons. Many will simply "disappear" as they did in Burma. And many more will wish for death before the Chinese are finished with them. The lucky ones will find a way to take their own lives, which, if you're a Buddhist, is an extremely inauspicious way to die. posted 03/21/2008 at 21:25:25

I fully intend to vote for Obama! I believe that the rest of the world is gnerally hoping that Obama gets elected. Anyone else would be either a disaster or business as usual. posted 03/21/2008 at 21:14:58

Uh, that might be rocking the boat a little too much. We can't be too rash in the implementation of our foreign policy.

I pray for the day a real leader arises again to preside over this once great nation.
posted 03/21/2008 at 11:15:04

These Tibet stories on HuffPost barely get a dozen posters, which gives you some idea what an uphill battle it is to get any real traction in the US on these atrocities. Sad and pathetic. Hypocritical, too, considering all the talk about bringing freedom, liberty and democracy to the oppressed people of the world.

The world should be unified in it's message to China: we will boycott your Olympics unless you cease the atrocities now! China does not DESERVE the honor of hosting the Olympics.

I respectively disagree with HH the Dalai Lamas: Tibet should be returned to the Tibetans. Tibet deserves to be free of China. Those who know the situation in Tibet, know how much the Han Chinese hate the Tibetans. Think back to slavery in this country and the prevailing attitudes towards blacks at that time and you will have a window into how the Chinese regard the Tibetans.

posted 03/21/2008 at 11:09:19

Obama Endorsed By Bill Richardson

Thank you for this link! I've sent it along to a number of friends. Is this man extreme? Not in the least; he's truthful. He speaks absolute truth to power. posted 03/21/2008 at 10:44:17