Kablamo!: Congratulations!

Dear Himalayas,

I came across this article on the NY Times Website last night. In short the article is describing China's disapproval with H. H. Dalai Lama receiving the Congressional Gold Medal in Washington. The medal is awarded to "any individual who performs an outstanding deed or act of service to the security, prosperity, and national interest of the United States." (Wikipedia)

China is subtly threatening serious ramifications if the ceremony goes forward as planned. As of yesterday, President Bush was to award H.H.D.L. in his residence, and not in the oval office, today. What particularly struck a chord with me were the daft comments made by Zhang Qingli, the leader of the Tibet Communist Party. Mr Zhang said and I quote, "Such a person who basely splits his motherland, and doesn't even love his motherland has been welcomed by some countries and has even been receiving this or that award." The party boss goes on to say, "We are furious. If the Dalai Lama can receive such an award, there must be no justice or good people in the world."

For those not in the know, the Dalai Lama has been exiled from Tibet since 1959 after tensions in Lhasa became to dangerous for the spiritual leader to remain in his home country. For the past 48 years H.H.D.L. has tried desperately to come to some agreement with the Chinese government to free Tibet. In 1989, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in promoting understanding and respect for humanity as a race, and for seeking to reach a settlement with regards to Tibetan autonomy. Unfortunately, the Chinese government did not and will not award region a higher level of autonomy and successive attempts of reconciliation have been futile.

It becomes clear that H.H.D.L. should be anything but the target of Mr. Zhang's unfounded remarks. He remains loyal to his motherland, Tibet, and would want more than anything to return home before his life in this world ends.