The popular belief is that China invaded a fully autonomous state in the fifties. However, there is much debate over the exact nature of the sovereignty of Tibet. Upon closer investigation, this commonly held belief seems short-sighted.
Technically Tibet has only made any attempt to claim independence from China between 1913 to 1959, and even then Tibet failed to negotiate independence from China (China has never accepted the complete independence of Tibet, only other "imperialist" nations have). In other words, Tibet has never been able to proclaim its independence from China through either diplomatic nor military means. Tibet has no legitimate reason to claim that its independence was threatened by a the big bad Chinese regime (because its independence never existed) and flying all over the world rallying support from Western countries is not improving its relationship with China - China being the only nation in a position to grant Tibet independence.
Tibet has been part of China from the Yuang dynasty (1271 – 1368). Viewed in this light, the period of 1913 - 1959, during which Tibet tried to claim independence, becomes immaterial. Certainly not material enough to use as a basis for sovereignty on any legal grounds.
Within the Asian continent, there are many independent states. Granted, the People's Republic of China is not always happy with this arrangement, but why isn't Tibet following a similar route? That seems reasonable to me, instead of the Oprah Winfrey cult of personality celebrity populist angle that the Dalai Lama is attempting. China does not care about the West and right now, the West needs China economically. The way to put pressure on China is not by shaking hands with the likes of Sarkozy, who is a populist scoundrel (also not that clear on the separation of the church and state himself).
Seems like the Lama is using the "enemies of my enemy are my friends" approach without really being concerned with whom he is dealing, as long as they don't like China. The Lama has not done a single thing that proves to me that he should enjoy respect. He's like PETA in that regard.
If Tibet deserves independence from China, then surely South Ossetia and Abkhazia deserve independence from Georgia too? Why isn't the West rallying behind their cause? They're in a far more clear-cut situation than Tibet, yet the West (America in particular) does not rally behind them when they try to claim their independence from Georgia, mainly because the Russians are. Oh, and South Ossetia and Abkhazia don't have a charming old man in a tunic shaking hands with world leaders rallying for their independence.
I hate the Dalai Lama because he appeals to people's emotions and spirituality and does not rely on reason to better the position of Tibet. He is nothing but a theocrat. If L Ron Hubbard declared Scientologists independent from the rest of the world, how seriously would you take him? Why does the Lama deserve better treatment?
If hate is a strong emotion to apply to someone you don't personally know, then surely the opposite emotion of love is just as strong to apply to someone you don't personally know. Seems to me that it is irrational to claim that the Lama is wise, kind and a spiritual leader worthy of our affection with his sage advice and guidance offered to us when he can't solve his own problems.
Comparing the Dalai Lama with Vladimir Putin
The Dalai Lama
The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatzo, has been defending his outmoded theocratic system from the confounds of an Indian monastery and Oprah Winfrey's talk show couch.
- He appears to have eyesight problems.
- He gets CIA backing, because the Lama has never held a job in his life.
- He writes self-help books, aimed at disarming you from your most precious weapon - your mind.
- He is a fan of Marxism. Probably because he expects it to support bums like himself. Maybe the Lama should visit Cuba sometime?
- He has nothing whatsoever to do with the noble llama. A llama has practical use.
That's all there is to him, really.
Vladimir Putin
Prime minister of Russia, Vladimir Putin. Where do we begin?
- A former member of the KGB, Putin graduated from the International Law branch of the Law Department of the Leningrad State University in 1975. He wrote his final thesis on international law.
- Putin was actually elected as the president of Russia. Despite his KGB intelligence background (which may or may not jeopardise the legitimacy of his appointment), it is worth noting that Russian people actually voted for him. He does not claim to have some divine right to rule.
- Putin is a Judo champion.
- He can fly planes, shoot guns and rescue scared pansies from the gaping jaws of lions, tigers and bears.
Who would you rather have fighting for your independence?
