I support all Tibetans in their efforts to regain their rights to religious freedom. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a great example to all humans ( not just Buddhists) in the possibility of non-violent resistance, even if it is a slow and very challenging path
Thank you
Namaste
Sara

Sara, seattle, usa/ wa

Monks are core power in opposing Chinese goverment, because they hope to rebuild their theocracy which is like the medieval feudal regime in EU. At that time 50 year ago, they are privilege classes. The Dalai Lama system was setup by the China to rule Tibet accompanied with a main official from central government a few hundred years ago. And the selection of a new Dalai Lama must have been approved by the Emperor of China. If they can represent their lost, everyone should do the same, American Indian can, New Zealand Maori can, Scotish Can, Irish can .. there will be endless.

James, Sichuan, China

I have read all the COMMENTS above and they all make sence, but they won't change anything at all.
sorry my friends.

RAV KALEA, WOLVERHAMPTON, UK

Would Americans fight for their freedom if the USA was annexed by a foreign power? Would the British? I would hope so. Did the Irish fight for theirs? Or the Amerindian tribes? Would the British population have sat quietly if the Nazis had managed to invade?
Of course all these issues are much more complex than a single news report or one person's view of a situation. At least people take notice and have the courage to speak out.
So far we have been fortunate, we have not yet had to deal with what all supressed peoples in the world are suffering.
That may yet change, if the cycles of history run true to form.

Mick, Bradford, UK

As an addendum, I would ask, how did the NYPD deal with a peaceful protest by Tibetan marchers in New York (outside the UN building) on 14th March 2008?
Be aware of what is happening in your own back yard!

Mick, Bradford, UK

Did you, did you see the frightened ones?
Did you, did you hear the falling bombs?
Did you ever wonder why we had to run for shelter,
When the promise of a brave new world,
Unfurled beneath a clear blue sky?

Joe Cammel, London,

Why does China behave so badly......and get away with it?

vivienne en, Liverpool,UK,

China runs the worlds production. Good luck finding something that they don't ship here to the states. Nothing will come of this, just like the other rallies, and protests have yeilded nothing for the tibetan people. Though some may wave a finger at china, thats all they'll do, in 25 years there won't be a tibetan left.

Rich, Charleston, South Carolina, USA

I do not see a big difference of China's policy againsts the invasion of Iraq, killing more of the civilians than their own America armies. I suggest the Dalai Lama to step down for now, and wait to see how the human rights group and UN investigation to make another move whether should the Dalai remain as a exile leader. It's a shame to disrupt the Olympic since it's for the world not just China.

Theravada Buddhist, Toronto, Canada

Tibet has not always been a part of China. Obviously you have a misguided and brainwashed view of your country's history.

Kyle Bernard, Neenah, Wisconsin, USA

James, Tacoma,- I think you've swallowed your government's propaganda in thinking that you enter global conflicts in order to make the planet a better place. You invade countries because there is a resource or stategtic gain there. Same reason as China is in Tibet. It is not in USA's economic interest to attack China and even if there was I don't think the military resources would be enough. I think a lot of your country men don't care about the populations around the world your supposedly freeing

Raymond, Liverpool, UK

1.Definitely,Tibet is part of China. If you have little knowledge of China history,you would find the fact.
2.Anyways,Dalai is a religionist,he should not instigate his men to tortured even kill the innocent people and to burn the houses,shops,,, they are innocent..

Jason, Fuzhou, China

i love my country ,china!

Jason, Fuzhou, China

we live in a free country

chenbin, suqian, china

It's time to temporarily halt all trade with China until this is resolved.

Craig Bruce, Orange, USA / California

Until China stops the murdering, I will stop buying and using Chinese made products. I will not go to China for any reason. Vote with your wallets...

Donald, abilene, Tx

Free Tibet and Save Darfur:

Boycott Beijing 2008!

Joe, NYC, NY, USA

Lee: Yes i have been to China, I live in China, I was in Lhasa in October. Have you ever been to Lhasa, do you understand what the typical Tibetan thinks? These things are occuring during the Olympic year because no one, especially Han Chinese, is willing to discuss what has gone on in Tibet for the past 50 years. Wake up, get out of Beijing. These images were not "shooted" in China, but in Tibet, a soveriegn nation that was occupied by the PLA in 1959. Wake up.

Scott, Shanghai, China

I am a 20 years old chinese freshman.Actually what I know is that almost all my classmates know nothing about what's happneing in Tibet.Chinese government prevents all the information from slipping out and we've been told when we were kindergarten students that Tai wan belongs to china,Tibet is a part of china.
All the incidents were not mentioned on newspapers and TV, which meant we had little idea of the disturbances. Chinese government just wanna use Olympics to show off how good they are,what a splendid achievement they got. Human rights have been ignored for too long. We are living in a blind area,we don't know what's happening now in my country.
We need the truth!The truth without sugar coated!

Danielle, Xiamen, China

I just want to say,if you weren't in Tebet at that time,then you have no right to judge.Why do you always believe in the western media?Why don't you read the news on CCTV or XinHua News anency?

stone, xiamen, China

The unfortunate reality of the world is that most people in the USA, are completely worn out from foriegn affairs and domestic tradegies like (hurricane Katrina). The never ending 5 year, Iraq War, and the Afganastan War, and before that, even the Bosnia/Serbian War, and the never ending Middle East Israel/Pallistinian conflict has just overtaxed the average person's ability to care, and , then respond...
Americans are a generous people. But, people are "emotionally tired". We all have given since 9/11 to help others, to help our own citizens, and to help the world. But, now with the economy slowing, and our military "exhausted" from the never ending conflcts. We are all saying "ENOUGH".
I do care about the Tibetian people, but, we are not going to go to War with China over them. I do care about he poor worldwide. But American can only do so much...War is everywhere in Africa,. How many college students will march to "help Darfur"? But, will not join the military? Enough

James, Tacoma, USA/WA

Have you been in China?Do you know what the majority of Tibetan think?Do you know the true history of Tibet?Did you see how the victim suffering when the riot happened?Did you understand why those things just happened in such a Olympic period?Think it why those said they support the Olympic while they destroyed the Olympic Flame ceremony.... Did you find that the news are all "said by someone" or "with the photos not happened in China"?...Seeing is believing...If you have watched the video of the riot and you are not jaundiced, you will change your mind and condemn the mob.However, maybe you will never see it! The video is public and the most western media will never release.Why? Because the photos they released are not shooted in China or they deal with them with photoshop...say nothing of video...The politics are dirty,but the truth are not....

Lee, Beijing, China

warning: paid Chinese government agents commenting

Most of them say they are from a us state and take an English name. They are not from the us and they certainly are not "Republicans". Their Marxist pro-Chinese regime propaganda and bad English are easy to spot. The Chinese government has likely hired them to post on western sites to make you believe that the word is not united on this matter. I have seen them on various blogs, western news sites and youtube.

This is not below a government that stages footage of monks (!) kicking things down, kidnaps the child panchen lama, and commits cultural genocide.

dustin, los angeles, ca

Truth about Tibet

http://www.youtube.com/user/dionysos615

Harry, Durham, USA

Where are the millions of protesters that flooded the streets in 2003 proclaiming they were opposed to injustice and oppression of the weak by a foreign superpower? Those same colorful characters that denounced the U.S. in 2003 en masse haven't mustered even a miniscule protest against China's actions in Tibet, its support of the thugs in Myanmar or it's financial support for the genocide in Darfur, Sudan. Those protesters of 2003 have exposed their true agenda, promoting leftist ideology, by their lack of action on issues that concern a communist country. By the way, not even against North Korea has there been a mass protest. The country in the world that has killed more of its own citizens over the past 2 decades gets a pass. Could the leftists be more obvious?

andy , tokyo, japan

Well, personally i think the police made a stupid decision. If there is a revolt, it is their responsibility to handle it in a safe, proffesional manor. In a way, the shooting makes the police almost worst than the protesters- atleast the protesters weren't killing anyone! I wish people were able to freely worship whoever or whatever they want without fear of being persecuted.

Bailey, Florida, USA

Communist governments always use brute force to oppress the population. China is no different. This has been going on for generations and is nothing new.

Randall, Sacramento, CA

We need to resist Chinese arrogance toward Tibet.
The best way to inflict heavy casualty to China's communist militarism in Tibet these days is to boycott Olympics.
Let's go for that!

istvami, Redlands, California

Unfortunately, all free nations must go through a difficult and bloody period to earn freedom. When they are ready, they will earn freedom. Freedom unearned is freedom unkept. That's why the US is slipping into fascism. Think the founding fathers stayed home to watch football?

Ken, San Francisco,

I cannot imagine a scenario more horrific:

A foreign government invades a neighboring country with thousands of years of religious and cultural traditions to its honor; the host country is then forced to tolerate the hostile parasite and relinquish its own sovereignty and traditions in the name of... what? Stability?

"Medieval feudal traditions" are in the eye of the beholder, by the way. Christianity hails back through the medieval ages; does that make it medieval?

Further, that the Dalai Lama has been characterized as a "monkey leader" when he is in fact the holder of ancient and time-honored traditions is nothing short of obscene.

We've seen what Chinese imports have done to our own nation: poisoned our pets, imperiled our children's health, and threatened the stability of our own economy...

In fact, the US has already been invaded; it's like having a bear in the living room that no one wants to acknowledge.

Elan Durham, Santa Monica, CA/US

"Is it not, the Tibetans responsibility to resist the presence of an invader? "

Here is another victim of the simplistic portrait, or shall we say, Western propoganda? The issue is far complex than what is presented in the media: for your information, Tibet was never an internationally recognized "independent" country -- last time Tibet was invaded by a "foreign" power were the Bristish in 1904. Yes, Tibetans have their own cultures and traditions, and had autonomy (ruled by a "god-king" together with Buddist monasties and feudal serfdom) to a large extent; but nonetheless it was never an independent country!
Also, do you know that the Dalai Lama system was installed by the Chinese to rule Tibet a few hundred years ago and the selection of a new Dalai Lama must always have to obtain the approval of the Emperor of China in the past.

I bet you don't know any of the above!
All you know is to be self-righteous and feel good about yourself.

The reality is always far more complex!

Jerry Yang, NYC, NY USA

Just about everything Americans own or use is made in China. Is that supposed to be "outsourcing" and "globalization"? It's very hard to avoid buying things made in China, but i sure try. This is the same country that seems to give no care for the human rights of its protesters. The reports of deaths are sketchy because of the ban on media there. Remember the song "Ohio" by Neil Young and David Crosby? American troops killed four protesters at Ohio state during a vietnam protest in the 60's, that is much the same as this story, exept that alot more have been killed most likely. I don't think the people of China are all bad and make junk, just like i never did of the people of Iraq. Every time you walk into Wal-Mart and buy anything and everything made in china, you are supporting the chinese system, that has no regard for protesters of change and god knows who else. If we can't be heard by protest, China can at least hear us in the wallet, no rustling of our hard earned U.S. dollars

Billy, tarrytown , ny

Chris in Reston, Virginia, USA writes -- in a condescending tone of weariness -- "Yes, its sad, but that is the price for globalization." I assume that you are an American conservative who prizes money above all else. How about if I suggest to you that the price of globalisation is a loss of your identity and values? What price will you take for your own freedom of speech and freedom of assembly? The movement toward homogeneous sameness in the economy means that homogeneity in cultures will necessarily follow. "Follow the money," right, Big Guy? By your thinking, numbers make everything all right, so Chinese ways, being numerically dominant, will obviously become the dominant culture. I assume that you will say "Yes, its [sic] sad" when we have given up not only jobs and the ability to source our own needs, but every value that created Western democracy. Not the values that created rampant, laissez-faire globalised capitalism, though. Devoid of values, that.

Lina, Auckland, New Zealand

Lived in Manhattan for 7 years. Never met a Manhattan Indian.

Lived in Michigan for 4 years. Never met a Michigan Indian.

Lived in Onadaga County in Upstate New York. Never met an Onadaga Indian.

America's presidential campaigns kick off in Iowa. Show me one Ioway Indian who participated.

Tibet has been in and out of Chinese rule for thousands of years. Lots of Tibetans are still around.

Glass houses. Stones.

Joe, Hong Kong, China

Free Tibet!

Torabora, Susanville, California

JJ from London-- I believe it was the US Secretary of State Rice and Speaker of the House Pelosi (#3 in US gov't rank) who have either met with the Dalai Lama to express solidarity or directly challenged the Chinese government over the recent violence. Where is the UK or European action?

Apparently you've never studied international relations or theory. Every state acts in a self-help way, otherwise there is no point for a state to exist. Its funny you single out the US, while the UK and almost all others do the exact same thing. I guess the US just has a bigger spotlight on it.

Plus, I don't know how you can call the US spineless--you forget that European countries and the UK all wince at violence and withdraw while the US recently capped 4,000 US deaths in Iraq. If anything, I think their resolve to finish jobs they start is impressive and admirable.

Ethan, London, UK

I do not wish peace, I pray for justice

Kent Greer, La Costa, CA

Looks like china is going to get away with slaughtering people with no more then a slap on the wrist.

Mark, Indianapolis, u.s.

The Chinese are brutal beyond belief. The world should boycott the Olympics and bring them to a screeching halt, to teach the Chinese a lesson that is decades overdue.

What the Chinese have done in Tibet since the Dalai Lama fled reminds us of the fact that Mao Tse-tung was one the most ruthless killers of his own people in the 20th Century, and perhaps in the entire history of mankind.

Hopefully the world never forgets that Mao Tse-tung was directly responsible for an estimated 30-40 million deaths between 1958 and 1960, as a result of what Mao's regime hailed as the "Great Leap Forward." Mao’s crimes involved Chinese peasants, many of whom died of hunger from man-made famines under collectivist orders that stripped them of all private possessions.

Enough is enough. The world’s attention must be riveted on the Tibetan’s suffering, and what better way to send a lasting message on behalf of those Tibetans who died than to boycott the Olympics?

Timothy D. Naegele, Malibu, California, USA

It's a shame that the governments of the US, the EU and the rest of the world don't support the Tibetans against the opression and abuse of the government of China. It's clear that for them money and thus their economical interests in China are worth far more than the lives and freedom of people.

The governments shoud hold the Olympics in another country, or threaten to do so. If they don't (and they very, very probably won't) we, the citizens, should demand that they do, or that the athlets themselves refuse to go.

So foreign journalists have been barreed. That's enough for us to know who is telling the truth about the amount of people killed by the Chinese governement.

I hope that manifestations on support of Tibet are held here.

Cristina, Santiago, Chile.

The international community MUST speak up before more Tibetans are killed. The illegal and brutal occupation of Tibet by China must be condemned. China continues to commit human rights violations and innocent people continue to die. We demand that the international community send investigators to determine the true story of what is happening in Tibet.

Free Tibet and Free the Tibetan protesters!!!

dechen, boston, MA

A better idea than boycotting the Olympics: have our athletes boycott the Opening Ceremony.

Think about it. The Olympics themselves aren't about the country it's held at, it's about the athletes of the world competing against each other. Boycotting the games only harms them.

The Opening Ceremony, however, IS about the host country, at least in part. It will be quite obvious if some of the larger Olympic teams (and their dignitaries) aren't there with the dancers and hoopla that customarily surrounds this occasion. The gaping holes in the middle of the field become an uncomfortable reminder of the host's guilt.

Michael, Pueblo, Colorado, US

Sign the boycott petition here
http://www.petitiononline.com/pbbo01/petition-sign.html?
As for
"This is an internal affair of China, and foreign governments should stay out of it."

Mike, Dallas, TX
----------------------------
The Tibet affair isn't an internal affair since it is a separate country from China .

john, shrewsbury, uk

Absolutely disgusting. I know that the Tibetan issue is being used by the Western world against China but this is NO excuse for what has just happened, if this is true. The chinese government should be ashamed of themselves.

rach, reading,

This is starting to have echoes of 1989 again.

The subtext here is about so much more than Tibet. It is about a regime, repressive of its own people. Granted the economy is a marvel but the political side has hardly moved.

I have been to China and my impression was that many people want more freedom but they are too fearful to express those sentiments.

Remember the fallen of Tiananmen Square.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=UzFmw3A3Rok

Luis Donatella, London, UK

Tibet, China, Dalai Lama, Wangchuck and Xi: America and the western world are watching and increasingly becoming aware of what is going on. All of these actions by the brave people of Tibet and China resound worldwide. I wish you peace, success and freedom from tyranny!

Chris, Portland, OR

This is absolutely appalling that unarmed protesters have been gunned-down in cold blood. A great deal has been discussed in this forum about culture, race, political affiliations - yet there is a basic human instinct of life that has been denied from these victims, and that extends beyond political ideologies. Murder is murder, and must not be tolerated. The arrogance and delusion that the Chinese government possesses in thinking that such actions would not be condemned, especially with the privilege of hosting the Olympics, is astonishing.

A comprehensive boycott of the Olympic Games should be just the beginning in how the international community postures themselves with China.

Chris, London, UK

JJ (London, UK)...Sadly, yes, the west will tolerate it (at least on this side of the pond). We answered the Tiananmen Square by renewing China's 'most favored nation' trade status with the US...instead of demanding real reforms. We didn't back the Iranian students in their struggles. We also back the idea of self~determination...except when it comes to Taiwan. It's all self interest (and soon to be self preservation) with the US government.

Nope...We'll let it slide. It's pretty much a requirement to check your spine at the door when you take a job in DC.

Switz, Jefferson City, MO (USA)

Why isn't anybody saying anything to the IOC about picking China in the first place?

Jeff, Lancaster, NY, USA

I think if Chinese people knew the full truth of the repression in Tibet, they would support us Tibetans in our struggle for freedom. Unfortunately, the CCP keeps the Chinese people mired in ignorance & in misinformation about Tibet, so many Chinese people don't know what's really going on.

In fact, dozens of Chinese intellectuals, who do know something of what's going on in Tibet, have written open letters to the Chinese Govt calling for restraint, respect for human righs & dialogue w/ the Dalai Lama. I think these Chinese reflect the real beliefs of the Chinese people.

Don't forget that the CCP killed Chinese people during their communist revolution, during the anti-Rightist Campaign, during the Cultural Revolution & the Tiananmen Massacre

Wangchuk, New York, USA

I see some commentators saying that we should leave China alone and to not get involved in an internal affair. Is this really an internal affair? They have conquered the land of a people who are not of chinese desent. I will boycott the Olympics and wished our Olympians would do the same, although I won't think of them differently if they do not. I say this because these men and women train for years and years to go to the Olympics and they don't get to pick where it is held. We can hold the broadcast company accountable and the sponsors. Also, someone said conservatives on here are pro-chinese government...I'm a conservative and know of no conservatives who feel this way. Thats rubbish.

Mark, San Carlos,, CA, USA

Most of we chinese hate our government, they do not trust there own people to decide political fate. they feel they can control us with mind control and fear. I support Tibet freedom and our freedom but i can not say this here in public.

Xi, shanghai, china

Daniel with all due repect, your comment "let china dispose of them as it pleases" is the type of attitude that will a) not be tolerated here in the west and b) is one of the least likely things that will help solve the current crisis. These people had their land invaded and eveything they believed in taken away from them - they have the right to at least protest.

Also agree with you Francesa - the times has a responsibility to stay neutral,

JJ, London, U.K

It is disgusting to see people like Isabel and others from the UK making excuses for a vicious police state, because "democracy is not for everyone". The fact is that Tibet is a conquered nation, held down by people of a totally different culture, race, and language, just as Estonia and others were colonies of Russia and Ireland was a colony of England. China has no just claim to Tibet, and people who enjoy democracy should not have the gall to say it is not for others.

Penny, Dublin and New York, ROI

Just so we're clear, the title of the article is not "Glorious Peoples Army Vanquishes Killer Buddists " - The article is about the Chinese paramilitary killing and wounding unarmed civilians. Somehow though, the US policy vv Iraq is being discussed. Does the US presense in Iraq somehow make it OK for the Chinese Government to kill innocent people? Oh, and if independent reporting is not allowed, how can we really know if "angry Tibetans rampaged through the Tibetan capital, stabbing and hacking at ethnic Han Chinese "? This non-sequitor makes it seem as though at least some of you posters are not who you say you are.

This all said, I think that the real point here has gone missing. Shouldn't we be asking "What does the PRC plan to do next?" If we avert our eyes to these "small" attrocities, are we sending a message that we won't notice when they invade Taiwan?

And then, what next?

Ping, Hong Kong, China

Oh please, get a grip folks. The Dali Lama is the epitome of a peaceful leader, not a religious zealot. Stop tossing out these red herrings to try to make a political point. Regardless of what the US has done or hasn't done, what China is doing is wrong. Sometimes wrong is just wrong, and I guess I don't understand why listing the sins of the US somehow gives China a pass.

Chris Jacobs, Washington, USA/DC

I agree with a complete boycott and have requested same from the USOC, NBC, and our government. Further, I told NBC of my intent to boycott their network until the end of my days. China must be shown that the world will not tolerate their complete disregard of basic human rights.

Richard Gasper, Owings Mills, MD

This is an internal affair of China, and foreign governments should stay out of it.

Mike, Dallas, TX

The Red Army does not control our minds, even if they control our economy. I refuse to watch. BOYCOTT the Olympics and free Tibet.

Wilbur Varela, los Angeles, california, usa

I like reading the replies by the Chinese Plants. Please correct me, if i am mistaken but didn't China invade Tibet? Is it not, the Tibetans responsibility to resist the presence of an invader?

Christopher, Lubbock, Texas/USA

Dear Jane McCartenay
I note in your report you refer to Tibetans in Western China. Please would you find a map of Asia that dates prior to the Chinese invasion of Tibet (1950) and just see how much of Tibet China has in fact swallowed up. The area referred to today as the Tibetan Autonomous Region is only a very tiny part of a very large country called Tibet - not China. Please, please print such a map and show the rest of the world just how much land China has stolen from the Tibetans.

Tibetans want all of their country back, not just the tiny province called Tibet Autonomous Region

Andy, Loughborough, UK

"China should put an end to this unrest and replace the population of Tibet with loyal Chinese citizens"

And next they can do the same to the USA! Why not support the most murderously fascist state since Hitler's Germany?

I think we should boycott the Olympics, or at least have them held in a country that stands up for freedom of speech and religion.

Michael, Daphne, Alabama, USA

Boycott Wal-mart and their supportive policies of "reverse mercantilism" that drive jobs to other countries and put quality American companies out of business for pennies on the dollar. How quickly we Americans forget how Bic pens and Levis helped lead to the collapse of another oppressive system. We would be so lucky to have a leader with the integrity of the Dalai Lama, perhaps then, even though a "long shot" we may not see such vile and hateful language posted here like, "let China dispose of them (the Tibetans) as it pleases." The Dalai Lama knows he is excepted in our "neck of the woods" anytime.

Boycott the Olympics and help to FREE TIBET!!!

Randy, Durango, Colorado, USA

China felt uneasy with its southern border with Tibet, so it took over control of that country as part of its economic, political advance. Remember, Japan took control over Korea and raped it. Germany took control over Austria and did what it did. Strange how history can repeat itself as the (free?) world watches and gets ready for the olympics. The Chinese civilians can't complain, unless they want to look at a brick wall for the last thing they see. Is there oil in Tibet, that's about the only thing that could get the U.S.A. involved in the poker game of its future.

Norm , Black River, NY/ USA

I would suggest that you guys go set up a protest in the US and the go to China and protest there, but against the Chinese with your opinions. Then while you are sitting in Chinese prison you can debate whether the US is more or less just. You clearly have no idea how the world works.

Michael, Denver, Colorado

The Chinese occupation of Tibet (never truly a part of China - Tibetan Buddhist culture is old Indian culture after Tibet invaded N.E. India c.600 C.E.), is the No.1 threat to India. The Chinese gave the Pakistani dictators the nuclear blueprint as well as supporting them in 1965 and 1971 wars. China occupies part of Kashmir since 1962 and even has the gall to claim Arunachal Pradesh where the Communist army makes incursions into Indian territory on a regular basis. There were even plans to divert waters from the upstream parts of the Brahmaputra to parched regions of China.
From Nehru to now, the Indian governments, bar the BJP, has kowtowed to bullies in Beijing, most educated Indians understand that China is our enemy No.1 cynically destabilizing India. As India rises we shall no doubt become more assertive towards the Han imperialists and there are ideas of arcs of democracy with Japan and Australia. We share Indo-European root culture of freedom with West in spite of past.

Sutapas Bhattacharya, London, UK

Though it may seem brutal, try to grasp what China is trying to do. Moving over a billion people through centuries of change in a couple of decades takes rather more political and cultural skill than we in the west are used to of late.

David Masu, Zürich,

Truely amazing to see so many comments from Republicans supporting a communist regime.

Rob, San Diego, CA

"Maybe if the olympics were to be held in the US people around the world would boyoctt because of guantanamo and iraq

alex, philadelphia, pa"

An Olympics with no foreign spectators? That would be awesome. I'm always fascinated by Americans who think every American gives a damn what "the world" thinks of us. Speak for yourself please. "The World" doesn't do anything on it's own and has never done anything to be proud of.

Rich, Philadelphia, PA

Remember these slogans? They apply here also!
--------
Violence breeds violence. Let's breed peace.
We can bomb the world to pieces; we can't bomb it to peace.
Peace; not shattered lives.
Be the change you want to see.
There is no way to peace; peace is the way.
Refuse powerlessness. Act now for Peace.
Conversation, not confrontation.
Peace begins with justice.
Will work for peace.
We did not bring children into the world to kill for the rich.
Brains not bombs.
Earth to Bush: no war!
Read my lips: No war in China.
Many voices, one plea: no war in China.
Violence grows from desperation. Let's take the high ground.
Act like it's a globe, not an empire.
Choose compassion not sides.
We can do better than this.
Books not bombs.
Go solar, not ballistic.
Be the change you want to see.
UN Yes! No Wild West!
If the people will lead, the leaders will follow.
-------
So LEAVE CHINA ALONE!!!

Naz, Houston, USA

Nice to know that slaves in China are still free to publicly embrace slavery!!! What is a few Tibetans compared to the millions killed by Chinese communists? There is your stability.

Emery Woodall, Atlanta, GA

The Chinese government has a right to keep order in their country. These people are putting lives at risk and that is why we have governments. The Dali Lama is yesterday's news. He left China now he can stay out.

Kim Estrada, Denver, Co

I notice there is this call for the US to do something. What do they mean, do something like invade, like they did in Iraq? Funny how we pick and choose who we are going to support based on what?????

Kim Estrada, Denver, Co

I think that WRONG picture is displayed here under "Tibet Violence"--it's not the Chinese Police, but the Nepal Police. Look at the uniform an skin color.

Wen, Raleigh,

You said it Nigel - "our endless hunger" - even if we recognise that these blatant acts of evil are wrong, we are all very much driving the machine behind it. Even thought we're outraged, we still all drive round in cars, buy mass produced goods, work
in jobs for corporations etc etc etc.. And we have kids and bring them up to think and do the same. So we can moan all we want about these terrible things, but the really frightening thing about it is that it isn't some big scary evil monster doing them, it's me and you mate. I personally dont see any great revolution/evolution for the human race. I don't think we're even capable of it. We all give in to the same weaknesses in the end. It's just amazng given the track record, that anyone even bothers to stand up to such overwhelming oppression and might. We can only stand back in awe.

David, Birmingham,

Ok we know there is no chance of invading China and taking their oil...

BUT Mr Bush, Mr Brown and all other world leaders.. stand up now and boycott the Olympics.. opening fire on Nuns and Monks is unacceptable....

We MUST stand up and demand an end to this brutality by China..

It is now or never....

Jim, London,

What if people in Texas calling for independence attack random civilian and burn vehicles in Houston? Will you call them "people who have the courage to fight for freedom and only want to live in peace"? Dalai Lama himself won't agree with such violence, but you just keep those violent photos away from your eyes and claim they want to live in peace. Yes, it's not your blood on the streets.

Allen, Orlando,

China's heavy handed tactics are a complete and absolute outrage. Every human being should have the right to assemble and express their beliefs. To not let be do so is TYRANNY!

Wade, Cornelius, NC

Well last time they sent the army and tanks to crush the freedom protestors they were rewarded with the Olympic Games. Perhaps they are 'gunning' for the football World Cup this time.

Raymond, taunton,

it's very clear that China is not going to back down. It has something to do about not losing face. It's interesting as to what the Western World will do as the US and others have such a financial stake in the Olympics.

I see no positive results if the Dali Lama, goes to China.

The UN. Who?

Gary, Golden, USA?/Colorado

Well, just another day of ordinary people vs stupid government. Like the poor Iraqis vs mighty USA. At least the Tibetan have food, water, shelter and a little bit of freedom.

Jack, Oakland / CA, US

Maybe if the olympics were to be held in the US people around the world would boyoctt because of guantanamo and iraq

alex, philadelphia, pa

@ Nigel don't like it? Then why don't you slap sanctions on China? Oh you can't because then your economy will crumble.

Better yet why don't you Western do-gooders, who apparently love the peoples of the world more than the peoples of the world love themselves, start writing to your local representatives and ask for a "Desert Storm" or "Enduring Freedom" to be waged against China. See how "powerful" you really are!

Or put up a "no-fly zone" to protect the people of Tibet who you love so much, like you did in Iraq post 1991. Go ahead whats stopping you?


Why all the tears just for Tibet? Why aren't you all wailing with the same vigour for the people of Iraq and Afghanistan who are enjoying the "freedom" you delivered?

You lot love protecting "human rights" of people you once massacred, stole from and committed genocides against why not use your military might to give some of that to Tibet?

Western love for Tibet:
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/10174

Sunil, Kandy,

Do you think Iraq get freedom ?
I am a Chinese, I don't want to have your freedom.
As a Chinese people , I think stability is more important than freedom. As we see, Iraq people have freedom , but they lost stability then they will lost everything including freedom.

YuanMo, Kaifeng, China

I am not coming to the defense of the current administration, but lets get our memories straight. It was the Clinton administration who granted the Chinese most favored nation status. It was also the Clintons who sold the Lincoln bed to the highest Chinese bidder. If you think that the current financing of the Chinese Communist war machine will be defunded by electing the next president as a Clinton(or any other of the current Democrat- maybe even Republican candidates to office) then I am afraid you are sadly mistaken.
Let's not give credit till it is earned.
Remember- the current ly controlled Democratic senate and house in the last election ran primarily upon the promise to put an end to the gas company's eyegouging prices. As you can see, that was as empty a promise as ever was made. It doesn't appear they are trying to use that same promise in the presidential election and it is probably pretty wise not to bring it up.

lee, dresser, usa/wi

Nigel, the word democracy has been thrown around so much, I think the true meaning is forgotten. In political terms, democracy means is government by the people; hence, the formal name of china is the People's Republic of China. So in theory, Maoism also comes under the umbrella of democracy in the sense that Mao adopted the concept of Communism to benefit the people of China. However, the modern concept of democracy is not for everyone. Under the circumstances which China endured as a state and her history, I believe it was necessary to adopt Communism at the time of the cultural revolution. It is also notable that China is changing, and the ideas of Maoism has been altered to accommodate these changes. Communism has its faults and benefits, so does western sense of democracy. But we don't see China going around the world telling everyone democracy is wrong and that everyone should be communist. I think anyone should impose their own policies on other states, especially the Americans!

Isabel, Surrey, UK

Shooting and beating peaceful protesters is one thing; but maintaining law and order when Chinese shops are burned and innocent Han Chinese citizens are beaten and killed by protesters is another thing. Each needs to be considered on their own faults with the blame laid appropriately. There is plenty blame to spread on both sides for these recent incidents.

Michael, Toronto, Canada

India also seems to be afraid of China. India has to consider her self-interest in any international crisis. All countries do that, but when a brutal regime is suppressing the human rights of individuals, as the Chinese government is doing in Tibet, India has to speak up!

India cannot regard herself as a moral nation, if she remains uncritical while monks are being shot.
On this occasion, India has to put her business interests with China aside, otherwise they are no better than the Chinese rulers.

Dilip Dhokia, Bradford, UK

And to add insult to injury I heard today on the television that the Olympic flame - symbol of sportsmanship and peace - will be carried through Tibet on its way to Beijing...!! How sick is that? How sick is this world? Shame on us all - sitting in our armchairs watching this debacle unfold....How can we help Tibet? What can we do?

Jean, Hague, Netherlands

These religious people feel that they are above the law and are somehow representing a power higher than the government. In reality, they are in no position to demand anything, let alone the return of the Dalai Lama.

China should put an end to this unrest and replace the population of Tibet with loyal Chinese citizens. If India is comfortable with having the Dalai Lama run his government from there, then let India receive his followers. Otherwise, let China dispose of them as it pleases.

Daniel, Edison, New Jersey, USA

It is not politically neutral journalism to repeat the phrase "Tibetan areas of China" twice in this article. Most of us would expect to hear "Tibet".

Francesca, Oxford, UK

China goverment is a monster .we have no democracy.we are treated unfairly. so I hate this country.

huang, Hubei, China.

OK people make up your Mind first we aren't suppose to do anything when one dictator is killing 100,000's of people, but when anouther country does it we are, This Adminiatration didn't give China valuable computer tech so that they could catch up to us isn defence, SHould we remove there Most Favored Nation. Hell Yes should we Boycott the Olympic's NO, But Our Government Show not attend the Opening Ceremonies, And every athalete should show there support for Tibet and Tiawan

Mark, Provo, Utah

It seems that America's leaders are at a crossroad. Turn a blind eye to the religious attrocities and oppression sponsored by the Chinese governement or stand up to the principles that we say that we hold dear. Freedom of religion, freedom of speech. Our principles seem to have been corrupted by Chinese money. I do now personally know any individuals with Tibetian ties, but we should care about these poeple and what they are standing for.

China seems to be the leader in stamping on human rights (welcome to communism), we need to oppose that regime.

John, Omaha, NE

Be advised the past several administrations have also backed China. Your own Nancy 'Stretch' Pelosi's husband has some very lucrative dealings with China. Ahh Globalism rocks!

mauricio, ely, NV

This is exactly the kind of "Restraint" the Chinese authorities show towards peaceful demonstrators. And then they call a figure like the Dalai Lama a "Wolf in a Monk's Robe"? How dare they!!!!!

Mandira, Kathmandu, Nepal

Further oppression...... Please America, realize that China is waging an economic war of attrition with us. China hates us and the freedoms we represent. Do your part, boycott the farce-olympics, stop buying goods from Wal-mart and wake up!

Matthew, Santa Fe, USA

Where are we holding the next Olympic games?

VinBea, NM USA, USA

"Our endless hunger for cheap goods, and short sighted greedy corporations while out-sourcing American jobs, has made this ruthless communist country wealthy and intimidating."

What nonsense. India and the south pacific and South/Central get just as many jobs outsourced to them. Yes, its sad, but that is the price for globalization. The US economy is moving towards a service and technology focus, which is a natural evolution. Yes, its sad that companies would be willing to pay someone $3/hour overseas compared to $12/hr over here, but then again, thats Business.

If you want the government to protect unskilled positions while sacrificing progress, please move to France. I hear they are very risk adverse, and borderline socialist.

Should the US support China in this squabble? Maybe. Yes, I know we want everyone to be free, but Tibet has been under China's control for a long long time. These uprising are more because of the Olympics and the press coverage that brings.

Chris, Reston, Virginia, USA

If our president had any backbone he would boycott the Olympics in China. We have done this before (Russia's actions in Afghanistan). China has no more business in Tibet then the Russians had in Afghanistan.

China needs to learn that it has to play nice if they want to be a part of the Global community.

Bruce, Brunswick, OH

The convenient double standard of the Bush Administration is deplorable. Is China better than Cuba? Is Mr. Bush afraid to damage the financial bonanza of U.S. big companies doing business in China? Let's boicot the Olympics NOW?

Gabriel, Boca Raton, FL.

Its time for the world to stand up and boycott the Olympics.

If you look at the changes being imposed on the country and the way in which even food sources and water are being redirected to cater for people going to the games over allowing local people to have stable living conditions safe food sources, its a disgrace.

Even the poorest are being stopped from working on the run up to the games and little compensation is being given to allow them to carry on with life.

The rest of the world needs to make a point of what is deemed acceptable, the chinese governments behaviours are not and should be shamed. The most pointed way would be to boycott these Games!

rob, ex Notts UK, Vancouver BC

Everything that was supposed to be wrong with Iraq to the point that we invaded pales to insignificance when it comes to China.
A quarter of humanity is under the heel of a totalitarian regime.
Capital punishment including the then selling of the’ criminals’ body parts occurs daily
They should be undermined at every opportunity including support for rebels in all of its provinces.
As for letting them have the Games only a short time after crushing teenagers with Tanks shows the power of multinational corporations in buying their way into China's cheap non union work force. The price a rubber stamp on China's regime respectability

James , Doncaster, UK

OK Nigel, so maybe we should tell everybody else what to do... you know why we can even contemplate that possibility? because we are an economic powerhouse... you can't have it both ways.
That said, I don't know why there isn't more of wide-spread call for a boycott to the Olympics.

Sam, New York, US

I take absolutely everything that China says with a large grain of salt. A "confession" made under duress is de riguer and perfectly acceptable under Chinese law.

Without international media present, there is simply no way verify the truth of any of China's pronouncements. Knowing the Chinese government's predisposition to handle all "disturbances" with violence or the overwhelming threat of it, I don't put much stock in China's reporting and much less in its national leadership.

Scott, Durhan, NC, USA

How many people will the Chinese have to shoot before we boycott the Olympics?

Unfortunately most of them will be held in jail, then quietly tried and shot after the games have finished.

There will be no honour or glory attached to a medal won at these games; it will just be a badge of selfishness, hypocrisy and appeasement.

Richard Cooper, Dunstable, UK

The UN is supposed to act as the policeman of the world - when it comes to the violence of the Chinese authorities it appears to be the sleeping policeman, standing by as civilians and religious people are slaughtered.

Angie Singh, Rowde, WILTSHIRE

What's also very disturbing is that the our present US administration is backing China, a communist country, similar to the young democracy in Tiawan. Why are we not supporting these people who have the courage to fight for freedom and only want to live in peace, becuase we are affraid of China! Our endless hunger for cheap goods, and short sighted greedy corporations while out-sorse cing american jobs, has made this ruthless communist country wealthy and intimidating.

Nigel, San Francisco, CA