Tibet is still not free. In a world where terrorism gets so much attention, it is important to support those who are willing to brave the path of peace.
Members: 511
Code of Conduct Visibility: open Membership: open Group Email: freetibet@groups.care2.com
Why is there an outcry about Tibet? Why is a nation larger than Western Europe held captive and tortured by a foreign power, while the world's leaders stand by or deny responsibility for doing business with the oppressor? Why is Tibet's situation important right now?
Tibet has come to the most perilous moment in its 3,000 year existence. It is a common theme of history; many ancient and peaceful indigenous civilizations have been assaulted by military powers in search of land and booty. Tibet, an independent nation until the Chinese invasion, is now faced with extinction. But it is not yet too late.
It would be very difficult to oust the Chinese by armed force, and it would go against the Tibetan Buddhist belief in non-violence. Instead, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people have used diplomacy and non-violent activism in the hopes that the People's Republic of China will be condemned and pressured to withdraw its occupation forces from Tibet.
It is our belief that anyone who hears of what has happened in Tibet will support its cause. But the Tibetans must be heard.
http://www.tibet.org
Since Chinese troops marched into Tibet in 1949, China has denied Tibetans self-determination and treated Tibet like a colony run by Chinese Communist officials. Hundreds of thousands of Tibetans have died as a direct result of China's occupation in the past 60 years—from starvation, torture and execution. Conditions are so grave that every year as many as 3,500 risk their lives to flee their homeland through the dangerous Himalayan mountains.
The International Campaign for Tibet has a 20-year record of achievement championing the Tibetan cause—and the vision and leadership of the Dalai Lama—in the halls of Congress and in international forums. We strive to mobilize international goodwill in support of the Tibetan people. Our focus today is centered on working with governments to demonstrate meaningful support for Tibet, reaching out to Chinese all over the world, and monitoring conditions inside Tibet.
Our 2009 Action Agenda is ambitious—and critical for the future of Tibet. With your help, we will concentrate on these key points this year:
Increasing support in Congress for Tibetans inside Tibet and in exile, including humanitarian assistance for Tibetans fleeing persecution by the Chinese government;
Creating focus and a sense of urgency in the new Obama Administration for pressing an action agenda that helps secure the end of human rights abuses in Tibet and effectively supports a negotiated solution for Tibet;
Continuing to build a massive base of understanding and support for Tibet by educating the public, national and international leaders;
Gathering information, conducting the intensive research and exposing the real situation in Tibet to build a massive base of understanding and support for Tibet in the media and within our communities; and
Most importantly, exploring every avenue of influence to secure the release of Tibetan political prisoners.
With your help, we can counter the brutality and injustice of Beijing, and fight not just for the Tibet of today—but for the potential of a strong Tibet tomorrow. http://www.savetibet.org/
Thank you for your efforts to improve this horrific situation. I obtained 3 domain names to one site due to one or another malfunctioning at times (connection fluctuations).
The bottom of the "Resources" page has a brochure that could be printed. Page 2 backsided to page one to fold and handout or all on one page, least expensive if 8x14 to post on bulliten boards/walls/etc.,
Below the brochure w/pictures is text only in case the text is not readable enough on the brochure. Could redo with pictures and the clearer text.
Australia's Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, has spoken up about Tibet during his visit to China. An ATC representative is in Beijing to brief media and ensure that Tibet remains high on the agenda. Visit www.atc.org.au to read his daily reports and video blogs. Tutu Inspires In San Francisco
Archbishop Desmond Tutu has brought the house down with an inspirational speech in support of Tibet, the Dalai Lama and human rights. Visit www.atc.org.au to view the YouTube footage. Olympic Torch Farce
A last minute change to the torch route has reduced the San Francisco leg of the Olympic torch relay to a game of hide and seek. Visit www.atc.org.au to read more.
