Torch tensions split San Francisco

Donna A. Reueter, Bremerton, WA — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 19:21:35 GMT

"One woman told me she thought twice before bringing her two young kids here, but admitted that she doesn't fully understand the international politics driving the protests. And a businessman told me he was offended that protesters wanted to "spoil our moment in the sun."

I cannot believe the depth of ignorance of my fellow citizens of the United States of America has on what is happening in the world. If what the Nazi did before and during World War II was occurring now, they would not want do anything to stop it (Exibit A: Darfor,or is it Darfur, nothing is being done about it). We have a nation of "its all about me" and "how would it benefit me" mentality.

Torch tensions split San Francisco

William Baron Manteca, Ca — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 19:36:31 GMT

It is hubris that the Chinese thought free speech would be curtailed because this is THEIR moment in the sun!

Free speech a novel concept for those who live under the oppressive rule. Americans are so accustom to being able to voice any feelings they have whenever they want. Americans have many opportunities to be proud of their country, and so don't give a second thought to speaking out when they see injustice.

This could be a decisive learning experience for China as a country and its citizens. Not the least of which will be the understanding that as they engage the rest of the world, the world will expect/demand a even playing field.

Torch tensions split San Francisco

Mick O'Naghten — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 19:52:37 GMT

I wonder about the ethnicity of the businessman who is worried that protesters will "spoil our moment in the sun." I have one question for him. What about Tibetans who haven't seen the sun in approximately 58 years?

Torch tensions split San Francisco

JJ — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:00:31 GMT

Many people are there for celebrating the moment, supporting Olympic game, supporting the host city, not protesters.

Torch tensions split San Francisco

mike dobyns — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:02:22 GMT

China with their vain attempts to whitewash their human rights abuses,religious persecution,and their strong hand tactics in Tibet is a farce. The International Olympic Commitee should never have awarded China the 2008 Olympic Games. Mike, Ohio

Torch tensions split San Francisco

Xi Xie — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:02:41 GMT

Just to be fair - any picture with the Chinese National flags? I'm sure that's not so hard to find.

Torch tensions split San Francisco

Janet, NY, NY — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:03:41 GMT

I definitely feel that the Olympics should not be mixed with politics. Tibet was taken over by China half a century ago. Why the protest now? Why not before? If people care so much, they should have been fighting for Tibet from the very start. People are using the Beijing Olympics as an opportunity. It is unfair to the Chinese. It is their turn to celebrate the sports, and I feel like they are not being recognized. If the United States was in China's position, I am sure that these protests would not happen. There are always 2 sides to a story. The Tibetans weren't exactly angels either. Everyone is constantly talking about Tibetan grievances, but they are forgetting about the Han Chinese that were attacked. They are forgetting that the Olympics is about unity and peace.

Torch tensions split San Francisco

mark — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:06:42 GMT

Those Pro-Tibet movement supporters are terrorists support!

Torch tensions split San Francisco

Wangden — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:08:48 GMT

The Tibetan protest is not against the Chinese people or Olympic games. Tibetan people can't protest in their own country without getting killed or imprisoned for years. This is a good opportunity when the world is watching China. We apologize every freedom loving people in the world who have been inconvinienced by our protests. But we have to do this to stop the killings and torture in Tibet.

Torch tensions split San Francisco

Ted Calgary Canada — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:31:41 GMT

TORCH TENSIONS SPLIT SAN FRANCISCO, good title. At least it says "Split".

One thing I don't understand is that in all western news, you can only see the pictures of Pro-Tibet and can't see pictures of Pro-Chinese.

if it is "Split", why don't we show 2 pictures?

Torch tensions split San Francisco

Daryl, Oregon — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:35:16 GMT

Bah, Life in China is cheap. Of cheap things it is the cheapest. The only thing cheaper is a Tibetan life.

Torch tensions split San Francisco

D. Perez, Los Angeles — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:36:02 GMT

In my humble opinion, the protests are justified. The Olympics are going bring a huge influx of money into China's economy. Sometimes it's hitting the pocket that makes a point, so you can't separate politics from sport when there's money involved. I applaud everyone who is in protest. It's the Freedom of Speech at its best.

Torch tensions split San Francisco

xxxx — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:37:12 GMT

Usless,pitty,just jealous act.

Torch tensions split San Francisco

Wentian Liu — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:38:33 GMT

For the question "What about Tibetans who haven't seen the sun in approximately 58 years? "

Before, many Tibetans were slaves. After 1949, the slaves were liberated. It's better to read history of Tibet for past 100 years.

Torch tensions split San Francisco

Dave Walker-Queretaro-Mexico — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:39:45 GMT

Politics and the Olymics have always mixed. Check the history and get over it.

Torch tensions split San Francisco

Danielle — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:40:56 GMT

Just to Re: "What about Tibetans who haven't seen the sun in approximately 58 years? ".

Have you yourself ever been to Tibet? Do you really understand the Tibetan history? Please do your homework before your naive statement. I can tell you that, 58 years ago, only those slaver owners know what sun it. But now all people under the Tibetan sky can see the sun unless they are as blind as you ARE!!!

Torch tensions split San Francisco

Justin & Debbie Wright — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:44:37 GMT

CHECK YOUR FACTS BEFORE A BLIND SIGHTED PROTEST: Was Tibet ever recognized by UN or any other country in the world? NEVER. Tibet was always part of China, even Dali Lama admits so.

Torch tensions split San Francisco

Joe Smith — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:44:41 GMT

Religious freedom in Tibet != Burning Mosque in Lhasa by looters.

Torch tensions split San Francisco

Ben MD — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:47:30 GMT

Why don't show the pictures of pro-China activities? It is unfair.

Torch tensions split San Francisco

Indian, Toronto — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:47:54 GMT

The western "white" world has no business interfering in Chinese internal politics, just like the Chinese don't interfere in for example local American politics by trying to help the native Indians fight for their land and rights against the white folks. The western "white" world cannot criticize or comment on the happenings in Tibet and China because the white people have been doing this for centuries to every other race. White people have been involved in some of the worst cases of human rights violations in the past to countries like India and Africa.Even in this day and age , look at how black Africans are treated in South Africa, their own country, Native Indians in North America, Aborigines in Australia and New Zealand. Get your own house in order first before meddling in other countries' affairs.People who live in glass houses should not throw stones. Let the Chinese take care of their own problems. They didnt ask you for any help.

Torch tensions split San Francisco

Mike W. — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:48:02 GMT

Funny people mention about Dafur, do people know how many US oil companies are in Dafur trying make $$$ the same way as the Chinese? Did you know that the monks who held riots in Tibet attacked random innocent people and burned them alive? I have lived in China for 14 years of my life and I agree that the media is biased, but I have also lived in North America for 10 years and the truth is, western media is also strongly biased. If people think they know what's going on based on what you see on TV, then you are making a big mistake.

Torch tensions split San Francisco

John, DC — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:50:08 GMT

Freedom of speech is not equal to freedom of twisting truth and freedom of lie. 3.14 is Chinese 911, many innocent people killed by few terroirst who doing the killing in the name of their Budda and in the name of "free Tibeat". Maybe someone here can freely kill other other in the name of "free Texas", can that be allowed?

Torch tensions split San Francisco

Ben, Seattle, Washington — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:50:16 GMT

Why don't show the pictures of pro-China activities?
Who is making violence?

Torch tensions split San Francisco

Ben, Seattle, Washington — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:55:40 GMT

Why don't show the pictures of pro-China activities?
Who is making riot? We should know how to use our democracy right.

Torch tensions split San Francisco

Drew, CA — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:58:58 GMT

The Chinese never should have gotten the Games in the first place, but then again money talks and the IOC loves the almight dollar... errr... euro. Rather than boycotting the opening ceremonies, maybe concerned parties should stop buying the hundreds of billions of $$$ of uneccessary crap that comes out China (and India, etc.), made by virtual slave labor. Our (US/Western) society should open its eyes to the emptiness of our current path and change direction for the better, before we have permanently endebted ourselves financially. That being said awareness of the plight of Tibet and all oppressed people should be brought into everyones consciousness

Torch tensions split San Francisco

Sam, New York, NY — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:00:05 GMT

The Tibetan protesters, including an American movie-star is against all Chinese people including who live in the mainland and who live all over the world. It is no doubt and clear. What they do is hate and destroy ... As a Chinese-born American, I’d like to demonstrate a different point of view which Joann Chen quoted at today's Washington Post, "Let's celebrate the Olympics for what the Games are meant to be -- a bridge for friendship, not a playground for politics."

Torch tensions split San Francisco

ralph strabley — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:05:32 GMT

China is not a democratic country and is not concerned with individual freedoms whether in Tibet or mainland China. I've been there-witnessed it and nothing will change. The government treats their own people like crap-imagine how the Tibetans suffer.

Torch tensions split San Francisco

Paul Millier, Wichita, Ks. — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:06:56 GMT

Even though the Olympics in the past have been tied to politics. I think that it is time that the world transends this. The Olympics are for the athletes, and the athletes only. It is time to truely seperate the two. We all need to rise above this pettiness and view the Olympics through the eyes of the athletes who have sacrificed so much to be there.

Torch tensions split San Francisco

Ted — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:09:13 GMT

Thanks MSNBC, I did see some pictures on both sides.
This is the first time I saw some unbiased photos showed in western news.

Torch tensions split San Francisco

Buu T., Blaine, MN — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:09:45 GMT

If it's not for the March-08 violence in Tibet, it's probably a lot smaller protest. It's a different protest there compare to here. Over there, they want to fight for survival and freedom. Over here, they just want to be heard on the world stage because of the internet, the blog, the media coverage nowsaday. Does anyone remember Myanmar not so long ago? What about Tiananmen Square? There will always be oppresions in the world. There are always 2 sides of a conflict. My opinion, China will rule as such until the old guards die. Cuba is getting better (how much better is each one's own opinion) because there is no more Fidel. If you are in supreme power, living the life of priviledge, it's hard to give up. That's my two-cents.

Torch tensions split San Francisco

wendy seattle — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:09:50 GMT

I wish the police can arrest all the Tibetans who delay the torch relay; they are riots.

Torch tensions split San Francisco

Charles, San Diego, CA — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:13:56 GMT

Just an FYI - the "Free Tibet" movement is nothing new. There's been people with bumper stickers and shirts and flags for at least 12 years (that I personally know of). It's just that this event is giving them a venue where they think that they can protest in the face of the Chinese government, so they've become more visible. Just like during the liberation of Iraq, there were the folks in Detroit and San Diego who are Iraqi refugees who were suddenly all over the national news. They've been around for a generation (I went to school with several Iraqi kids), but folks in the rest of the country didn't know until it was newsworthy and visible.

Torch tensions split San Francisco

Carson, Lexington, KY — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:14:32 GMT

What a joke protesters are. Protesters are the same as the 1960's hippies. Out of their minds and WAY out of touch. They complain CONSTANTLY! Thats ALL they do. If not the current president then it's the past president, or farmers ruining the natuarl grassland, or cattle farmers...whatever. If prostesters are think they are helping society......well, they're out of touch. Get a life. (Go ahead...deny me my right and flame my opinion..I'll protest it)

Torch tensions split San Francisco

Human Rights — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:16:38 GMT

Should the world boycott next Olympic in US for "Abu Ghraib torture and prisoner abuse"?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abu_Ghraib_prisoner_abuse

Torch tensions split San Francisco

Paul Martin SanJose,CA — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:16:52 GMT

be honest!I was really socked when watching the news from Nepal and Tibet 2 weeks ago...China killed more than 140 Tibetan monks cuz those Tibetan just want to standup and tell the world to support them to get their land back from china and all freedom and human rights that they suppose to have.... If china really wants" "spoil our moment in the sun." then How about tibet? I think this is a right time and right moment for the whole world to send a strong message to Beijing that "They must stop killing and and abusing human rights in their own country and in Tibet"!

Torch tensions split San Francisco

Jonathan Baltimore, Maryland — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:18:15 GMT

To Indian, Canada
Injustice is injustice. Just because of the past injustices committed by some Europeans, does not mean that injustice and evil should be called out today. China's support of Sudan's genocide in Darfur is evil. They need to be called on it. China's attempts to wipe out Tibetan society and culture are also wrong. They do not get a "freebie" because this is their time in the sun. Great nations have to assume great responsibilities and China's desire to whitewash their record is disingenuous, and wrong.

Torch tensions split San Francisco

Daniel — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:18:25 GMT

The Chinese like to think themselves the "liberators" of Tibet. Nothing could be further from the truth...

From China's point of view Tibet was an archaic fuedal soceity, made up of an "oppressed" poor and miserable peasant class, an elite priest class, and at the top of it all, they say, was the "tyrant" His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Thus, the Chinese like to think of themselves as bringing "happiness" and "prosperity" to the region. The fact is that they have been moving in ethnic Chinese families by the hundreds of thousands, and they do not allow the ethnic Tibetans to do any real business, or to be in any positions of authority. The new "prosperity" they have brought, seems to be reserved for them alone, and at the expense of the Tibetan people. The peasants are far more miserable now then they ever have been. Furthermore, if the peasants of old Tibet were so "miserable" under the "tyranny" of the Dalai Lama, why are they all begging and pleading for his return?

The Chinese claim that historically, Tibet has "always been a part of China". The fact is that Tibet was a self governing, sovereign nation at the time of the Chinese invasion. But even if Tibet was historically a part of China (which it wasn't), why was it necessary for China to try to eradicate the Tibetan culture? China proudly describes itself as being a multi-ethnic, diverse country, made up of many different minorities and cultures, existing in peace and harmony. But yet it seems to want to deny so many of those minorities their rights to cultural and religious freedom. This is Han (the majority ethnic group) chauvanism at its worst. Of the 6,000 temples and monasteries that existed in Tibet before the unlawful invasion, the Chinese left about 30 remaining, which it then turned into tourist attractions. Those who feel that the pro-Tibet protestors should not be using the Olympics for political reasons, don't think for a second that China is not using the Olympics for political reasons themselves. For China, the Olympics are political, and therefore, it is totally appropriate that this is backfiring on them, completley blowing up in their face. Shame on China.

Torch tensions split San Francisco

Jorge Chang, El Paso, Texas — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:19:51 GMT

Countries taking over countries, that's the history of the world. Why are Americans offended when ABSOLUT VODKA did an ad in Mexico saying in "In an ABSOLUT world, Texas and California are still part of Mexico"? The USA took over Texas and California through far more brutal means, not to mention killing the real Americans, the Indians and taking over their lands.

Don't be a hypocrite, self-rightous pig now!

Torch tensions split San Francisco

Stan M., Virginia — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:21:11 GMT

To the person who said politics and the olympics have always been connected; that's just simply wrong. It's true that people have forced themselves into the games at times, but it's relatively recent. The bar was established by Hitler. At any rate, past wrongs don't make it right today. While I personally think it's counterproductive to protest this way, I believe dangerous behavior like throwing things at innocent people carrying a torch can only generate negative perceptions of the protesters. I don't see how this can possibly help anyone. If anything people are more likely to develop sympathy for China as their best effort to conduct an international sporting event is being held ransom by people behaving irrationally (endangering torch bearers). If the agenda is to educate the public, so far it has failed. If the agenda is to simply terrorize the games, it's off to a good start but I can't believe that's the intent and it certainly won't help Tibet. I find myself confused over the intended purpose, message, and expected outcome of the protest.

Torch tensions split San Francisco

Buu T., Blaine, MN — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:21:36 GMT

If it's not for the March-08 violence in Tibet, it's probably a lot smaller protest. It's a different protest there compare to here. Over there, they want to fight for survival and freedom. Over here, they just want to be heard on the world stage because of the internet, the blog, the media coverage nowsaday. Does anyone remember Myanmar not so long ago? What about Tiananmen Square? There will always be oppressions in the world. There are always 2 sides of a conflict. My opinion, China will rule as such until the old guards die. Cuba is getting better (how much better is each one's own opinion) because there is no more Fidel. If you are in supreme power, living the life of privilege, it's hard to give up. That's my two-cents.

Torch tensions split San Francisco

Frank, San Francisco — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:22:16 GMT

I am here, at the Embarcadero in SF and there is no tension. everyone has a reason and something to say but there are no problems

Torch tensions split San Francisco

Sean Ton, Houston Texas — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:24:47 GMT

It is not just a China’s internal problem of China because it involves another country - Tibet. Tibet was never a member of United Nation because China invaded Tibet on 1951, and before 1951, not every country was a member of UN. (UN was founded in 1945). Why do people keep comparing Tibet now with the Tibet before 1951? Would you want to compare China now with China in 1966? Cultural Revolution (1966) killed or jailed hundreds of thousands innocent people for the name of "Revolution". Could it be an excuse for any country to invade China just like China invaded to Tibet to “liberate”?

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Bruce Palo Alto, CA — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:25:39 GMT

Stop apologizing for a xenophobic country with rampant nationalism. A country that just had a spy convicted in the US for attempting to send US sub secrets to China. A country that cracks down on ethnic minorities that are not Han in nature. Just because you are of Chinese ancestery doesn't mean you need to kowtow to a Communist regime. That's just pathetic.

PS I'm an ABC who's been to China (and Hong Kong doesn't count).

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Jane Sharpe — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:31:28 GMT

Where is Tibet? Who are Tibetans?

Torch tensions split San Francisco

Dongming, MN — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:31:57 GMT

I came from China 15 years ago and has been lived in US since then. It is so offensive for people just thinking Chinese is doped by their governments. Every Tibetan could not see a sun. Have you studied some history about Tibet and china? Have you talked to some chinese living here who are doped by CNN and FOX?

If you just believe a 1600 slave owning theocracy is even sunnier than chines government, there is no conversation.

Here are some facts about the myth of Tibet. Its history tangled with china for more than 1000 years. They (the peace loving people) invaded 'china' for many times. They were the nomads that Han chinese tried to kept outside in the past. If you ask Dalai, 1/4 of today's china is Tibet by accounting every inch they had lived, just like china counting every inch they lived included Tibet too. The Tibet today itself is not self sufficent. There is no real resource there. Billons of dollars every year was subsided to Tibet. They went to college with affirm action type of advantage, one child policy has never been applied to them.

I am happenly a chinese like to see Tibet be independent. We should use the money to resettle anybody include Tibetan who wants to live on China's side. Then close the border. If we do that, all the Tibet lovers will again protest china abut not shelting the refugee. I also not sure if Tibet people just wants to be ruled by a banch of kids has never lived there and could not speak Tibetan.

If Dalai and his supporters in west did anything this time, it just make regular chinese less sympathy to them. They can continue on the course to play crying baby in west. They can cotinue to get money from CIA, but they will never achieve what they wants.

Torch tensions split San Francisco

Jingbo, South Carolina — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:36:48 GMT

The fact is that Tibet under Dalai Lama's reign 58 years ago was worse than Medieval Europe. Society was devided into two classes: "farmer-slaves", and the slave-owners, the monks. Poor families tried to send at least one of their sons to be monks simply because monks can have 3 meals a day without heavy labor, and on the other hand the family can somehow share a little protection.

Torch tensions split San Francisco

Jim, Tennessee — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:37:28 GMT

You don't see the Chinese agitating Creek decedents and pushing for the creation of an autonomous Creek Indian nation in Mississippi and Alabama or the restoration of the Iroquois tribes in the northwest. If the tables were turned, how would America respond?

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Sam, Aurora, IL — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:39:13 GMT

Whoever with average IQ can understand who wants trouble right now? China gov or Tibet activitists? Of course Tibet activitists! "But we have to do this to stop the killings and torture in Tibet." - this is 100% terrorist's logic. To stop US's Mideast policy, I have to destroy World Trade Center?! Tomorrow I will sabotage your wedding becuase I hate your position on Iraq war! What is my wedding to do with my position on Iraq war? Good question! then what is Olmypic Game to do with free Tibet? If you want to librate Tibet, talk to China, fight with China, or asemble a troop to take over Tibet, but one thing, don't bother others!

Torch tensions split San Francisco

John Doe, Seattle, Wash — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:40:00 GMT

I’d honor the right of both of those pro- and against- the Beijing Olymics. For those Tibet protestors, do you really undersatnd what’s the need of Tibet’s people (not those outside Tibetian)? For supportor, does Chinese people (in China except Beijing) really gain anything from this game?

Torch tensions split San Francisco

Sam, Aurora, IL — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:44:06 GMT

Whoever with average IQ can understand who wants trouble right now? China gov or Tibet activitists? Of course Tibet activitists! "But we have to do this to stop the killings and torture in Tibet." - This is 100% terrorist's logic. To stop US's Mideast policy, I have to destroy World Trade Center?! Tomorrow I will sabotage your wedding becuase I hate your position on Iraq war! What is my wedding to do with my position on Iraq war? Good question! then what is Olmypic Game to do with free Tibet? If you want to librate Tibet, talk to China, fight with China, or asemble a troop to take over Tibet, but one thing, don't bother others!

Torch tensions split San Francisco

John Doe — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:46:42 GMT

Who is behind the Free Tibet Movement??? CIA!! That a good enough answer for all of you?

Wake up America!!! Why the hell we still in Iraq???? Why are we in a recession??? Why are there so much proverty still in America???

Before you point fingers, ask why... then decide.. dont act like illiterate people in 3rd world areas or what uncle Sam wants you to believe, unless you are the RICH and Super Wealthy...

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Cal — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:50:13 GMT

So many people was crying out about justice for Tibetans. Where where they when 2 million were killed in Rwanda only a few years ago. The spectacular PR of Tibet and Darfur is only because the western world and the CIA wants to slow down China from it's rise. Most of the protesters are pawns of the powers that.

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Suren, Denver, CO — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:53:22 GMT

To Chinese supporters, they have to read history outside written outside of CPC (Communist Party of China).
Before Chinese invasion, Tibet was a buffer state between India and China, Tibet signed independent treaties with British India. The communist govt. of attacked India in 1962 after having swallowed Tibet.
There was no history of India-China fight for thousands of years, why? answer: Tibet was buffer state.
Who massacred 7000 thousand people at Tiananmen Square? answer: Communist Party of China.
Who has harvested organs and killed hundreds of thousands of Falun gong members? answer: Communist Party of China.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persecution_of_Falun_Gong
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sino-Indian_War

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Rocky, Yorba Linda Ca — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:54:41 GMT

China - Their shining moment in the sun. Trillion dollar gleaming exteriors, totally rotten to the core inside and bankrupt. Their hypocrisy is now on view for the whole world to see. From Darfur to African dictators to Iran to Venezuela to North Korea, they never met a despot or abuser of human rights that they don't like - in the name of oil or raw materials for their gleaming exterior. Great Job Jacques Rogge! You really know how to pick em. Now, you tell us that politics has invited itself in to the olympics - you donkey. I think that China has invited us all in to see the true China. Threatened by Monks with a picture of the Dali Lama. Obviously if that cat got out of the bag all of China would want to be free. Oops, Sorry, I forgot that they aren't supposed to be free. As an athlete, how could you want to compete in this kind of environment? How can the spirit of the games be pulled off under the cloud of opression that exists there? The protests should have started when we learned that they were even being considered as a host site. What surprises me more, is the crowd of corporate sponsors who are also involved in this. How embarassing. As embarrassing as the Chinese Army thugs who are guarding the olympic flame. I read today, 4/9/08, that China wanted to prevent all protesters from protesting. Sorry China, most of the world doesn't operate the way that you do. They, no doubt, were incredulous.

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Kevin, Seattle, Washington — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:57:31 GMT

As a Chinese American, I resent the violent protests and the protesters. The feelings of the Chinese people worldwide are hurt by their actions. The Beijing game is partly for the Chinese people, and nobody has the right to take that away from us. This will have a long lasting effect on the Chinese people worldwide. And believe me, it not only will not help, but it will hurt the causes advocated by those protesters.

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Jay, Portland OR — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 22:00:31 GMT

Demonstrate all you want - pro or con, just leave the torch and the sacred Olympic flames alone. The majority of us just want the games to begin.

Oh by the way, if you are not Chinese or Tibetan, better reserve your judgement and keep your mouth shut. Unless you want to be judged on slavery, Iraq war, Guantanamo Bay, polygamous religious nuts, ... you get the point.

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sekhar, laligam, Seattle, Washington — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 22:06:43 GMT

How about if California was taken over by Canada and ruled for 50 years? How about if the Government killed people who protested the foreign rule, and put away the rest in jail? How about if Canada was very important to us as a lending nation, and we were afraid to speak out?
Now substitute China for Canada, and Tibet for California....All nations of the world should boycott the Olympics, and not give a stage to the totalitarian regime of China. If the Chinese people support this, it is no different from the support which the Japanese provided their own military aggression, or the Germans to the Nazi regime in the name of National pride....

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Nydna SD, CA — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 22:08:28 GMT

Do you know Chinese occupied VietNam for thousand of years. Were VietNam a part of China? No. Same with Tibet, never a part of China!!!

In the past Vietnam, Mongolia, Tibet etc... paid China ransom every year so to be left alone. If you read history wrote by Chinese then you've been brainwashed.

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Michel G. — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 22:12:21 GMT

This world is not my world. I'm just a passing by. Thank God.

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R Shaffer, San Antonio, TX — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 22:29:00 GMT

I think China should respect the internationally recognized McMahon Line and the treaty of 1914. Claiming Tibet to be a part of China is almost similar to Iraq (Sadam Hussein) claiming Kuwait to be its 19th province.

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Scott Rankin — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 22:32:41 GMT

I work in San Francisco and live near by in the east bay. Many of you who are not from here probably don't know the city of San Francisco is running a huge budget deficit. This Olympic protest has forced the city to use massive police OT and the added costs is going to hurt. In addition the incompetent city DA Kamela Harris is under fire for taking 5.4 million dollars of federal grant money to fight illegal immigration related crime, yet was not elligble under the federal guidelines and now the money has dissapeared. San Francisco has declared itself a sanctuary ctiy and openly welcomes illegals. The city board of Supervisors have been issuing proclimations about Tibet and Iraq, yet potholes are unfilled, homelessness is a huge problem and murders and other crime is out of control. We need a real mayor and new city government. Mayor Giuliani if your available please apply immediately.

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Andy Garza, Sacramento, CA. — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 22:35:18 GMT

I think it is funny that all these protesters come out for the torch run. Where are they the rest of the year? I think that this cause, like many others, just provides a reason for people to protest. I would like to ask every one of them how many MADE IN CHINA items they have at home. The timing of these protests is all too clear, which leaves me to believe that the protesters could care less what goes on in Tibet the rest of the year. Oh, excuse me, all except for the weak FREE TIBET bumper stickers. Spare me.

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Helen L, Seattle, WA — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 22:36:07 GMT

Please stop using 'protesters' to describe the people who are there to celebrate the event.

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Lars. San Francisco Ca — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 22:36:55 GMT

It is amazing the diversity of opinions.The beauty of this is we as a nation can express how we feel and not be prosecuted, imprisoned or murdered. The Tibetans and Chineese cannot !! . I will not be watching the Olympics on TV as my protest nor will I buy any of the products of any of the advertisers !!

Torch tensions split San Francisco

Real Deal, Hometown, USA — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 22:37:51 GMT

The Scientologists say "never defend, always attack". When you see comments like "americans killed the indians, so they can't criticize china", what they are really saying is there is no excuse or defense for china's crimes, so let's change the subject. As long as we can point to some other crime, it means ours are fine, right? Wrong. Just like the ufo-worshippers, the chinese live in an alternate reality where they can do anything they want to as long as they pretend hard enough that they are right. Don't let them get away with it. They want to use the olympics to show they are a modern, free country "just like us". Point out the truth, call them to account, don't let the lies stand.

Torch tensions split San Francisco

jeremy, Denver, co — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 22:39:51 GMT

When I talked to a guy, who had never been to Tibet and knew nothing about Tibetan and Chinese history but was brazen enough to call for Tibet independence.
What a joke! What he should know is that Dalai Lama was a slave owner and all those followed him to exile were slave owners. The majority of the Tibetans ruled by Dalai Lama before 1950s were slaves. So, talking about human rights, Tibetans are much better off now than before, of course, except those Tibetans in exile who don't have slaves to rule any more.

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dodo — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 22:40:14 GMT

I don't believe that Darfur has oil, because Darfur is a wasteland. The government of Sudan never gave aid to Darfur. There is no improvement in life what so ever and the people barely survive in their villages due to droughts and raids. If Darfur has oil, it could be devasting, because the money could be the motivation for the government of Sudan to finished off the people of Darfur as we speak.

Torch tensions split San Francisco

James Y. — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 22:40:20 GMT

I came to US several years ago from China with the hope of living in a place with more integrity. However I found I'm totally wrong. The mainstream media here is so biased when coming to the topic of any country other than US. People here talking about Tibet being invaded by China and Tibet people being abused by Chinese government can't even point out where Tibet is located on the map. A lot of people here are totally brain washed and lost the thinking power at all. People in China never believe in Chinese media because they know the media is lying most of the time. People in US always believe in US media because they don't use their brain power at all. Please ask yourself some questions before you pointing your finger. Have you ever been to China? Have you ever been to Tibet which had been part of China since centries ago? Do you know Tibet was a slavery society before? And are you in the position of commenting on China issue if you are ignorant of China?

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David,Seattle — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 22:57:53 GMT

Over 600,000 innocent Iraqi poeple have been killed by a country's invation for a very straight reson of oil we all know and this country enjoy the "human rights" very much.

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Donna A. Reuter, Bremerton, WA — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 23:02:05 GMT

There is more going on in China than Tibet. If a nation is violating human rights, they should not be given a reward for bad actions. Should China be given kudos for exporting toxic goods that will harm our children? Should they be given a pat on the back for exporting food that sickens our pets or even ourselves? Should China be given high praise for importing Saint Bernard dogs as livestock to be eaten? Should China be rewarded for employing political prisoners as slave labor?

I do wish my fellow citizens would pay attention to the news and current events (I get so tired of my fellow citizen’s arrogance and ignorance of the world, this is why we have such a bad reputation in the world). Please read the news and comprehend what you are reading.

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Cheyenne — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 23:07:28 GMT

1. America is acting like they have never done anything wrong to minorities.
2. China has changed dramatically in the past century, in the past decade, in the past year. The Chinese are often stereotyped as heavy- handed rulers. If you have never been to China, you will see the complete opposite. The people are friendly, sincere, and they truly mean well. China is about discipline and respect because the Chinese have been economically oppressed by europeans for ages. If they did not "strengthen" up, they would have been imperialized.
3. Tibetans are acting like the angels. They attacked the Han Chinese, burning them alive as well as their homes. Just because they are religious does not mean that they are not violent.
4. Thanks to China, the Tibetans are much wealthier today.
5. The Tibetans have always been under China's rule. That is why they have never been recognized as a separate country. If so much people want to "free the Tibetans" they should have done it a long time ago.
6. China is a superpower. We have to be honest. We depend on them too much. We owe them money, and we need their imports. The United States is using this controversy to try to gain the upper hand again.
7.This is about a world tradition. This is about our athletes who have trained so hard for this. Not politics.
8. I've been reading the paper and watching the years for a while now, and not once have I seen or heard the Pro Chinese side of the story. America does not censor media, they just show what they want people to see.
9. It all comes down to discrimination. If it was the the motherland UK doing this to Tibet, I bet there will be hushed reports.
10. If America wants to help out, keep out of everyone else's business!

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Kris Stephens, San Anselmo, CA — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 23:20:14 GMT

China has invaded and occupied Tibet, and tortured and killed its citizens. There are few ways to protest, thus the disruption today. I'd say the protesters got their point across.

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mona ke awaz, San Francisco , CA — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:05:59 GMT

before you judge the people of tibet won't you first think :: : how would you like to live under the dictatorship of china????

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Ngawang — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:08:24 GMT

China has killed around 1.2 million Tibetans. I think every caring people would agree that Chinese people have no right to attack peace loving Tibetans whom never mass murdered CHinese people like they have to TIbetans. I pray one day CHInese people become caring and reasonable people. Save Tibet! Justice to all people.

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Ngawang — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:10:18 GMT

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Sandy, San Diego — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:14:50 GMT

The people support the Tibetan riot are as much ignorant as like the people supporting the War in Iraq.

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Charles, San Jose, CA — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:25:37 GMT

Free Navaho Nation! Free North Ireland!

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Dan, — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:29:48 GMT

If whom love freedom of speech, freedom of religious, freedom of execerise their thought, freedom for media... Then they are an idiot if they support China in any way. In USA, you could can say before you think, but China is reverse.

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MJ,Shandong,China — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:50:06 GMT

Do any body knows that Tibet became part of China on the 13th century? It is 800 years ago. It is ignorant of Americans who depend their opinions on their ignorance of world histroy.

Please go to find a fair histroy book of Tibet to read. I am also surprised that the media has been twisting the history in the past 58 years saying that China invaded Tibet in 1950. Who owned Tibet before 1950? It was Chinese dynasties and Chinese KMT who fled to Taiwan in 1949. And Tibet didn't declare independence from China before 1950. The communists took every part of China from KMT in the Civil War including Tibet which was part of China legally then.

UN didn't say China invaded Tibet in 1950,right?

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Dennis, San Diego, CA — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 01:07:48 GMT

How many innocent people our troops have killed in Iraq and Afghanistan? For "democracy" in those countries? Sounds too funny to me.

The China-bashing effort, in the name of Tibetan, Darfur, or Burma, or XYZ, is doom to fail. The reason is that those bashing effort all have evil hidden self-interest behind.

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Rix, USA — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 01:24:17 GMT

If people think they know what's going on based on what you see on TV, then you are making a big mistake.

This is the best statement yet Mike W. Those in power only tell us what they want us to believe.

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Albert , Houston, TX — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 01:28:41 GMT

Politics is not only dirty, it is VERY VERY DIRTY !!!
It mess up with anything it is in contact with including justice.

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myname is joker — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 01:38:22 GMT

"Let the Chinese take care of their own problems. They didnt ask you for any help.
Indian, Toronto"

Another hypocrite - living in a white country and then blaming them. What have YOU done about the natives in Canada who are suffering from Drug abuse. I bet nothing!! Because you don't care. What have you done about Darfur or India as you call yourself. get a life. Note I am not white

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Smith, Toronto — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 01:53:49 GMT

UN does not recognize Tibet as a country because the evil "Dragon" threaten to eat her alive. If we have killed this "Deagon" million of lives will be saved world wide, and certainly UN will recognize Tibet. Maybe the "Sun" need to be resurected to stop the "Dragon".

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Yang Qing from PA — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 01:56:27 GMT

Hosting Olympics is very symbolic of a strong and modern China. I don't understand why western media want to use every oppertunity to make sure the Chinese people will not enjoy this glory moment in history. I understand you don't want to see people suffer. But suffering of the Chinese people of Western Colonial powers for 100 years is not suffering worth considering. Why Chinese people have to continue suffering until this day? If you don't want to consider the feeling of Chinese people, why should China listen to you?

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Jason, Chicago, IL — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 02:18:48 GMT

A good judgement is based on truth, if you don't know history of Tibet and have not gone there by yourself, just follow up with the biased media, you are wrong and misled. Everyone has its right to voice their thoughts,but you should interupt the rights that those who want to participate the torch relay event. It seems most poeple are jealous at the booming of an old country,just with emotion.

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Vikramjit Singh, New Delhi , India — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 02:30:40 GMT

Tibet was never a part of China. It is a buddhist culture with it's roots in India. Tibet was invaded by China in the 1950's and then in typical communist fashion lies were fabricatd that Tibet was somehoe "historically" part of China.

China's problems are two fold.

1) Intolerance of diversity : The Chinese govt tries to over run places of ethnic diversity with han population.

2) Expansionsim: China fabricates historical things that can't be verified to justify territory . It claims Arunachal Pradesh in India , Aksai Chin in Kashmir and Tibet are examples of communist exapansionism.

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Vikram — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 02:32:48 GMT

One day the Chinese government will decay from within. The Tibetans aren't the only people the Maoists oppress. Other Chinese are also oppressed and "brainwashed" (this is the same general type of situation as was in Soviet Russia when even as one was executed, he or she would shout praises to Stalin.)

The Chinese government is so oppressive of others' views that eventually, people in the Chinese government will try to oppress each other and the Chinese government will be divided and will decay from within. So if the Chinese government stops oppressing Tibet and other Chinese, people within the Chinese government will not oppress each other and will not be divided. But the Chinese government is a tyrannical regime, so China will be divided and China will fall.

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John Tay, Singapore — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 03:26:33 GMT

For those who felt so strongly about Tibet, I urge all of you to read all you know about the history of Tibet. I am against communism but ever more against feudalism. Do you know before the communist abolish the unequal rights in Tibet, there are slavery there. Dalai Lama owe slaves...his people was his slaves! Women must accept polygamy as a custom behaviour..

For the supporters of Tibet, I urge that you have a prolong stay in that place, which is average 3000m above sea level, where the air is thin and high latitude..maybe then you would wonder why China even bother to develop that place? You mean for the scenaries?

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ryan, cupertino, ca — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 03:43:14 GMT

My heart goes out for the Tibetans. Sympathy for others who had their memorable celebration spoiled. Our freedom of speech is often excercised by those who are most ignorant and know little of world politics. I will make this whole thing simple. For Tibet to have its independence would be like one of our states claiming its independence from the United States. Not going to happen.

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Rick R. — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 04:02:03 GMT

China, and its supporters and loyal fans must realize that being awarded the Olympic Games inherently thrusts it in opus of the world's public eye. To deny this is ignorant. To chastise the rest of the world to back off criticism is parallel to what the Chinese have perpetrated for centuries; which is doing what it wants to remain secure while shutting out world opinion & ideology, and condemning / punishing critics from within. It cannot sustain, nor does it deserve, a cake and eating it too.

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Frank, Losa Angeles, CA — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 04:06:43 GMT

Kudos to the protesters for their cause is a just one. History is rife with genocide and ethnic cleansings and I'm pleased to see the world community actually taking a progressive stance on the Tibet issue. It's about time the rest of the world stood up to China about the atrocities they are committing in Tibet.

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Xi Xie, Painted Post, NY — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 04:08:59 GMT

For all of you saying that Tibetans are suffering more than they were before Dalai left - PLEASE - go to Tibet and look around. Find some evidence and see how people there live under Dalai's reign. How could it be better when the slaves' skulls were cut off and made into bowls, be it for holding lamp oil or whatnot.

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Rick R. — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 04:09:58 GMT

Come on, guys. You published someone that puts their name as 'xxxx'. Forget i read or contributed to a farce that disavows accountability. Last time i checked, an invisible opinion was supposed to be mute, or at least inane enough for those with principles to not publicize.

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jade, ny — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 04:18:22 GMT

Even if a few tibetans feel oppressed by Chinese government, does that mean they have the right to be as violent as they can be and attack innocent people(Chinese and Tibetan alike) in Lhasa? Does that mean they can create violent protests around the globe and even vigorously attacked a handicapped girl in olympics relay in Paris? If this is the case, then 911 attack should be ok since Bin ladens truly feel they are oppressed by US government.
Media are so obsessed with so called "human rights abuses in tibet" that they remain extremely silent about the violent protestors.
Shame on you.

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Gary Linton T-town Wyoming — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 04:19:04 GMT

It is my humble opinion from the boondocks of Wyoming that who gives a flying leep about Tibet? I mean lets take a step back and look at our own country, highschool students that read at subpar levels, ie grammar school, violence , and our own forms of oppression, look at whats going on in our own country. Lets start to fix it first before we go on to others. Every day I see television ads for programs to build better schools in other countries, why not focus on America? Is it because there is no A-list celebrity wanting to change our nation... stop and think... America first then the rest of the world when we are done sorting out our own problems...

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ned lin, los angeles, california — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 04:36:27 GMT

it's highway robbery by Dalai Lama if Tibet goes to his hand and rule. Wait a minute, is he not a religious leader. He never improved the Tibetan lives back then and now the above contributors said the cheapest if Tibetan life.

In the ancient days, Dalai Lama went to the Chinese emperor's court. Modern day Dalai came to the USofA and Europe, and acts as Guru to the Hollywood stars.

Now poor chinese peoples don't even have the human rights of enjoying the Olympics without these blatant harrassment from lobbyists --downright terrorism.

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sue que, , los angeles, california — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 04:41:12 GMT

hey, did you hear, Hilary R. Clinton said right away that she would not want President Bush to go to Olympic ceremony.

ha, ha She's a loser !! gross betrayal, consider so many chinese newspaper wrote in her favor.

sooo over-reactive, real bossy

don't the democrats trash the president, now they even want to move the president around like little tin soldier?

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James, El Sobrante, CA — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 04:48:53 GMT

For the most part up until the Red Army invasion of Lhasa, no Chinese government exacted anything more than tribute from Lhasa. It is more than a stretch to say that Tibet is historically part of China; and even if this were the case, a Tibetan state would be justified solely to allow freedom of religion, although I beleive the Dalai Lama does not think a state is necessary to attain that end (and it has also been reported that he beleives China should host the Olympics.
I agree however that revisiting U.S. policy towards China is part of revisiting our policies in general: promoting human rights through application of principle in trade and diplomancy; supporting our unions and domestic industry; fair trade not "free trade".

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Joe D. Maryland — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 05:07:05 GMT

It is appropriate for this olympic games to be protested. If China feels that it belongs in the great nations of the world, they have to face these challenges. There is merit to these protest and it is the right of these citizens to express their opinions. The Olympics were and will always be platforms for politics. Look at Hitler in 36, Munich in 72, Moscow in 80, and now the country that practically made Chairman Mao a god. What a series of loops the Olympics represent. From someone who killed millions of Jews to someone who killed millions of his own people. In fact the Olympics do deserve China and China the Olympics. Both are cheap and hollow without much meaning. Money and commercialism is the main goal. "Celebration of the human spirit" and "celebration of human rights", please, neither care about anything but money! I would not care if the olympics go away.Then there is human rights. China can't afford to have human rights.Human rights for 1.5 billion people?You are talking about a country where a child is killed if it was born accidentally.Having a brother or a sister is reserve for the well to do or those who know the right people. Prisoners get worked then killed and the family have to pay for the bullet(s) that was used. The point is that they rather see less people in China than more, unless those people have money of course. Don't you get it? All those Chinese who are holding their flags protesting for the homeland are here because your homeland don't want you there. Don't you get it? The reason you are here because they either kick you out or you can't live there due to economic or political hardships.But hey, all is forgiven because you are chinese and everyone with yellow skin and black hair is chinese right, like Vietnam, Laos, Burma, Tibet, etc.Oh, by the way those countries were part of China at various times.Like I said China deserves the Olympics.All those made in China products the Olympics are pushing will kill someone.

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Steven — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 05:10:09 GMT

The historical fact is Tibet has been a part of China and ruled by Chinese Dynasties and republican governments for about eight hundred and fifty (850)years since mid 13th century. The current Peoples Republic of China was formally declared established in October 1949 and deployed its Peoples Liberation Army in Tibet in 1950 to secure its legitimate territory. The same Army moved into Beijing in 1949, so could you say that China annxed Beijing in 1949?

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Justin, Houston, texas — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 05:25:50 GMT

who are the protesters?
They are the ex-slaveholders.
Why not hear most of the Tibetans' sayings?
And by the way, the pictures are good but obviously carefully chosen for the purpose of the writer
where are the supporters?

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santa,clause — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 05:31:53 GMT

dalai lama and his followers were slaveowners and ordinary tibetans were slaves 50 years ago.slaveowners
didnt work ,they were paracites,they beat ,amputated,killed and even skinned the ordinary tibitans,they treated them like livestock.the revolution put all their priviledges to an end.dalai lama surely were extremely unhappy.he wants to recover what he has lost,this is his true face.

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JOhn — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 05:42:37 GMT

Here is the cold truth: Nobody gives a @@@@ about Tibet-I bet half of Americans could not locate Tibet on a map. All these protesters are just racist and anti-China for no good reason. If you people don't like China or the communist government, just say so!-
China is not Russia. Insulting one billion people by trying to split their nation will just complicate matters in the long run.

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Lee, from Kansas — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 05:50:28 GMT

Let's be honest for a change. The Olympic Games is nothing but raggedy garbage, no matter which country is the host. Olympic amateurism is dead: All the athletes are going for the big payday, whether via government subsidies or via commercial TV endorsements. Besides, IOC chairman Rogge has earned a gold medal in free-style boot-licking.

So do yourself and your country a favor. Watch the Home Shopping Network instead. At least they've got their heads on straight.

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Joseph — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 05:56:07 GMT

Please don't blame the Chinese for Africa's problems. Most of the problems were started by White colonists who kept the Africans poor and uneducated for decades by enslaving them and taking their land. Human rights? How about minding your own business and getting rid of the racist skinheads, stop raping the Iraqis (their oil and their women), hanging nooses on trees,
I don't hear the Chinese calling people names such as N*****ers, lynching people on trees, going on religious crusades, killing for "the Church", they never hated the Jews nor cremated them in ovens alive

If you don't like communism, then explain why your country is better?

Tibet is part of China and has been for many centuries.

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john man, los angelos — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 06:15:53 GMT

China will stop "killing" Tibetans when U.S. stop shooting innocent Iraqis and raping children and shooting their parents

Boycott the Olympics? U think that is going to change China? How many friends do you think America has left after the unsuccessful 'war on terror'? This war created chaos and the whole world ditched the U.S. , leaving the poor citizens with a Recession while Cheney and his Halliburton friends sip champagne in the White House?
You think the French are going to help America? The Brits?
One Nuclear explosion in S KOREA and the whole Earth will go down the toilet
commie or no commie, we still need a stable China, for now

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Mary — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 06:31:31 GMT

well, come on people (as Bill Cosby would say). America would have never entered WWII if it hadn't been for Pearl Harbor, it's always been " all about us. or U.S."
The fact that the Olympics are being used for political advancement is nothing new, for those of us who have lived through other crises in the world.....the worst being in Munich with the murder of Israeli atheletes. Yes, it was that horrible. What gets me, is that the Olympics should be about the world coming together, atheletes competing, not about advancing political agendas. Why can't we just let it be that. How sad for SF that the torch run was so diverted and shortened today. But good for the city for protecting the flame and the torch runners. Too bad the rest of the world can't see how f'd up all of this is. Perhaps we should just cancel the Olympics forever since people can't even get along enough to have a "game."

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buba, boise, id — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 06:40:27 GMT

Some say why now? Patient is a virtue. Then when China took over Tibet, no one was for Tibet and no one is for Tibet now. Powerful nation like China could not be touched by any country and Tibet was not producing Oil that US would intervene. Tibetans have no place to go. They have been refugees in neighboring countries like Nepal, India. Bhutan and some are here in the U.S. They cannot call their home sweet home after the current president of China gave subsidies to major ethnic group Hans to move to Tibet to gradually take over the culture and presence there.

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keth — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 06:55:08 GMT

I think China should do what we American did to Indians here to those Tibetan. Mark some Tibetan reservation, like indians reservation here. If they don't want go to the erservation andv want fight. Then the chinese should do what we did to those indians. Send the Amy. China should learn from us. When a country became a supper power. It should not care of what other say. It should just do what they think is right thing to do for its country.

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James Kim, Boston — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 07:35:57 GMT

"Western"? Well if western is to be a measurement in place of nationality, let us also use east Asian so we can fix blame for Japanese atrocities on all yellow people, Chinese too, Pol Pot was China's amigo so blame belongs to China too, Chinese troops massacring 30,000 Taiwanese after WW2, etc, etc. All yellow people are guilty using your view.

Remember it was Chinese invasions of terriory making it "Chinese". Most of China was gotten by it as well as cleansing it of most natives (Yue tribes, Miao etc.).
Manchuria was even off limits for settlement until a 100 years ago now it is same as every Borg place. Also, Tibet is part of China because Mongols took it as part of Mongolian empire ruling China lol.
It came back as part of Qing empire after non-Chinese Qing took China from Chinese Ming.

BTW Chinese are probably least popular group in Asia Viets, Malays, Mongols, Tibetans, Taiwanese, Uigers, Indians, Indonesians all are anti-Chinese to varying points.
Japanese are comparitively welcome, in spite of imperial Japan. Only Korea after centuries of problems is anti-Japanese apart from ultra-nationalist PRC, but again Korea is not as Violently anti Japanese as PRC.

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leon berrouard Prince Edward Island, Canada — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 08:22:59 GMT

I just wish there was a bit more balance in the reporting and a look at the bigger picture: I've missed that, I haven't seen much notice or stories about the schools, hospitals, low cost housing, roads, the new railway etc. that have brought many new opportunities to Tibetans. Is this “cultural genocide”? What do we call the modernization and the evolution of a medieval caste system rife with poverty and superstition? To me, a Canadian in China, it appears to be a genuine "Free Tibet" movement, a movement that is bringing to the native population health and education chances they never had before. There have been "Free Tibet" signs everywhere as the Olympic Torch relay proceeds. I wonder how many of the new-age-Dalai-parrots in Paris who came out in hordes to disrupt the Torch relay ever looked at the big picture from this point of view.

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BabyBorg — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 08:23:06 GMT

Free America ! Free Australia ! Save the Apache ! Save the Aborigine !

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robin — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 08:32:32 GMT

the the person who said

Before, many Tibetans were slaves. After 1949, the slaves were liberated. It's better to read history of Tibet for past 100 years.

Ah liberated yes by liberated you mean bombing over 6,000 monasteries with the monks inside, making children shoot their parents perhaps, or forcing monks and nuns to fornicate in the street maybe ? possibly the slaughter of 1.5 million Tibetans ? that is 25% of the population maybe you mean that ? a Thousand years ago around the borders of Tibet great stones were erected (Tibetans will be happy in Tibet Chinese happy in China".
Things were not perfect it was a feudal society but the 13th and the present Dalai lama wanted to reform Tibet, it is hard to reform a Feudal Society. Tibet isolated it's self because it feared it would be destroyed by Change the 13 Dalai lama tried to open Schools and he sent Tibetans to India and Oxford to learn about the modern world, too many people did not listen to him. The present Dalai Lama would have succeded in his reforms. Long Live His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Free Tibet, Free Tibet, Free TIbet

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bruce,d. — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 08:34:20 GMT

The monks are not the majority in tibet.Has anybody ask the majority who are economicaly viable and dependant of the chinese state?Is there any concern that if the dalai lama got is wish and in return china would make them accountable for self reliance,that Tibetan independence by a monk`s regime or vision would be a major economique disaster for tibet as a whole,if this where regular white folk instead of monks,this would be considerd racist fachist and nationalistique extremism.

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Wen,China — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 09:16:27 GMT

Chinese people are offended! If they do not agree, Dalai and his followers' efforts are certainly compromised!

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wx, Seattle, Wash. — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 09:49:54 GMT

William Baron Manteca, Ca (Sent Wednesday, April 09, 2008 3:36 PM) wrote: This could be a decisive learning experience for China as a country and its citizens. Not the least of which will be the understanding that as they engage the rest of the world, the world will expect/demand a even playing field.

Hi,

From what I read and heard, if there was some decisive thing happening, it was that ordinary Chinese citizens did feel unfairly treated by western media and news organizations (like the infamous CNN), was fed up and openly challenge them for their biased reporting and misguiding world opinion. They realized that western media and news organizations were no longer trustworthy.

We all know that if media is biased, there is no point talking about even-playing fields --- you all fooled by the media.

Also, I don't agree with your assessment that this is China or its citizens verse the rest of the world. How many members are in UN? Are you blindfolded or no brain?

You saw this was a decisive learning experience for Chinese citizens. I see this could be a decisive learning experience for people like you and western medias to realize that ordinary Chinese people are well informed and they knows what are going on around them, and that they do have their own judgments and opinions for the things happening. What missing is their judgments and opinions need to be respected. Please no more kick around.

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wx — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 09:59:32 GMT

D. Perez, Los Angeles wrote:
In my humble opinion, the protests are justified. The Olympics are going bring a huge influx of money into China's economy. Sometimes it's hitting the pocket that makes a point, so you can't separate politics from sport when there's money involved. I applaud everyone who is in protest. It's the Freedom of Speech at its best.

Were you saying that because you exercise your right of Freedom of Speech, you can mess up or interfere with anything you want? Geeeeeeees... What noble thinking!

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William Sanders, Stillwater, OK — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 10:20:37 GMT

Harry Truman said it best..."If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." China can't have it both ways. Once it accepted the right to host the Olympics, it also accepted the responsibility of the image it projected on the world, both past and present. It won't solve its problems nor excise its demons by wishful thinking or just ignoring it and hoping it will go away.