Free Tibet!

Nationalism is a feeling that is carried much throughout U.S. history. Our rights as

individuals and as one nation are very important and inspirational. Not only do we inspire the

following generations, but other nations around the world. Because a nation is politically ruled

my another, should their religious, and cultural rights be taken away? Should they no longer have

the right to protect and demand their natural rights?

The Dalai Lama’s absence leaves Tibetans in Tibet in grief. After fifty years, his people

still have faith in him. While the Chinese government is claining that Tibetans no longer have belief

in the Dalai Lama. They are taking away Tibet’s cultural rights by banding their national anthem,

publicizing their flag; pictures of the Dalai Lama (their spiritual leader) and public practice

of their religion, Buddhism. The Dalai Lama and Tibetans found ways to expose Chinese

government of China’s imperial invasion. The conflict is not just their domain for autonomy

under China but for a free Tibet. However, progress does not solely depend on Tibetans but as

well as Chinese cooperation. The same thing that happened to the Native Americans is currently

happening to Tibet. The number of Chinese moving into Tibet is increasing, making Tibetans

minorities. If China continues to ignore the middle way method, then the goal of independence

should be discussed.

We do not have individual nations to be against each other as enemies but to share and

protect common beliefs and ideas within one nation. Not many people are aware of the conflict

between China and Tibet or even heard of the Tibet. It is not the U.S. job to solve every nation’s

problem, but this fifty year problem in Tibet must be exposed to the world and be solved.

Relating to Gandhi’s philosophy, “Become the change you want to see in the world”.

Signed, Senator Vanessa Williams