Tibet needs helpShortly after China became the "People's Republic of China" under Chairman Mao Zedong, Tibet dispatched 2 peaceful negotiators to meet with their new neighbors.In 1950, China responded by crossing the border with 40,000 Communist soldiers, slaughtering 4000 soldiers of the meager Tibetan army. Outraged, India, the UK, and the US all spoke out against the invasion but the Chinese only intensified the violence. Since 1950, 1.5 million (yes, you are reading that correctly) Tibetan people have been slain by the Chinese government and 6000 religious sites were destroyed as part of Tibet's assimilation into Communism. The Dali Lama (novel peace prize winner and the spiritual leader for Tibetan Buddhism) went into exile from his home country and has been calling for a peaceful solution since. For the first time in history, China has signaled their willingness to talk. Perhaps being thrust into the world spotlight by the 2008 Olympics made a difference - but so far no action has followed words. Thanks to AVAAZ, 1.5 million people came together and signed a petition asking the Chinese government to respect human rights and allow a dialog with the Dali Lama. The Tibetan people and culture is continuously being stamped out as the Chinese continue to expand into Tibet. Soon, their beautiful spiritual refuge in the Himalayas will look like just another industrialized provincial Chinese city. PeaceBookings.com intends to donate 50% of support money to the Tibet campaign through AVAAZ.org. Please spread the word so that people will know the truth and Tibet will not be lost forever. |
Picture by Amanda Formoso Keep up with Tibet
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