President Barack Obama has broken with presidential precedent and has refused to meet with the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama is the chief of the Buddhist faith and is also the acting head of state for Tibet, which China invaded in 1950.
The Dalai Lama is well-seen in many parts of American life and was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize. Obama is the first President not to meet with the religious leader since 1991.
Obama perhaps believes that this move will placate China. Considering the relatively small power of the Lama, this sends the signal that Obama is willing to throw overboard leaders who are friendly to the US to appease hostile states.
This would be similar to President Reagan refusing to meet with Pope John Paul II during the height of the Cold War in order to make the Soviet Union happy. This would be absurd then and is terrible now.
Obama wants help in Iran, but this is not the move that will do it. Instead, it will isolate democratic Taiwan and political dissidents in China. It shames the memory of the Tienanmen Square protests and their horrific deaths.
GOP Congressman Frank Wolf stated: "It's against the law to even have a picture of the Dalai Lama. I can almost hear the words of the Chinese guards saying to them that nobody cares about you in the United States."
Obama should profusely apologize for this incredibly stupid and pro-dictator stance.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Outrage: Obama Refuses to Meet Dalai Lama
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3 comments:
The Dalai Lama is a has-been that has no meaningful role in today's relations vis-a-vis the US and China. It is pathetic that he simply tours the world doing nothing. I was offended years ago to see our local tax dollars spent busing students to see him preach his propaganda. Now, mind you, the usurper Obama is on the bottom of my list for respect, but in this, I agree. Skip bowing to the Dalai Lama. Anyhow, how can he top his allegience he's already offered the Saudi king?
So you'd rather have him bow to China
Skip the bowing. What I'd prefer to see is a cut-off of commerce with China. Pandering to the Dalai Lama is comical and does nothing for or against our relations with China. China is a clear threat to the US. Deal with it first.
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