China is the Ultimate Hypocrite

I've always wondered how the Chinese government reconciles bashing Japan as their former colonist and smashing Tibet as their current colony at the same time. Today's New York Times editorial (China can't have it both ways) puts it really well, noting how the Chinese government in one day sent two statements - the first one denounced Japan's Taro Aso for visiting the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, the second one opposed the Dalai Lama's visit to America.

The editorial concludes:

"We understand China’s frustration. But it only makes Beijing’s repression of Tibet and its attacks on the Dalai Lama all the more hypocritical.

As it carves out an ever greater role in the world, Beijing will have to learn that it cannot have it both ways. China cannot be the aggrieved victim in the morning and the bully in the afternoon."

It's Still 1984 in Tibet

Tomorrow is Earth Day - April 22. I wonder what Kunga Tsangyang (pen name: Gangnyi) is thinking about, wherever he is being held. He is an environmentalist, photographer and blogger who taught people the importance of saving the Tibetan plateau. He was arrested on March 17, and not heard from since.

The Chinese government is cracking down on Tibetan cultural figures including musicians, writers, artists. They're going after anyone who is an advocate for freedom of speech and thought. Is tomorrow really April 22, 2009? Or is it April 22, 1984? Well, in Tibet, it's the dark, Orwellian world of 1984.

Prisoner of the Himalayas

Lyrics from my album "Logchopa" (ལོག་སྤྱོད་པ་)

I remember the land I've never seen.
I remember a sound I've never heard.
And the heart that never cries
Sheds its first virgin tears.

The days are getting longer
Of course, summer is here.
But the nights also get longer
Is it still winter here?
Oh, a sorrow that knows no season
Has settled upon my heart.

The Himalayas claim to be
Guardians of the Tibetan people.
Are you truly our guardians?
Or merely our prison guards.