The conflict between China and Tibet is very much a sibling rivalry. China acts like the impetuous and ill-tempered older brother who uses brute force and deception to maintain control over the younger and likeable brother, Tibet. But Tibet’s youthful spirit, its innocence and moral authority over China are painfully evident as the head of Tibet’s government-in-exile, the Dalai Lama, visits the United States for six days starting today.
China, jealous of the Dalai Lama’s command over the spiritual and celebrity high ground, continues to shove its face in front of the camera attempting to block the Dalai Lama’s closeup. But it’s no use. The world loves the Dalai Lama and mostly despises China. The Chinese, despite their Olympic extravaganza, will never be liked, always be feared or held under suspicion and never be loved, respected and listened to like the Dalai Lama. They’d be better off to stop trying than to flail embarassingly at the Dalai Lama’s reputation and spiritual foundation and make the Chinese dilemma even deeper.
Meanwhile, as the Chinese try desperately to repair their image while continuing the violent crackdown in Tibet, the Dalai Lama comes out supporting the Chinese and the Olympics. Pretty hard to look compassionate and forgiving next to that.
