U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf (R-Va.) says human rights advocacy has taken a backseat in Congress, at the White House, and in both parties. He says the President’s decision to not meet with the Dalai Lama is an example of such absence. (0:23)
The 14th Dalai Lama said Wednesday afternoon that despite a lack of big changes in Tibet, Tibetian spirit is still very strong. (0:28)
The 14th Dalai Lama thanks activist Wang Lixioung and the other 300 signers of the “Twelve Suggestions for Dealing with the Tibetian Situation,” which aims to reduce the current tensions between China and Tibet. (0:23)
By Marianna Levyash-Talk Radio News
The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, arrived at the Light of Truth Awards Wednesday to honor and present awards to activists Julia Taft and Wang Lixioung.
The International Campaign for Tibet recognizes and salutes individuals or institutions that have contributed to the needs of Tibet.
The late Julia Taft was praised for her active involvement in Tibetian issues and in playing a crucial role for Tibetian human rights.
Wang Lixioung, who bravely risked himself and defied China to help organize the petition “Twelve Suggestions for Dealing with the Tibetian Situation”, in which more than 300 Chinese signed. All of these signatures represent people in the Republic of China that wanted to support Tibet and mark the Chinese policies in Tibet as “mistakes”.
The Dalai Lama was quoted as saying “I always say our supporters are not pro-Tibetan but pro-justice, pro-nonviolence.”
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and actor Richard Gere also participated in the ceremony.
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) says exiled Tibetan Dalai Lama’s rule has shown humility and kindness that is inspirational and fatherlike. (01:01)
The 14th Dalai Lama says U.S. weapons are powerful but not as powerful as American principles. (0:26)
by Julianne LaJeunesse- University of New Mexico
The 14th Dalai Lama was in Washington, D.C. Tuesday to receive a Lantos Foundation award for his human rights service, and despite a missing President Obama, the religious leader still offered kind words and advice for “America… the greatest democratic country.”
“I think American weapons, military forces, of course, is to some people… you can take seriously,” the Dalai Lama said. “But the real greatness of America is your ancestors, or the principles. These are, at any cost, you must preserve these principles. That is important.”
Some of those principles could be in question with the Obama administration’s decision not to receive the Dalai Lama this week. The White House says Obama will meet with the leader after a November session with China’s President Hu Jintao in Beijing, a decision which the Dalai Lama says he understands.
At the Lantos Foundation ceremony, which was created to further late Rep. Tom Lantos’ work on human rights and justice issues within U.S. policy making, John McCain (R- Ariz.) and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) praised the work of both Lantos, who died in 2008, and the Dalai Lama’s humanitarian efforts. McCain called the Dalai Lama “an example of a moral leader.”
McCain called the Dalai Lama, who won the Noble Peace Prize in 1989, a father to Tibet, despite the tensions between the exiled ruler and the Chinese government.
“For over half a century, he has led their struggle, petitioning governments and people of conscience throughout the world to lend their voice to the just demands of Tibetans,” McCain said. “He has endured the long trying years, and every setback for their cause, with an unyielding determination that is singular because of the patience, humility, and kindness that are his most admirable qualities.”
If Obama and the exiled leader don’t meet this year, it will mark the first time in 14 years that a U.S. president has not received the Dalai Lama. In 2007, the Dalai Lama received the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal, a ceremony attended by President George W. Bush.
The Dalai Lama comments to Talk Radio News’ Bureau Chief Ellen Ratner, on Barack Obama and political change.
Bureau Chief Ellen Ratner gets a scarf put around her neck from the Dalai Lama.
Dr. Deborah Akers, Visiting Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Miami University (Ohio), talks with the Dalai Lama, describing to him the program she is working with, utilizing meditation, to help people with PTSD.
