US Congress to honour Dalai Lama

[tuvor]

President George W Bush signed into law a bill to present to the Dalai Lama a Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honour bestowed by the US Congress.

The decision to honour the leader of Tibetan Buddhism, who is still widely revered in the mountainous region ruled by China, caused outrage in Beijing when the House of Representatives passed the measure two weeks ago.

At the time, Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang denounced the decision, which he said "seriously interferes with China's internal affairs and damages China-US relations."

The Chinese government considers the Dalai Lama a political troublemaker who works from his exile in India to push for Tibet's independence.

http://www.theage.com.au/news/World/US-Congress-to-honour-Dalai-Lama/2006/09/28/1159337259029.html

[Bonobo]

1. You think Gandhi would have accepted a medal from Hitler?

[tuvor]

2. Perhaps not. What's your point?

[Bonobo]

4. Umm.... If I need to explain that, well... you know the rest.

[tuvor]

7. You were vague enough.

I mean, I could assume from your first comment that you think the Dalai Lama is a less "ideal" person than Ghandi, since presumably Ghandi wouldn't accept anything from hitler, and the Dalai Lama is accepting something from Congress, but I don't like to assume anything.

That's why I asked what your point was.

[Bonobo]

8. I see what you mean now. Let me clarify.

It is my belief that a congratulations from the US Congress for morality is like Tammy Fay Baker giving lessons on how to best apply cosmetics. Worthless and ridiculous.

The Dalai Lama is a good and holy man in any meaningful sense of the word.

He should not accept anything from our vile, scum-sucking, torture-endorsing Congress.

It would be like Gandhi accepting a humanitarian award from Hitler.

That should be clearer now. Thanks for letting me organize my thoughts.

[tuvor]

9. Thank you for clarifying.

I do appreciate it.

Cheers.

[derby378]

3. My sentiments exactly

You just took the words right out of my mouth.

Maybe the Dalai Lama should bite the medal to make sure it's real?

[Dr.Phool]

5. They already held a coronation ceremony for the Rev. Moon.

In the Senate office building no less!

They're blaspheming the Rev Moon!

[KansDem]

11. I thought the same thing...Could they reuse some of the decorations?

...left over from the Moon coronation?

Might save some money, unless the Congress plans on giving a no-bid contract to Halliburton to provide decorations and refreshments...

on edit: $20 million for crepe paper and Chex mix.

[vixengrl]

6. Regardless of my feelings about *, an honor to His Holiness

is much deserved. Although I wonder if there is any particular timeliness to discomfiting Beijing. Is there a political point? (I tend to believe this administration would have an ulterior motive for giving a starving man a biscuit.)

[dkofos]

16. condi just couldn't imagine the chinese would be offended

[Mika]

10. Suprising that they'll give him one.

After all, the Dalia Lama just changed his opinion on the Iraq invasion. NOW there are too many lives lost. "Now in Iraq — too many killings."

DU thread - Dalai Lama: Too many lives lost in Iraq
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x2531756

[Opusnone]

12. Even a broken clock is right twice a day!

[KurtNYC]

13. And if he doesn't accept our medal we'll torture his ass!

since they approved that also.

People without consistency have no integrity.

[stepnw1f]

14. Nice Stunt... Especially After Voting for the Torture Bill (nt)

[dkofos]

15. I hope he declines

[lovuian]

17. Dalai Llama deserves it

no matter who signs it