Blair provokes outrage over refusal to meet with Dalai Lama

[DoYouEverWonder]

http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/politics/story.jsp?story=479780

10 January 2004

Tony Blair was accused last night of snubbing the Dalai Lama by refusing to meet the exiled Tibetan Buddhist leader when he visits Britain in May.

The Tibet Society said the Prime Minister's refusal - because of "other diary commitments" - undermined British ministers' call to the Chinese government to negotiate with the Dalai Lama.

"The Dalai Lama deserves better than Tony Blair's feeble fob-off response. He has set a model of peaceful governance that should be applauded, not shunned," said Philippa Carrick, the society's chief executive.

<snip>

Downing Street confirmed last night it had received a letter requesting a meeting with Tony Blair. A spokeswoman said: "The Prime Minister has many, many requests from people to meet him in the course of a year and he obviously can't manage to see everybody."




Gee Tony, isn't turning down the Dalai Lama sort of like turning down Jesus or Ghandi? I know Tony doesn't have time to meet everybody, but he can't find an hour or two for the friggin' Dalai Lama. I guess Tony's too busy kissing Bu$h's holy ass to bother meeting with a real holy man?

[kayell]

1. Probably too ashamed to meet with a man of peace

[psychopomp]

4. My thoughts exactly

His loss.

[displacedtexan]

2. China is more important to Tony

than meeting with those who promote world peace and prosperity for all.

[0007]

3. Why would anyone want to see Tony?

I know why junior loves Tony, but anyone else?

[hlthe2b]

5. I couldn't think less of Bush*, but I still thought Blair was an inch or

two below rock bottom. 'Guess I was wrong. It pains me that he is such a sell-out. Unlike Bush*, he's smart enough to know better.

[aneerkoinos]

6. Well

"Gee Tony, isn't turning down the Dalai Lama sort of like turning down Jesus or Ghandi?"

At least the Brits aren't putting Dalai Lama in prison and killing his followers, like they did with Ghandhi... :)

[Hell Hath No Fury]

9. That was my immediate thought....

"Too busy" for the Dalai Lama?!?! It's the DALAI LAMA for gosh sakes!!!

How utterly bizarre is THAT!

Tony Tony Tony....

[Just Me]

7. He's probably intimidated as all get out,...

particularly given his weaknesses in sticking with truly noble visions. He has sold a significant piece of his soul,...and he knows it. He would prefer to avoid any reminder like the Dalai Lama.

[goforit]

8. Down down down down .....................(go the polls). Ouch!

:nopity:

[daleo]

10. Afraid that the Dalai Lama might have asked an awkward question

HEY BABY
I WANNA KNOW
HOW MUCH
DID YOU GET FOR YOUR SOUL?

Chrissie Hynde