tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68007750785081342242012-02-10T12:34:01.930-05:00A voice for change! www.thesnowlion.comThe Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.comBlogger2041100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-90163151409701422302012-01-26T11:41:00.000-05:002012-01-26T11:41:14.960-05:00<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Article by Howard G. Fass<br />Photo credit: unknown<br />January 26, 2012</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Va0jaqm94ac/TyGBkjjqzQI/AAAAAAAAA-0/_iA1Y0bGtoI/s1600/motherteresa%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Va0jaqm94ac/TyGBkjjqzQI/AAAAAAAAA-0/_iA1Y0bGtoI/s400/motherteresa%5B1%5D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Recently I have been reading a little about Mother Teresa and the work she did amongst the desperately poor, sick and needy in Calcutta, India. <br /><br />I was deeply touched by her warmth and unflinching attitude of personal and direct responsibly with regards to addressing the suffering she saw all around her. Certainly she did pray, but she also very much acted and put her spiritual practice of compassion and love into direct action! This is very powerful and truly can move mountains.<br /><br />It lead me to think about all those poor who are also suffering at the hands of the communist Chinese inside Tibet, East Turkistan, Inner Mongolia and inside China proper. Perhaps there is no single greatest condition of human man-made suffering in the world today. So many millions do not have religious freedom and liberty. This week the Chinese military police has been shooting unarmed protesters inside occupied Tibet as the destruction inside Tibet continues on and on... <br /></span>In a relatively rare instance of US indignation, America did make a lukewarm statement calling on the Chinese authorities to behave better, but overall the statement was pretty far off the mark as it crudely labeled Tibetans as "Chinese citizens" and very much was drafted in full recognition of China's imperial claims to Tibet in complete disregard to the well-known wishes and aspirations of the indigenous Tibetan population in their own homeland. When push comes to pull, the US and much of the rest of the world's governments have supported trade and cheap labor, over human rights and liberty when it comes to its interactions with the CCP regime. <br /><br />How long will the world simply look away from the suffering of these many millions and do nothing constructive about it? In the end, beyond the fleeting few statements here and there, its nothing short of abandonment of those in the greatest need and an abandonment of our own dignity and responsibilities for doing what is truly right and good. <br /><br />The harm and destruction inflicted upon so many by the "rising" China not only creates havoc inside China for its people but also threatens with every new day to only further erode and diminish human rights, liberty and dignity for all human beings everywhere. We need to make the connections and feel the personal responsibility to act and call on our elected officials to firmly sanction China and stop all trade until all the atrocities and crimes against humanity finally end by the CCP regime.<br /><br />We may not be able to directly control what the Chinese government does, but at the very least we can control what we do. If we take the right road of compassion and love, no matter what the result, we will have no regrets and will be only adding to the positive in the world. Anything else feels like a deception and a lie which just makes the world that much darker and more dangerous not only for us today, but for our children tomorrow...<br /><br /><u>Below are some wonderful quotes from Mother Teresa</u>:<br /><br /><span class="body1"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies."</span></span></span></span></div><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana;"><span class="body1"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="body1"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;">"Being unwanted, <span style="font-size: small;">unloved</span>, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat."</span></span></span></div><span class="body1"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana;"></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="body1"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;">"If you can't feed a hundred <span style="font-size: small;">people</span>, then feed just one."</span></span></span></div><span class="body1"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana;"></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="body1"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;">"One of the greatest <span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-size: small;">diseases</span> is to be nobody to anybody."</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="body1"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/">www.thesnowlion.com</a></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-9016315140970142230?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-58697168213290067302012-01-20T09:25:00.000-05:002012-01-20T09:25:32.286-05:00<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Collected here by: Howard G. Fass<br />January 20, 2012</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BxDVuHfnj7U/Txl402a4x5I/AAAAAAAAA-s/UgbOZWPaxXw/s1600/His+Holiness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BxDVuHfnj7U/Txl402a4x5I/AAAAAAAAA-s/UgbOZWPaxXw/s400/His+Holiness.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">A friend of mine recently sent this quote from His Holiness to me and I thought I would share it here. The timing just seemed perfect.<br /><br />Its kind of about the plight of human beings, how in their often petty pursuits for money, drugs, fame etc.. and the often break-neck mad race to get all these things humans eventually lose out on what's most important and suffer all the more as a result... Its about being more mindful, more spiritual and more connected and grounded to what really matters. Its about having a heart. <br /><br />When His Holiness the Dalai Lama was asked, what surprised him the most about humanity, he answered:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="color: #ccff33;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">"Man. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived."<br /><br /><span style="color: white;">Think about it, make the connections and do your very best each and every day...<br /><br />Thanks for reading,</span></span></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-5869716821329006730?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-18468152274734482182012-01-16T12:33:00.002-05:002012-01-16T17:38:39.444-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbsU8D4fG_A/TxResm4spNI/AAAAAAAAA-k/GJFRWgF2qYc/s1600/IMGP1074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbsU8D4fG_A/TxResm4spNI/AAAAAAAAA-k/GJFRWgF2qYc/s400/IMGP1074.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Article and photo by:&nbsp; Howard G. Fass</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On January 14th we had our 19th monthly vigil for Taiwan at Harvard Square. <br /><br />For 95% of the vigil I myself was the lone participant in the extreme January New England cold weather. Most of the other supporters actually were in Taiwan as they took the time and effort to fly to the other side of the planet to take part in Taiwan's democracy and place their vote. Taiwan does not allow absentee ballots, so if you want to vote, you have to get yourself there.<br /><br />It was a difficult day quite frankly as it was also on this very same day that the news of the DPP's defeat at the elections in Taiwan reached us all here in America. Despite the giggles and chuckles from passing Chinese students who must have thought I was very silly being out there all alone with our signs, I continued on with the vigil for the two-hours knowing that this small effort was the very least I could do for human rights and liberty as a fellow human being. <br /><br />Inside Tibet the torture and killing continues at the hands of the CCP regime. Inside Uyghur / East Turkistan the torture and killing continues at the hands of the CCP regime. Taiwan still is at constant risk of military attack from China... I thought that if my Tibetan friend Ngwang Sangdrol La (a Tibetan Buddhist nun who was arrested by the Chinese in Tibet for holding a peaceful protest) could be in prison for eleven long years in a Chinese gulag, a few short hours in the cold in Harvard Square with a few signs was nothing.<br /><br />I did have the opportunity to engage and speak with quite a few people and chat about human rights and freedom which was very good. These are issues that are critical for all human beings regardless of location or nationality.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nevertheless I can honestly say, I am grateful that the election inside Taiwan did take place regardless of the result and that the majority inside Taiwan did have the right and opportunity to take to the ballot-box and select their own leadership for the next four-years. Although personally I am somewhat disappointed that the pro-sovereignty DPP lost, the election is not about me and what I or anyone else on the outside happens to think, its about the will and right of the Taiwanese people to decide in their own land on their own terms. This is the purity and beauty of democracy. <br /><br />Democracy and freedom simply does not exist on the other side of the Taiwan Strait in China. We can only hope these freedoms will continue to exist inside Taiwan as Taiwan drifts ever closer into the orbit of communist China both economically and now (more likely than not) politically as well. <br /><br />From my side I wish the KMT well and pray that they uphold the mandate they received from this election and defend and protect the best interests of <u>ALL</u> the people of Taiwan and serve as good stewards of the nation of Taiwan and not just simply the interests of China or Chinese. Its one thing to win in a popular election, quite another to live up to and deliver on the expectations of the people.</span></span><span editor_id="mce_editor_0"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span></div><span editor_id="mce_editor_0"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We stand in solidarity with the 23-million people of Taiwan and for justice and the rights for all peoples everywhere to real human rights and the right to self-determination free from threats and attacks by foreign countries. We will continue this peaceful vigil of ours until such a day that Taiwan and its people have the opportunity in true peace and freedom to determine their own future and the communist regime in China formally renounces both its imperial claims to the island of Taiwan along with its on-going threat of military invasion.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This vigil and the people who take part in it are not supported by any political party whatsoever. Rather it is a gathering of interested people who care about Taiwan and wish to stand up for basic human rights and values that apply to all human beings everywhere.<br /><br />We will continue our event on the second Saturday of every month. The next vigil will be<span editor_id="mce_editor_0"> February</span> 11th, from Noon to 2PM.<br /><br />Thank you,</span></div></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.thesnowlion.com</span></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-1846815227473448218?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-4316010750980581872012-01-10T19:08:00.000-05:002012-01-10T19:08:11.725-05:00<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Collected by, Howard G. Fass<br />Photo Credit: The Christian Science Monitor</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d6fV4c7_Ev8/TwzR6guIWlI/AAAAAAAAA-U/iQL6wI3emUo/s1600/tawian-art_full_600%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d6fV4c7_Ev8/TwzR6guIWlI/AAAAAAAAA-U/iQL6wI3emUo/s400/tawian-art_full_600%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a class="undefined" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xelIXhkD1mY&amp;feature=related" mce_real_href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xelIXhkD1mY&amp;feature=related" target="_blank"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;">THREE LITTLE PIGS CARTOON</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><a class="undefined" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTGDgW7OOKg&amp;feature=related" mce_real_href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTGDgW7OOKg&amp;feature=related" target="_blank"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;">THREE LITTLE PIGS SONG ETC.</span></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><a class="undefined" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K99AoHGtXpU&amp;feature=related" mce_real_href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K99AoHGtXpU&amp;feature=related" target="_blank"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;">MORE LITTLE PIGS IN THE TAIWAN NEWS</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><a class="undefined" editor_id="mce_editor_0" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeNBm9OfLfs&amp;feature=related" mce_real_href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeNBm9OfLfs&amp;feature=related" target="_blank"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;">ELECTION 2012 VIDEO MONTAGE 1</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><a class="undefined" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kELvLx06AyM&amp;feature=related" mce_real_href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kELvLx06AyM&amp;feature=related" target="_blank"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;">ELECTION 2012 VIDEO MONTAGE 2</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><a class="undefined" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnUz7KAunFk&amp;feature=related" mce_real_href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnUz7KAunFk&amp;feature=related" target="_blank"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;">ELECTION 2012 VIDEO MONTAGE 3</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><a class="undefined" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeV__-Mqero&amp;feature=related" mce_real_href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeV__-Mqero&amp;feature=related" target="_blank"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;">TAIWAN MAP MADE OUT OF THOUSANDS OF LITTLE PIGS</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><a class="undefined" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzozyuCBrEA&amp;feature=related" mce_real_href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzozyuCBrEA&amp;feature=related" target="_blank"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;">KMT CAUGHT LYING</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><a class="undefined" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48jveahlkBw&amp;feature=related" mce_real_href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48jveahlkBw&amp;feature=related" target="_blank"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;">DPP RALLY 12/21/2011</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><a class="undefined" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ao5jClUvga4" mce_real_href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ao5jClUvga4" target="_blank"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;">TAIWAN NEXT MONTAGE</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All the best to the DPP and Dr. Tsai Ying Wen in their historic bid to uphold human rights, democracy and liberty for the Nation of Taiwan!<br /><br />Thank you for watching...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/">www.thesnowlion.com</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-431601075098058187?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-67563178211567924752012-01-04T22:09:00.000-05:002012-01-04T22:09:57.399-05:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">January 04, 2012<br /><br />Reposted here from VoteTWProject2012 to help spread the word...<br /><br />Artwork by Kurt to help support Taiwan, age nine</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Td6vfF4Pxa0" target="_blank">CLICK HERE TO WATCH THIS GREAT VIDEO</a></span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Pz_sPjUeAw/TwUT5X8er1I/AAAAAAAAA90/V2a-qXwmd-Q/s1600/IMGP0469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Pz_sPjUeAw/TwUT5X8er1I/AAAAAAAAA90/V2a-qXwmd-Q/s400/IMGP0469.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4OPAkL0Sjzk/TwUUAsnykQI/AAAAAAAAA-A/ww3-0mBHKVM/s1600/IMGP0474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4OPAkL0Sjzk/TwUUAsnykQI/AAAAAAAAA-A/ww3-0mBHKVM/s400/IMGP0474.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RP_a8JqY7so/TwUUF_CNfnI/AAAAAAAAA-M/3EPWY_C9b9M/s1600/Tsai+Ing+Wen+Boston+09152011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="323" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RP_a8JqY7so/TwUUF_CNfnI/AAAAAAAAA-M/3EPWY_C9b9M/s400/Tsai+Ing+Wen+Boston+09152011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dr. Tsai Ying Wen in 2011 when she visited Boston. Thank you for everything you do for Taiwan and for freedom and liberty!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/">www.thesnowlion.com</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-6756317821156792475?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-17312985545896831392012-01-04T11:53:00.000-05:002012-01-04T11:53:50.076-05:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By Raela Tosh</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">January 04, 2012</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K2-KzJ2_mJQ/TwSDhtBgQRI/AAAAAAAAA9o/2x0UxCHCNtY/s1600/FREE+EAST+TURKISTAN+AND+TIBET%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K2-KzJ2_mJQ/TwSDhtBgQRI/AAAAAAAAA9o/2x0UxCHCNtY/s320/FREE+EAST+TURKISTAN+AND+TIBET%2521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1325511467_0">oppression</span> of the <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1325511467_1">Uyghur</span> people (amongst many other <span class="yshortcuts" editor_id="mce_editor_0" id="lw_1325511467_2">ethnic minorities in China</span>) by the Chinese government has become increasingly dire as the Chinese government grows more bold in front of the international community.<br /><br />Human rights violations are at an all-time high and are occurring more blatantly than before in part due to China's newfound boldness and the international community's continued passivity. Such boldness manifested itself two years ago when twenty innocent Uyghurs, including one woman and two children, were forcibly deported from Cambodia back to China when it was clear that their status and conditions upon return would be certain imprisonment or worse. Now, the status of these Uyghurs is unknown. <br /><br />In the past decade, the Chinese government has forcibly deported hundreds of Uyghurs from various countries that have strong economic and diplomatic relations with China, including Myanmar and Laos who deported 24 Uyghurs between them alone in 2010. In August of 2011, Pakistan forcibly returned five Uyghurs, including one woman and two children, whose fates are also unknown at this time. <br /><br />Most of those who are forcibly deported to China are never heard from again and the Chinese government hardly ever produces legitimate evidence as to the supposed crimes they accuse these people of. The countries that deport these Uyghurs according to the wishes of the Chinese government often receive diplomatic or economic benefits from China. Such blatant violations of human rights, not only on Chinese soil but internationally, paints a grave picture for the Uyghurs who seem to have no safe ground in this world, no matter where they run or how far. That the Chinese government would go to such lengths to oppress the Uyghurs and that these surrounding countries would not only look on but participate in the oppression is reflective of the dire situation of human rights not just in China but throughout the world.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Thank you for reading and caring...</span></span></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.thesnowlion.com</span></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-1731298554589683139?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-77515898981418161722012-01-02T17:10:00.000-05:002012-01-02T17:10:43.654-05:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By Howard G. Fass</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">January 02, 2012</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ForlH1xbOoo/TwIp_bByEyI/AAAAAAAAA9c/7KGw9QW0e74/s1600/Palden+Choetso+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ForlH1xbOoo/TwIp_bByEyI/AAAAAAAAA9c/7KGw9QW0e74/s400/Palden+Choetso+image.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now that 2011 is finally behind us, its a good time to look back and reflect on what has been happening for human rights and freedom for Tibet, The Uyghur people, China, Inner Mongolia and Taiwan. <br /><br />Perhaps no imagery is more powerful than this still shot of the Tibetan nun Palden Choetso as she sets herself on fire as an act of self-immolation in protest to the continued brutal Chinese occupation in Tibet. An extreme act for sure, but set against the far greater horror of communist Chinese brutality and exploitation inside occupied Tibet, becomes a desperate cry for help to a world that mostly looks away when fellow human beings are being destroyed. </span></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0">Where is the outrage? Certainly caring peoples and concerned groups around the world answer and feel for this cry for help, but when it comes to organized political parties and global governments the answer becomes much more muted if even uttered at all... where is the shame?</span></span></span></span></span></div><span editor_id="mce_editor_0"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />So now as the so-called "holiday season" comes to an end, with its endless shopping mall isles filled with Chinese made toys and grotesque knick knacks. I for one am glad to see it all finally over, with its cheap glitz and fake commercial cheer against a world that is increasingly more and more desperate in need of help and care that no plastic toy made by a political prisoner in a Chinese concentration camp can ever wash away. <br /><br />That toy came to America or anywhere else equally as soulless to actually import it at an enormous human cost that far outweighs any petty convenience or one-time inexpensive monetary cost at the check-out line. Yes, now is a time for reflection and counting the real costs and hopefully taking a thoughtful responsible stand...<br /><br />In light of everything that has been happening under the sun to the Chinese people, Tibetans and Uyghur people and potentially risks spilling over into Taiwan; one can only pray that the growing voices of reason that seek to finally call the CCP to task finally get listened to by the governments of the world. <br /><br />Trade with the CCP clearly has not lead to the improvement of life and liberty for anyone living inside China. A few people have become wealthy (mostly loyal party comrades of one sort or another) perhaps, but for the vast majority their human rights and freedoms remain completely at the whim and mercy of a single totalitarian political party historically responsible for the deaths of tens-of-millions of people during its ongoing history of power and struggles for power.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although 2011 proved to be yet just another brutal year in its escalation of violence and brutality in Tibet and elsewhere, there is now an undeniable new spark and emergent feeling of promise that came onto the stage and its a potential nightmare for those in power anywhere in the world where the rule of force and terror exists against its own people. People are starting to stand up. </span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Amidst all the shows of Chinese pomp and power on the world-stage its easy to miss the smaller warning signs that spell the coming of a potential historic change that may just sweep away the CCP regime and all the madness its responsible for in one huge wave. Its what happened during the Arab Spring in 2011 which directly and irresistibly lead to the toppling of several dictatorships in the Middle East. This is the news that Beijing wants to ignore and cover up with more violence and more brutality. </span><span editor_id="mce_editor_0"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the end its a policy of complete failure that historically has very predictable results. This is regime change and revolution. <br /><br />2012 proves to be a year of escalation that will only intensify this underlying boil of public outrage and ferment in China and its occupied colonial holdings in Tibet, Inner Mongolia and East Turkistan. These are the sparks. For the actual mass power, this is the upwards of 400-million strong under-privileged captive migrant labor in China today. This is the Arab Spring in the making that will change the world.<br /><br />In the end I feel 2012 offers some promise because despite all the terror in 2011 the collective will and determination of so many people has remained unbroken and is strong; the Free Tibet movement remains alive inside Tibet against everything the Chinese can throw at it. Despite every possible mind control and "patriotic education" Tibetans still see themselves for what they are which is Tibetan and bravely call for their religious leaders to return in peace to a land that is free and democratic. <br /><br />Despite all the odds in Taiwan, the DPP and its amazing leader Dr. Tsai Ying Wen have risen from the political rubble like a phoenix against the well-monied and China-backed KMT. Now in 2012, the DPP is poised to win in what will hopefully be a free and fair election which just a few years ago felt nearly impossible. Against so much and so many, the impossible is starting to take shape and Asia is truly showing that against the odds guns and money can no longer shout out the cries for basic human rights and freedom. <br /><br />That alone is reason enough to celebrate the New Year 2012!<br /><br />In the end we are all interconnected and share the same human family on the same planet; if we choose to ignore and look away and do nothing, its not only immolated Tibetans like Palden Choetso and others who suffer and will continue to suffer in vein, but our children along with them...<br /><br />Lest we forget,<br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/">www.thesnowlion.com</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-7751589898141816172?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-730565061217866472011-12-12T15:51:00.001-05:002011-12-15T08:38:02.022-05:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Photos and article by Howard G. Fass</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tUdYMYo_giI/TuZm4_T_YgI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/AklbNMZSAeM/s1600/12102011-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tUdYMYo_giI/TuZm4_T_YgI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/AklbNMZSAeM/s400/12102011-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had the amazing good fortune to have Raela Tosh join us this month for our vigil at Harvard Square for human rights and freedom. Raela is the daughter of the world famous Noble Prize nominee, Rebiya Kadeer. Mrs. Kadeer has been the shining star for peace and freedom for her people for decades in their long hard struggle against the Chinese genocidal occupation currently underway in East Turkistan.<br /><br />East Turkistan is located just north of Tibet and was invaded by communist Chinese troops in 1949. Since this invasion and the ensuing occupation, the Uyghur people have experienced tremendous suffering by the current Chinese regime such as political imprisonment and torture, forced abortions, population transfer of massive quantities of Chinese settlers into the Uyghur homeland, organ harvesting, nuclear testing etc...<br /><br />We stand with the Uyghur people in their hour of need as fellow-human beings knowing full well that if ever human rights and justice are ignored and denied to any individual or group the rest of us suffer as a result in this small world of ours. Nowhere was this sentiment felt stronger that today at Harvard Square as Taiwanese, Tibetans, Americans and a Falun Gong reporter came out to stand with Raela in heartfelt solidarity.<br /><br />The vigil was a complete success as we interacted with many of those passing by. The Chinese communist party does not control the truth and can not continue to commit its atrocities against Tibetans, Uyghurs, Mongols and Falun Gong practitioners without the world taking notice and taking a stand. We call upon this current Chinese regime which has the darkest human rights record of genocide in the entire history of mankind to finally see reason and stop its acts of wide-scale torture and abuse of human rights, freedoms and dignity. <br /><br />We also call on this same regime to finally renounce its ridiculous imperialistic claims of sovereignty over the free Nation of Taiwan and learn to live in peace and harmony with all its neighbors in accordance with international law. Taiwan has never for one-day ever been ruled by the CCP and has totally distinct native languages, cultures, identity and ethnicities that China does not have. <br /><br />Taiwan as a still vibrant democracy will be having its presidential elections next month in January 2012. Will the small island nation of Taiwan be able to have this election in peace free from threats of military action, influence and hostility by neighboring China? We call on the world, especially the United States, to take notice here and stand by Taiwan as its people as they ready to take to the polls to decide their own future and vote.<br /><br />After the vigil, many of us met again at a fellow-supporter's home to listen to Raela speak more about the current state of affairs in East Turkistan and its long history of fear and tears under Chinese occupation. We were later joined by Ngawang Sangdrol who was a former Tibetan political prisoner of the Chinese for eleven years. Ngawang was arrested at the young age of thirteen for peacefully protesting Chinese rule in Tibet and also for supporting His Holiness the Dalai Lama.<br /><br />We all humbly thank both Raela and Ngawang for their bravery and strength to be such shining examples of peace and human rights in these current dark times of Chinese abuses in so many lands. Taiwan beware and be awake, you could be next!<br /><br />Thank you,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.epochtimes.com/b5/11/12/14/n3457063.htm%E6%8A%97%E8%AD%B0%E4%B8%AD%E5%85%B1%E6%89%93%E5%A3%93-%E7%86%B1%E4%BE%9D%E6%8B%89%E5%93%88%E4%BD%9B%E5%BB%A3%E5%A0%B4%E7%82%BA%E6%97%8F%E4%BA%BA%E5%90%B6%E5%96%8A" target="_blank">SPECIAL COVERAGE BY THE EPOCH TIMES CLICK HERE</a></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A-vguhWX_xA/TuZnHfvQ45I/AAAAAAAAA8Y/kgDuQT6ohk8/s1600/12102011-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A-vguhWX_xA/TuZnHfvQ45I/AAAAAAAAA8Y/kgDuQT6ohk8/s400/12102011-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" name=""><tbody><tr valign="top"> <td valign="top" width="100%"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">A common mission...</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qCI5WP0_kPY/TuZnSeJXwbI/AAAAAAAAA8g/oJe4SzEVrbU/s1600/12102011-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qCI5WP0_kPY/TuZnSeJXwbI/AAAAAAAAA8g/oJe4SzEVrbU/s400/12102011-3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d0g7QYhy6RI/TuZnYgaTyhI/AAAAAAAAA8o/OCbRc8mySdQ/s1600/12102011-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d0g7QYhy6RI/TuZnYgaTyhI/AAAAAAAAA8o/OCbRc8mySdQ/s400/12102011-4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Human rights and freedom is the same in all languages for all peoples.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vEtnJ9ABbKk/TuZnkBhUkDI/AAAAAAAAA8w/GvtkL5g79Lg/s1600/12102011-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="375" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vEtnJ9ABbKk/TuZnkBhUkDI/AAAAAAAAA8w/GvtkL5g79Lg/s400/12102011-5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Raela in interview with a local Boston Falun Gong reporter at the vigil.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fRzpoM-wMu8/TuZnzDSfc5I/AAAAAAAAA84/2tb7-UzX9OI/s1600/12102011-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fRzpoM-wMu8/TuZnzDSfc5I/AAAAAAAAA84/2tb7-UzX9OI/s400/12102011-6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0OGDXnSQ9yM/TuZn4HTGbWI/AAAAAAAAA9A/Y-ZWPy_Llb8/s1600/12102011-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0OGDXnSQ9yM/TuZn4HTGbWI/AAAAAAAAA9A/Y-ZWPy_Llb8/s400/12102011-7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Free Tibet, Free Uyghur and Save Taiwan! Peace and human rights for all!</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--EglxLQ8Qrc/TuZoD8UhLbI/AAAAAAAAA9I/YtHf_ezLFlI/s1600/12102011-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--EglxLQ8Qrc/TuZoD8UhLbI/AAAAAAAAA9I/YtHf_ezLFlI/s400/12102011-8.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana;">Lama Sonam and a kind gentleman who gave our group a huge crate of oranges at the vigil.</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JCSLbqXr1sA/TuZopXA1hdI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/YndsAHPqhd0/s1600/12102011-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JCSLbqXr1sA/TuZopXA1hdI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/YndsAHPqhd0/s400/12102011-9.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our group had the wonderful blessing of meeting with Ngawang Sangdrol La and hearing her harrowing story of being held as a political prisoner by the communist Chinese in Tibet. She was arrested at the age of thirteen for peacefully protesting against the illegal Chinese occupation of her homeland Tibet and for religious freedom. Ngawang Sangdrol La was given a twenty-three-year sentence of imprisonment and torture for her brave act of peaceful protest by the Chinese. <br /><br />Miraculously she was rescued as the result of massive international pressure in the eleventh year of her sentence. Thank you Ngwang for your brave courage and kindness! You are a blessing for not only Tibetans, but also everyone else in the human family who struggles for freedom and justice against oppression.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/">www.thesnowlion.com</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-73056506121786647?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-39120538532791002062011-12-06T12:24:00.000-05:002011-12-06T12:24:11.873-05:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By Joe McHugh</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">August 25, 2008</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9pMNfR9ouk8/Tt5PWBcvzAI/AAAAAAAAA8I/lfvGPByso7Y/s1600/The+Nation+of+Taiwan+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9pMNfR9ouk8/Tt5PWBcvzAI/AAAAAAAAA8I/lfvGPByso7Y/s400/The+Nation+of+Taiwan+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="article_body"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Did you hear about that country whose leaders are restricted in their visits to the U.S? These government officials have been denied entry to the US on multiple occasions. They're so awful even the U.N repudiates them. What country am I talking about? Iran? Zimbabwe? Cuba? Sudan?<br /><br />Would you be surprised if I told you that the country is not only none of the above, but is, in fact, a democratic, rights-respecting nation, with a vibrant free economy, and a well-educated populace that has made valuable contributions to the world community?<br /><br />The status and treatment of Taiwan is one of the great international injustices of our time. After having lost the Chinese civil war with Mao Tse-tung's communists, Chiang Kai-shek's Kuomintang Nationalist forces fled to Taiwan in 1949. They were soon enough understood by the Taiwanese people to be brutal, unwelcome occupiers. After a long, patient, and even bloody struggle, Taiwan evolved into what it is today: a completely independent country separate from China. They have their own government, institutions, culture. Moreover, in sharp contrast to China, their government is democratic and rights-respecting.<br /><br />Nevertheless, China claims Taiwan as its own, and China has asserted its power in the international community to persuade other nations to make Taiwan a leper. Because of pressure from China, Taiwan is barred from international organizations, most notoriously the U.N and the World Health Organization (WHO). The latter is particularly troubling considering the affect of SARS on Taiwan in 2003, when the disease spread much more rapidly than it would have otherwise <br /><br />And where is that beacon of democracy, the United States? Well, our own government won't allow members of the Taiwanese government within 30 miles of Washington D.C. When Taiwan offered to send troops to Iraq, the offer was rejected lest Taiwan might have the temerity to fly their own flag.</span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div class="article_body" editor_id="mce_editor_0"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The restrictions on travel to the U.S are particularly galling. An American university cannot invite members of the Taiwanese government to speak to the student body, but Columbia had no problem securing a visa for President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The most vicious dictators on earth are welcome to speak to the U.N, and, indeed even to be members, but Taiwan cannot even be mentioned by name.<br /><br />And yes America's policy is, as always, mixed and hypocritical. Historically, the U.S has been sympathetic to Taiwan, and the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979 mandates U.S defense of Taiwan. But in our quest to please China we have allowed ourselves to be part of a vicious international injustice. We do not even have an official ambassador to this valuable country and ally.<br /><br />Certainly the fate of Taiwan must be left up to the people of that country. The point all must respect is that the future of Taiwan belongs to the Taiwanese. It is not up to China to decide the future of Taiwan. The 1200 missiles aimed by China at their tiny neighbor is an international outrage. And so too is UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's statement that Taiwan belongs to China.<br /><br />Taiwan does not belong to China. Taiwan belongs to the Taiwanese. The claim of the Chinese government is not a mere claim over territory; it is a claim to the minds of the people who live in Taiwan. It is a claim by dictators that they own the rights to the individual lives of a peace-loving people. This claim is legally irresponsible and morally reprehensible.<br /><br />We do not have to pick a fight with China. But we can tell the truth and stand up for justice by recognizing what Taiwan is.<br /><br />Joseph McHugh is an entrepreneur and writer living near Boston. His novel, "July 5th" is now available at: Barnes and Noble.com as well as here: </span><a class="undefined" href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/joseph-m-mchugh?store=book" mce_real_href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/joseph-m-mchugh?store=book" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #009900;">Click here</span></span></a></span></div><br /><br /><span editor_id="mce_editor_0"><div class="article_body" editor_id="mce_editor_0"><br /><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.thesnowlion.com</span></a></div></span><div class="article_body" editor_id="mce_editor_0"></div><div class="article_body" editor_id="mce_editor_0"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span>&nbsp;</div><div class="article_body" editor_id="mce_editor_0"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span>&nbsp;</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-3912053853279100206?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-4602685297131523532011-11-17T01:36:00.000-05:002011-11-17T01:36:28.318-05:00<span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Article and photos by Howard G. Fass<br />November 16, 2011 </span><br /><br /><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--mV01cxrTpc/TsSqAEMnKVI/AAAAAAAAA7o/y6C6giEGm8o/s1600/IMGP0808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--mV01cxrTpc/TsSqAEMnKVI/AAAAAAAAA7o/y6C6giEGm8o/s400/IMGP0808.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">On November 12th we had our seventeenth continuous monthly vigil at Harvard Square in a row to help support the human rights, freedoms and democracy for Taiwan and its 23-million people who call this island nation their home. </span></span><br /><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />Taiwan is a vibrant island that has become a shining beacon of human rights and democracy for all of East Asia.<br /><br />Against a backdrop of seemingly insurmountable odds and struggle against decades of martial law and white terror, the native peoples of Taiwan managed to create a democracy that is the envy of much of the world. Unfortunately, this great accomplishment has come at a tremendous price in human lives and suffering over the many long decades of struggle.<br /><br />Today, this struggle continues still unfinished because most of the world still does not recognize the legitimate rights of the Taiwanese people to determine their own future in freedom and in peace which is their due under international law and the governing charters of the United Nations.<br /><br />So what's the big problem? <br /><br />Its their hostile giant neighbor across the Taiwan Straits, communist China. <br /><br />The CCP claims this island nation as its own imperial territory despite the wishes of the vast majority of the Taiwanese people to decide and determine their own future. China has consistently spared no effort and expense to stand in the way of the Taiwanese people to have normal diplomatic relations with other nations and has always threatened the people of Taiwan with massive military action if they ever decided to choose their own status as a sovereign nation-state.<br /><br />It must never be forgotten that communist China is a rigid authoritarian regime with the world's worst human rights record in the entire history of mankind with well over 80-million people killed since the advent of The Chinese Communist Party way back in the earlier part of the 20th century. From Falun Gong persecution to the destruction of Tibet and East Turkistan, to the ravages of the so called "cultural revolution" and the like, this regime has little to offer Taiwan if it ever had its way and took over the island. The Taiwanese people have fought too hard for too long to go back to the stone ages of political freedoms and liberty.<br /><br />We stand in solidarity with the 23-million people of Taiwan who stand for peace, justice and the rights for all peoples everywhere to real human rights and the right to self-determination free from threats and attacks by foreign countries. We will continue this peaceful vigil of ours until such a day that Taiwan and its people have the opportunity in true peace and freedom to determine their own future and the communist regime in China formally renounces both its imperial claims to the island of Taiwan along with its on-going threat of military invasion.<br /></span><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This vigil and the people who take part in it are not supported by any political party whatsoever. Rather it is a gathering of interested people who care about Taiwan and wish to stand up for basic human rights and values that apply to all human beings everywhere.<br /><br />We will continue our event on the second Saturday of every month. The next vigil will be<span editor_id="mce_editor_0"> December</span> 10th, from Noon to 2PM.<br /><br />Thank you,</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hk30u7zFjmo/TsSqR3-4KuI/AAAAAAAAA7w/yNaKWu7mnNk/s1600/IMGP0798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hk30u7zFjmo/TsSqR3-4KuI/AAAAAAAAA7w/yNaKWu7mnNk/s400/IMGP0798.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EinQZvro9ng/TsSqYlnPOxI/AAAAAAAAA74/zqNSaRf-Whs/s1600/IMGP0794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EinQZvro9ng/TsSqYlnPOxI/AAAAAAAAA74/zqNSaRf-Whs/s400/IMGP0794.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k7c07GfdDmI/TsSqfxpPX4I/AAAAAAAAA8A/7ITo-R2ywGk/s1600/IMGP0803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k7c07GfdDmI/TsSqfxpPX4I/AAAAAAAAA8A/7ITo-R2ywGk/s400/IMGP0803.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.thesnowlion.com</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="color: black;"></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-460268529713152353?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-58078332672925953602011-10-20T11:41:00.000-04:002011-10-20T11:41:56.005-04:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Article by Howard G. Fass, with photos collected from a variety of independent free sources from around the world.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">October 20, 2011</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OlZqPwzLPq4/TqA8qYyFtCI/AAAAAAAAA4w/IMzEQsfcuDs/s1600/A+Chinese+marriage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OlZqPwzLPq4/TqA8qYyFtCI/AAAAAAAAA4w/IMzEQsfcuDs/s400/A+Chinese+marriage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The idea of peace always has a calming effect and brings to mind the idea of an end to a needless war, an end to bloodshed and suffering. These ideas are all always good and who could ever have a problem with any of it? Well its just like reading the fine print to a contract or the ingredients on something you might just think about buying to eat or feed to your kids... Is it real? Are the ingredients good for you or are they dangerous fillers to cover up other additives, or are the ingredients actually down-right dangerous and toxic?</span><br />&nbsp; <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One thing is for sure, and that is that Ma's recent so-called "peace treaty" and equally recent back-peddling has much more within it and behind it than the fashionable and enticing baited lure of peace in our time...</span> <br />&nbsp; <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For one thing, it can be certain that the Chinese communist regime would never in its current form ever tolerate a true and meaningful peace treaty or anything close to this with Taiwan. Why? Because such a treaty would by definition result in the recognition of Taiwan as a separate and mutually exclusive political independent entity. If not so; then how could any legal treaty of any kind be drafted and signed? Additionally, for such a peace treaty to having meaning China would have to formally renounce its continual threat of military action and intimidation against the rights of the Taiwanese people themselves to determine their own future. There is no evidence in action or in word which would lead anyone with a brain to believe otherwise. So does this mean Mr. or President Ma does not have a brain when he thinks of having such a treaty with China?</span> <br />&nbsp; <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well actually he does have a brain and never under-estimate him, because his actions make a lot of sense within the future plan for Taiwan that he and his Chinese KMT party have in mind. The unfortunate part of these plans is that none of them have any room for the 23-million Taiwanese people's rights to the independent freedom and democracy they so richly deserve.</span> <br />&nbsp; <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So then how could such a treaty be created and signed one might think? I have been thinking about this and I believe that there is a chance (just my own theory here) that the proposed "peace treaty" would take place on a political party to party basis and be conducted and interpreted as an internal Chinese affair as the two equally Chinese political rivals would formerly call it a truce. This way there would be none of the uncomfortable issues of state-sovereignty and mutual exclusivity with regards to territory and nation. It would all be a Chinese political fence-mending event and the interests of the Taiwanese people would be forcibly taken-in for the ride, or rather thrown under the bus as it were. Its hard to imagine any other way such a treaty could be drafted given China's current behavior.</span> <br />&nbsp; <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Historically speaking the CCP seems to be rather fond of this style of window dressing for the hollow meaningless treaties they like to have with conquered peoples they take over. Just look at the Seventeen Point Treaty forced upon Tibet at gun-point which was never ratified by the Tibetan government in Lhasa but only by a petty provincial official in Kham who had been held captive by the Chinese for some time and (shall we say "politely") convinced to sign. The CCP likes treaties such as these because the Chinese have to give up nothing, yet get their way and more often than not fool the world into believing something "peaceful" and legal is being done. The Taiwanese need to pay very close attention to history and play it smart and be careful!</span> <br />&nbsp; <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just how the KMT party would hope to survive as a separate viable coherent political entity once it came to any treaty of sorts with their much more powerful and ruthless Chinese co-compatriots seems difficult to imagine. Historically the CCP has never tolerated much competition of any kind for long when it comes to control or power sharing. </span><br />&nbsp; <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Such a treaty, without any honest substance for the liberties and freedoms for Taiwan would leave the Taiwanese people politically in bondage and the old KMT down the road to extinction or ,worse yet, in a Chinese gulag potentially face to face with Taiwanese and Tibetans who would calmly say "we told you so"...</span> <br />&nbsp; <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just my little commentary to a most historical announcement from Mr. / President Ma at an especially historic time for the nation of Taiwan. I welcome any contributing constructive commentary and dialogue on this, even if you disagree. Thank you...</span> <br />&nbsp; <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Below are some images regarding human rights and freedom that should not be forgotten in any discussion regarding China, the CCP and the future of Taiwan. Sometimes pictures communicate better than words.</span> <br />&nbsp; <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The world must wake up to this brutal truth and act with true compassion and love by taking a stand, not just for Taiwanese, but for the Chinese and other peoples as well. After all we are all in it together on this small planet and it is up to us to make sure human rights and liberty are safe and secure for all peoples everywhere. </span><br />&nbsp; <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you.</span> <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span>&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eRtu5rUtzOs/TqA9LeKSJkI/AAAAAAAAA44/6ZTeVZ7w20w/s1600/I+surrender%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" rda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eRtu5rUtzOs/TqA9LeKSJkI/AAAAAAAAA44/6ZTeVZ7w20w/s400/I+surrender%2521.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I surrender!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span>&nbsp; <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span>&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xa3wid4woWs/TqA9dK9OhvI/AAAAAAAAA5A/Tz1b6FblS4o/s1600/Peace+inside+Taiwan+KMT+style.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" rda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xa3wid4woWs/TqA9dK9OhvI/AAAAAAAAA5A/Tz1b6FblS4o/s400/Peace+inside+Taiwan+KMT+style.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Peace and stability in Taiwan, CCP style</span> <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span>&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zjGjZmX1bJ0/TqA9rFmMiJI/AAAAAAAAA5I/sRfYLJgK_7o/s1600/Human+rights+in+China%252C+the+shame+of+the+world.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" rda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zjGjZmX1bJ0/TqA9rFmMiJI/AAAAAAAAA5I/sRfYLJgK_7o/s400/Human+rights+in+China%252C+the+shame+of+the+world.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Human rights for the Chinese people! Taiwan, don't think it can't happen to you!</span> <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-13vBNzs7lqE/TqA992xl2UI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/r9UaBN0kmwg/s1600/The+face+of+human+rights+in+China%252C+Taiwan+wake+up%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-13vBNzs7lqE/TqA992xl2UI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/r9UaBN0kmwg/s400/The+face+of+human+rights+in+China%252C+Taiwan+wake+up%2521.jpg" width="299" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A Falun Gong victim of the CCP, this is the true face of the rising China. Don't be fooled... Actions speak louder than words.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LS8bL_MzVbc/TqA-Xysh3NI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/1QvsSgM_mGA/s1600/Seventeen+Point+Agreement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" rda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LS8bL_MzVbc/TqA-Xysh3NI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/1QvsSgM_mGA/s400/Seventeen+Point+Agreement.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">China's horrendous Seventeen Point "peace agreement" with Tibet. We all know what happened after this...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-19c2yr2RuGk/TqA-qblSFoI/AAAAAAAAA5g/Z3H_F8OXu9U/s1600/Destruction+of+holy+religious+texts+by+the+communist+Chinese+in+Tibet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-19c2yr2RuGk/TqA-qblSFoI/AAAAAAAAA5g/Z3H_F8OXu9U/s400/Destruction+of+holy+religious+texts+by+the+communist+Chinese+in+Tibet.jpg" width="393" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The destruction of Tibet's rich culture and holy religious traditions by the CCP Chinese regime.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k2hgvbMiltQ/TqA--yNoSHI/AAAAAAAAA5o/-d1O1pkAHbw/s1600/Persecution+in+Tibet+under+the+CCP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" rda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k2hgvbMiltQ/TqA--yNoSHI/AAAAAAAAA5o/-d1O1pkAHbw/s400/Persecution+in+Tibet+under+the+CCP.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Persecution and fear in China's "new" Tibet</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FBpb-_G_S6M/TqA_Nn0j-FI/AAAAAAAAA5w/DsaB8WRafAw/s1600/Peaceful+protesters+shot+dead+by+the+Chinese+police+inside+Tibet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" rda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FBpb-_G_S6M/TqA_Nn0j-FI/AAAAAAAAA5w/DsaB8WRafAw/s400/Peaceful+protesters+shot+dead+by+the+Chinese+police+inside+Tibet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Peaceful protesters shot dead by the Chinese police inside Tibet</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1XBTLqdwHh0/TqA_q5QpNvI/AAAAAAAAA54/cu47rt-vizg/s1600/Chinese+police+breaking+a+Ughyur+man%2527s+hands+with+a+rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" rda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1XBTLqdwHh0/TqA_q5QpNvI/AAAAAAAAA54/cu47rt-vizg/s400/Chinese+police+breaking+a+Ughyur+man%2527s+hands+with+a+rock.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Recent photo of a Chinese police breaking a Uyghur man's hand with a rock; the CCP judiciary in action. Now this is freedom and justice you can count onTaiwan? NOT!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5KsT7vK2l7A/TqBAFgOPNBI/AAAAAAAAA6A/5QhzewRNPoE/s1600/True+peace%252C+compassion+and+freedom+for+living+beings+everywhere.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" rda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5KsT7vK2l7A/TqBAFgOPNBI/AAAAAAAAA6A/5QhzewRNPoE/s400/True+peace%252C+compassion+and+freedom+for+living+beings+everywhere.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">May all beings be liberated to happiness, freedom and compassion!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.thesnowlion.com</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>&nbsp;<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-5807833267292595360?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-58663364381383528032011-10-15T21:52:00.000-04:002011-10-15T21:52:36.722-04:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Photos and article by Howard G. Fass</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kslFfqvEp3o/Tpo3KoCNTRI/AAAAAAAAA4A/ZS2G30T0NBk/s1600/545_IMGP0601%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kslFfqvEp3o/Tpo3KoCNTRI/AAAAAAAAA4A/ZS2G30T0NBk/s400/545_IMGP0601%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On October 8th we had our sixteenth monthly vigil for Taiwan to advocate for human rights, peace and liberty for the 23-million Taiwanese people who live in Taiwan and call that island nation their home.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a wonderful turn-out of people and the weather could not have been better. We spoke with many people about the current sad international plight of Taiwan and just why it is so important to speak out for liberty in these days of growing international apathy and mega-corporate control. In the end, it is up to the peoples of the world to stay vigilant and awake and stand up for values that really matter.</span></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are all inter-connected in this world. If the Taiwanese are left to become absorbed against their will by hostile communist China, the rest of the world becomes adversely impacted as human rights and liberty will take yet another step lower. Our group here will continue with this vigil until China formally renounces any and all imperialist claims and threats against the free nation-state of Taiwan.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This vigil and the people who take part in it are not supported by any political party whatsoever. Rather it is a gathering of interested people who care about Taiwan and wish to stand up for basic human rights and values that apply to all human beings everywhere.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We will continue our event on the second Saturday of every month. The next vigil will be November 12th, from Noon to 2PM.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YOzLmtZuZlU/Tpo3pSWV1wI/AAAAAAAAA4I/ZazPP7rXWqo/s1600/545_IMGP0603%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YOzLmtZuZlU/Tpo3pSWV1wI/AAAAAAAAA4I/ZazPP7rXWqo/s400/545_IMGP0603%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SbNIAsvCoZc/Tpo3wqPIJeI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/brf7AN6prdA/s1600/545_IMGP0606%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" oda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SbNIAsvCoZc/Tpo3wqPIJeI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/brf7AN6prdA/s400/545_IMGP0606%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b3Mu6aQLbEc/Tpo37eIofwI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/imlkFw-R2YI/s1600/545_IMGP0600%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" oda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b3Mu6aQLbEc/Tpo37eIofwI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/imlkFw-R2YI/s400/545_IMGP0600%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-whz_PR1S24g/Tpo4EKUudEI/AAAAAAAAA4g/yakmELwJWM4/s1600/400_IMGP0605-2%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" oda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-whz_PR1S24g/Tpo4EKUudEI/AAAAAAAAA4g/yakmELwJWM4/s400/400_IMGP0605-2%255B1%255D.jpg" width="310" /></a><br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MMLhEelP4Uc/Tpo4NZs_NjI/AAAAAAAAA4o/tys2GLFQahM/s1600/400_IMGP0602-3%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MMLhEelP4Uc/Tpo4NZs_NjI/AAAAAAAAA4o/tys2GLFQahM/s400/400_IMGP0602-3%255B1%255D.jpg" width="288" /></a> <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br /><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.thesnowlion.com</span></a> <br />&nbsp;<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-5866336438138352803?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-33613992691030970132011-09-22T21:53:00.000-04:002011-09-22T21:53:14.386-04:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Photo and article by Howard G. Fass<br />September 22, 2011</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t0Ka3814hZY/Tnvl9rlwHNI/AAAAAAAAA38/ES-rAA5yfu8/s1600/Dr.+Tsai+Ing+Wen+at+Harvard+09152011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t0Ka3814hZY/Tnvl9rlwHNI/AAAAAAAAA38/ES-rAA5yfu8/s400/Dr.+Tsai+Ing+Wen+at+Harvard+09152011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Words can not convey just how impressed I was by Dr. Tsai Ing-Wen's speech at Harvard. I was there for the entire event and found both her party's program and diplomacy to be superb.<br /><br />Tsai Ing-Wen has without a doubt risen to the occasion in her nation's struggle for existence to become Taiwan's shining champion for peace and democracy in the wake of what seems to be an increasingly uncertain future. Rather than compromise on the fundamentals and sell out, she holds firm on principles while remaining practical and diplomatic under fire. I was particularly impressed by how Dr. Tsai Ing-Wen handled both herself and her answers when addressing questions posed to her by Harvard students from communist China and various KMT international supporters. <br /><br />She was eloquent and completely well-spoken and in my humble opinion not only won the day at Harvard but proved to anyone who would dare to listen that she represents the brave new voice and platform for the new free Taiwan and a shining example to the rest of Asia that democracy, freedom and peace can work so long as we do not give up on ourselves as human beings and on principles that have lasting value!<br /><br />Perhaps my greatest compliment to her and the DPP is that I wish we had some of this same vision and care for the American people here in the USA from one of our own political parties! <br /><br />Bravo Tsai Ing-Wen and all the best for a free Taiwan!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Click below to see video from the event:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><div class="building_block" id="pgbldblk11"><div class="blockbody" id="body_pgbldblk11"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" name=""><tbody><tr align="" valign=""><td align="" colspan="1" rowspan="1" valign="top" width="100%"><br /><a class="undefined" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPJ3M4StpYE&amp;feature=related" mce_real_href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPJ3M4StpYE&amp;feature=related" target="_blank"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="color: #009900; font-size: small;">SPEECH AT HARVARD</span></a><br /><a class="undefined" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHJYjDXhCzE" mce_real_href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHJYjDXhCzE" target="_blank"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="color: #009900; font-size: small;">PART ONE Q&amp;A</span></a><span style="color: #009900; font-size: small;"> <br /></span><a class="undefined" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXwDk2oI2AM" mce_real_href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXwDk2oI2AM" target="_blank"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: small;">PART TWO Q&amp;A</span></a><br /><a class="undefined" editor_id="mce_editor_0" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EPHFSw6YB0" mce_real_href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EPHFSw6YB0" target="_blank"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: small;">PART THREE Q&amp;A</span></a> <br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.thesnowlion.com</span></a></div><div class="blockbody">&nbsp;</div><div class="blockbody">&nbsp;</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-3361399269103097013?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-10368133175159112392011-09-22T11:07:00.000-04:002011-09-22T11:07:25.430-04:00<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Photos and story by Howard G. Fass<br />September 22, 2011</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uV5AFPl4p6Y/TntOId5aLgI/AAAAAAAAA3g/KWzFGJb4pLg/s1600/Tsai+Ing+Wen+Boston+09152011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="323" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uV5AFPl4p6Y/TntOId5aLgI/AAAAAAAAA3g/KWzFGJb4pLg/s400/Tsai+Ing+Wen+Boston+09152011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the morning of September 15th a group of Taiwan freedom and democracy supporters were there to greet Dr. Tsai Ing-Wen as she arrived at The Logan Airport in Boston.<br /><br />Dr. Tsai Ing-Wen is the DPP presidential candidate for the nation of Taiwan. This election will be held in January of 2012, in what is currently a very close presidential race. To learn more about her and the DPP; </span><a class="undefined" editor_id="mce_editor_0" href="http://dpptaiwan.blogspot.com/" mce_real_href="http://dpptaiwan.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #009900;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-size: small;">CLICK</span> <span style="font-size: small;">HERE</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She was to continue on this day to give a historic speech at Harvard University and later meet with people at The Harvard Faculty Club. <br /><br />This speech was to demonstrate her tremendous diplomatic, strategic and political skill to lead one of Asia's most vibrant democracies and America's fifth largest trading partner in the wake of a growing and potentially hostile communist China near-by. <br /><br />She solidly demonstrated that she and her party offers true peace and security for all stake-holders in The Taiwan Straits based on solid principles of responsible trade, human rights, democracy and international law.<br /><br /><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-size: medium;">VIDEO FROM LOGAN AIRPORT: </span></span><a class="undefined" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b21L48RGWR8&amp;feature=youtu.be" mce_real_href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b21L48RGWR8&amp;feature=youtu.be" target="_blank"><span style="color: #009900;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-size: medium;">CLICK HERE</span></span></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #009900;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />&nbsp;</span></span></div><span style="color: #009900;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tQQxfjNMKbY/TntOcLIkGXI/AAAAAAAAA3k/haGWEuitpo0/s1600/Tsai+Ing+Wen+Boston+2+09152011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tQQxfjNMKbY/TntOcLIkGXI/AAAAAAAAA3k/haGWEuitpo0/s400/Tsai+Ing+Wen+Boston+2+09152011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X5t-v7HL-IQ/TntOhFuEMxI/AAAAAAAAA3o/4qzbJE-LgYU/s1600/Tsai+Ing+Wen+Boston+3+09152011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X5t-v7HL-IQ/TntOhFuEMxI/AAAAAAAAA3o/4qzbJE-LgYU/s400/Tsai+Ing+Wen+Boston+3+09152011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EUSfQrCHczg/TntOm0G4kmI/AAAAAAAAA3s/7D3PsK0HNL8/s1600/Tsai+Ing+Wen+Boston+4+09152011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EUSfQrCHczg/TntOm0G4kmI/AAAAAAAAA3s/7D3PsK0HNL8/s400/Tsai+Ing+Wen+Boston+4+09152011.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hxH7OInK9Xk/TntOr3XSEhI/AAAAAAAAA3w/Tt5t09kxJNE/s1600/Tsai+Ing+Wen+Boston+5+09152011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hxH7OInK9Xk/TntOr3XSEhI/AAAAAAAAA3w/Tt5t09kxJNE/s400/Tsai+Ing+Wen+Boston+5+09152011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j60-qX92Td8/TntOwLUkujI/AAAAAAAAA30/dzEwF-uF38w/s1600/Tsai+Ing+Wen+Boston+6+09152011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j60-qX92Td8/TntOwLUkujI/AAAAAAAAA30/dzEwF-uF38w/s400/Tsai+Ing+Wen+Boston+6+09152011.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7TweZOFKiSo/TntO0uj-MPI/AAAAAAAAA34/gcV1Xv1BF-g/s1600/Tsai+Ing+Wen+Boston+7+09152011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7TweZOFKiSo/TntO0uj-MPI/AAAAAAAAA34/gcV1Xv1BF-g/s400/Tsai+Ing+Wen+Boston+7+09152011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.thesnowlion.com</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-1036813317515911239?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-64163555768821926682011-09-14T12:12:00.000-04:002011-09-14T12:12:51.684-04:00<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Article and photos by Howard G. Fass<br />September 14, 2011</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxv4vyX739c/TnDSJoKyh4I/AAAAAAAAA3Y/mnEmEaYsQvo/s1600/vigil+09-2011+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxv4vyX739c/TnDSJoKyh4I/AAAAAAAAA3Y/mnEmEaYsQvo/s400/vigil+09-2011+3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">This vigil was somewhat smaller in size because of all the good work that so many people have been doing in preparation for the visit of Dr. Tsai Ing-Wen to Boston to speak at Harvard. Its a busy time, but nevertheless, the vigil must go on. <br /><br />David and I were there at Harvard Square to speak out for Taiwan and share. We met with several people who took the time to speak with us. One Chinese gentleman associated with Harvard from Shanghai was particularly encouraging. In his words; "freedom and the rights of all peoples to have self-determination are a no-brainer". He was very supportive and also supported the same rights for those in Tibet, East Turkistan and Inner Mongolia.<br /><br />We will continue our mission here at Harvard Square rain or shine until Taiwan's precarious situation is fully resolved and China finally formally renounces the use of military aggression and oppression against the legal wishes of the Taiwanese people to be free, independent and live in a democratic society with a rule of law. <br /><br />It must be remembered that despite all the news reports of a so-called "rising China" by the monied media and big business corporate political-interests; this China is not free and represents the most inhumane and unfree society the world has ever known. Since the advent of the CCP regime, perhaps over 80-million people have perished as a result (most of these Chinese themselves). Chinese, Tibetan, Uyghur, Mongolian, Manchu and others have been the victims of crimes against humanity. How can we keep quiet and not speak up when Taiwanese could themselves be added to this list?<br /><br />Some say that there is growing peace and prosperity in the Taiwan Straits now; this is what the corporate media is attempting to sell, but on every meaningful point it is completely confounded by the truth. Think about it...<br /><br />1. The CCP has still not renounced the use of force to suppress Taiwan's internationally legal rights to independence if this is the will of the Taiwanese people.<br /><br />2. The CCP has still not relented in its efforts to internationally marginalize and isolate Taiwan; such as by joining the UN and The World Health Organization etc.<br /><br />3. The CCP has continued to add to its growing arsenal and military capacity to project death and destruction to the Taiwanese people by aerial bombing of civilian and military targets, missile launches, cyber attacks and military invasion with ground forces etc.<br /><br />...with "friends" and so-called "trading partners" as this, who needs enemies?!! <br /><br />This vigil and the people who take part in it are not supported by any political party whatsoever. Rather it is a gathering of interested people who care about Taiwan and wish to stand up for basic human rights and values that apply to all human beings everywhere.<br /><br />We will continue our event on the second Saturday of every month. The next vigil will be<span editor_id="mce_editor_0"> October</span> 8th, from Noon to 2PM.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kCyH-7LkqZU/TnDSWV5EUHI/AAAAAAAAA3c/ZBlC6ESJl8A/s1600/vigil+09-2011+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="395" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kCyH-7LkqZU/TnDSWV5EUHI/AAAAAAAAA3c/ZBlC6ESJl8A/s400/vigil+09-2011+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.thesnowlion.com</span></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-6416355576882192668?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-54924583186003958192011-09-14T12:10:00.000-04:002011-09-14T12:10:16.276-04:00<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Article by Caleb Li<br />Photo by Howard G. Fass<br />September 14, 2011</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XkS288TsYOg/TnDQ10R605I/AAAAAAAAA3U/nv4EfkzRfb0/s1600/caleb+li.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XkS288TsYOg/TnDQ10R605I/AAAAAAAAA3U/nv4EfkzRfb0/s400/caleb+li.jpg" width="346" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Oh well, I guess an introduction is inevitable. Especially for such a bold newcomer who went out of his mind one day and decided, shamelessly, to join these amazing writers of the Snow Lion Foundation. But the first thing you'll learn about me is how much I hate writing introductions. There's nothing much you need to know about me. Really. All you need to know is that I'm from Taiwan and I love Taiwan.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">Isn't that a good enough reason for me to be here... I mean, why should I even write... I could just lie in my bed and finish "Crime and Punishment" while listening to my favorite Hans Zimmer playlist on Youtube or go to the beach, enjoy the sun and my last few days of summer. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">I write because I love human rights as much as I love my mother. I write because I want to share this love with more people. I write because I want more people to realize how fortunate that they get to enjoy the right of being human while there are still so many people around the world who suffer being one.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">This is stupid. I remember how I used to always say that whenever people started talking about human rights, freedom… etc. I didn't care much about it; well actually, I didn't know anything. It is until I came to the U.S. And perhaps my life in the U.S really bored me. Especially when you live in the Yale community surrounded with bunch of…nerds; there's really nothing you could do except to THINK.<br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I recall once out of curiosity, I clicked on a Youtube video intriguingly titled "Real Chinese shame Warning Very Disturbing Video Animal Cruelty".&nbsp;I could not believe what I saw: a man striking several raccoons' head with a stick and banging their heads toward the ground. At first I thought it was just another very disturbing prank, hoping that someone jumps out the next second and laugh at how stupid I am. But what takes the place of this immature "pranker" shocks me even more. The man starts tearing a raccoon's skin. Alive. I couldn't finish the video. I sat there and stare into space, for quite a long time. The bloody image of the faceless raccoon and its horrifying moan just couldn't get out of my mind. It is a pain in the butt to bring back that image in my head. If at this point you are actually youtube-ing this video, I'd say you're sick. If you even finish the video, you should make an appointment with a psychiatrist, or I suppose you already have one.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span></div><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Though the image brought me the next several painful hours, it also brought me curiosity, wanting to know why the man does that, wanting to know why people would ever want to wear fur coats, wanting to know why China allows it. It got me into doing research about animal rights in China and linking one to the other, I started to think about human rights, something I used to call stupid but now know better.<br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;">In my following years in the U.S, I was fortunate to meet some very inspiring people who tell inspiring stories of how they have survived the Chinese government's immense cruelty. One of these people is a political prisoner I met during the Tibetan Lobby Day held in this March in Washington, DC. <br /><br />I remember very clearly how she said she was detained at the age of 13 and how she'd been tortured in a Chinese gulag for 23 years. "Thank God!" I thought. Thank God that I don't have to go through these terrible experiences myself to realize how great human rights really is, how freedom means so much. And I've become more grateful that I am still well-bodied to do something about it, to do something to fight for peace. After all, it was these people who fought for peace in the first place, for us, their children.<br /><br />Thank you</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/">www.thesnowlion.com</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-5492458318600395819?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-38091059140034971432011-09-14T12:04:00.001-04:002011-09-14T12:13:51.678-04:00<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Video and photo credits: The Taiwan Independent Media, Inc. <br />Venue: The American Enterprise Institute</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HVOk9zDYwWM/TnDQPvcZefI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/JgwzXGAWbVQ/s1600/545_IMG_4574_1_%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HVOk9zDYwWM/TnDQPvcZefI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/JgwzXGAWbVQ/s400/545_IMG_4574_1_%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.twimi.net/detail.php?mid=189">WATCH VIDEO / CLICK HERE</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.thesnowlion.com</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-3809105914003497143?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-66622081576347206062011-09-13T13:02:00.000-04:002011-09-13T13:02:57.297-04:00<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Article and photos by Howard G. Fass<br />September 05, 2011</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K-Trn7zyjc4/Tm-LsUtwCnI/AAAAAAAAA24/MqL_tpQ5fyo/s1600/YPG+DC+2011+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K-Trn7zyjc4/Tm-LsUtwCnI/AAAAAAAAA24/MqL_tpQ5fyo/s400/YPG+DC+2011+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">On August 29th FAPA YPG's (Young Professionals Group) went to Washington, DC to advocate for Taiwan to members of the United States Congress and Senate.<br /><br />2011 FAPA-YPG focus points discussed with Congress and Senate were: <br /><br />1. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><u>Uphold universal principles of self-determination</u><br />Taiwan today is a democracy. Any important issue, such as the future of Taiwan, should be determined by the people of Taiwan through a democratic mechanism, such as a referendum. US current policy is that any resolution of cross-Taiwan Strait relations must be (1) peaceful and (2) have the express consent of the people of Taiwan. Only the people of Taiwan have the right to determine Taiwan's future.<br /><br />2. <u>Safety and security</u><br /><br />China's over fourteen hundred missiles threaten Taiwan but also seriously damage stability in the region. These missiles hold the 23-million people of Taiwan at gunpoint and pose a psychological terror. The Cuban missile crisis in the 1960's held the American people hostage for 13-days. Yet, every day the people of Taiwan live under constant Chinese military threat. The 1979 Taiwan Relations Act commits the US to Taiwan's security. We support the sale of advanced weapons and advocate the need for the highest level of military exchange between Taiwan and the US.<br /><br />3. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><u>World Health Organization membership &amp; United Nations membership</u><br />Health should not be used as a political weapon. Taiwan's diplomatic isolation due to constant Chinese pressure has prevented Taiwan from receiving any direct assistance from the WHO during the height of SARS and bird flu outbreaks in Taiwan. A secret MOU signed by China and the WHO in 2005 limits Taiwan's participation in the WHO; if at all. US current policy in supporting Taiwan's "meaningful" participation is rendered meaningless because of this memorandum. Since 1997, both Houses passed legislation supporting Taiwan's membership.<br /><br />4. US-Taiwan Free and Fair Trade Agreement<br /><br />Taiwan is the United State's 8th largest trading partner and the 5th largest destination for US agricultural products. US-Taiwan trade totals $60-billion annually. The International Trade Commission concluded that an FTA with Taiwan eliminating tariffs and non-tariff barriers on US trade with Taiwan could increase US exports and yield benefits to service exports. Additionally, such a trade agreement would help to counterbalance the current ECFA in-place under the KMT government in Taipei which dangerously over-relies on unpredictable and hostile China.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3_7g3rkCTtY/Tm-L_z59FvI/AAAAAAAAA28/vst99_l4w0M/s1600/YPG+DC+2011+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3_7g3rkCTtY/Tm-L_z59FvI/AAAAAAAAA28/vst99_l4w0M/s400/YPG+DC+2011+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OmHwX9fuS_0/Tm-MIB-8qOI/AAAAAAAAA3A/aE9-Z_VQTzk/s1600/YPG+DC+2011+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OmHwX9fuS_0/Tm-MIB-8qOI/AAAAAAAAA3A/aE9-Z_VQTzk/s400/YPG+DC+2011+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wT7XM0JuKak/Tm-MP4DdI4I/AAAAAAAAA3E/0MX7H0zOe_Q/s1600/YPG+DC+2011+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wT7XM0JuKak/Tm-MP4DdI4I/AAAAAAAAA3E/0MX7H0zOe_Q/s400/YPG+DC+2011+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7_z0eiivl04/Tm-MUpJV7iI/AAAAAAAAA3I/KBEe3Uzudq8/s1600/YPG+DC+2011+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7_z0eiivl04/Tm-MUpJV7iI/AAAAAAAAA3I/KBEe3Uzudq8/s400/YPG+DC+2011+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With Senator Scott Brown's Office</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ajl-9PdKy5A/Tm-Mg3TY_YI/AAAAAAAAA3M/yfNi3Q_mg_c/s1600/YPG+DC+2011+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ajl-9PdKy5A/Tm-Mg3TY_YI/AAAAAAAAA3M/yfNi3Q_mg_c/s400/YPG+DC+2011+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With Congressman John Tierney's Office</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.thesnowlion.com</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-6662208157634720606?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-42839985186830420872011-08-18T10:47:00.000-04:002011-08-18T10:47:44.654-04:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Announcement brief by Howard G. Fass<br />August 18, 2011</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5o06HbYNdLo/Tk0lgjqMeFI/AAAAAAAAA20/wUHAlS4euoA/s1600/f0b3d71165%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5o06HbYNdLo/Tk0lgjqMeFI/AAAAAAAAA20/wUHAlS4euoA/s400/f0b3d71165%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">This just in from The New England Friends of Tsai Ing-Wen...</span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0066ff; font-size: medium;">Face to Face with Dr. Tsai Ing-Wen in Boston</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /><u>TIME</u>: <br /><br />Thursday, September 15th, From 4PM to 9PM<br /><br /><u>LOCATION</u>:<br /><br />Harvard Yenching Auditorium<br />2 Divinty Avenue<br />Cambridge, Massachusetts<br /><br /><u>MORE INFO</u>:<br /><br />"Taiwan: Policy challenges, choices and leadership in the next decade"<br /><br />Dinner / Reception (location to be determined): 7:30PM - 9PM<br /><br />Thank you and please help support this emerging new leader for Taiwan's freedom, dignity and human rights!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.thesnowlion.com</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-4283998518683042087?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-3145367435614248092011-08-15T09:19:00.000-04:002011-08-15T09:19:48.841-04:00<br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Special coverage by Ian McShay<br />Photo credit: Tibetan community in Europe<br />August 14, 2011</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CpEZxAtSabE/TkkbwX1VWDI/AAAAAAAAA2w/HJtC-bEVJHg/s1600/His+Holiness+in+Europe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CpEZxAtSabE/TkkbwX1VWDI/AAAAAAAAA2w/HJtC-bEVJHg/s400/His+Holiness+in+Europe.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana;">We live in an age when real compassion is so hard to find, so hard to protect once we have it, and so easy to slip from our grasp. Even the slightest of circumstances can stimulate anger and greed. Great beings like Buddha Shakyamuni and Padmasambhava warned about the future when polluted ways of living and being would dominate most of the world such as today. We have corporations who could not care less about the well being of the buyers. Food is often secretly poisoned with chemicals that only cause addictive habits, weight gain, imbalances in brain patterns, and so on, all for the sake of profit and corporate benefits, with not a shred of compassion for the consumers. Kindness and humility are looked at as weaknesses, ego and pride are praised as strengths, and money and status are cherished most.</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0"></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: white;">People even look down on giving change to the homeless as a threat to their community out of fear that more homeless will come. I even witnessed in San Francisco a very thin woman literally crying out for help on the street for something to eat in the middle of a large crowd of people with nice suits and suitcases. Everyone just walked by her and barely turned their heads. This is just in our daily life. There’s no need to mention the atrocities happening across the globe in places like Tibet, the Middle-East, Africa, and many others. In our world today, greed and anger are our best friends, while compassion and genuine happiness have become strangers to us.</span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">These are just some of the many obvious reasons why great beings like His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama are so desperately needed. His arrival in Washington DC was a sigh of relief for my agitated mind. To have the fortune just to be in the same room as someone so saturated with qualities that express true happiness is incredible. It was also very relieving to see so many thousands of people gathered in one place for such an incredible cause. Just think, in the capital of one of the world’s most powerful countries, many thousands of people, along with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and other great beings, gathered for an 11 day event supporting causes for world peace. The blessing that His Holiness has imprinted in the nation’s capital such as the Kalachakra Initiation will remain for a very long time and continue to benefit beings in the future. I am so grateful for the help of all those who helped me to attend this event. </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">July 6^th 2011 was the opening day and also His Holiness’s birthday. His Holiness taught shortly following prayers, and as a big surprise to me, Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson and Martin Luther King III showed up and gave very touching speeches. Arun Gandhi talked about the importance for not only non-violence, but also the importance of ridding oneself of “passive violence”, which is the underlying cause of violence within one’s mind such as hatred, greed, discrimination, lack of compassion, and so forth.</span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="color: white;">His Holiness soon followed this talk with His own request for His birthday gift, for all of the audience and the world listening in on the event to take a pledge. The pledge His Holiness wanted everyone to take as a gift to Him was from there on to avoid as much as possible all forms of harm to others, both directly and indirectly, and for everyone to take a pledge to help others as much as possible in whatever way we can. </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">For the next 2 days there were morning prayers but no teachings, so it was optional for the public to attend, and a good brief time for rest for those jet-lagging. It was a very convenient location. Just across the street was a big Tibetan flee market. Also nearby were restaurants, shops, metro-lines, and as someone living in California originally from the East Coast, Dunkin Donuts!! This experience is something I won’t ever forget. Seeing Dharma practitioners from the East Coast, West Coast, South Shore, North Shore, and many different countries was so amazing. </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">July 9^th 2011 was the first day of His Holiness’s teachings. He gave a morning talk for world peace on the west lawn of the U.S. Capital, which I missed, but then started the beginning of His official teachings for the event at 1pm. His Holiness gave teachings from “The 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva” by Gyalse Thogme Zangpo, and His main focus throughout the teachings was on altruistic motivation and understanding reality and the way things exist. His Holiness also focused on the importance of harmony between the different religions of the world. He would draw similarities between Buddhism and Judeo-Christian religions that believe in a Creator. One thing He said that was very interesting was that the belief in a Creator for religions that accept that view and the Buddhist concept of interdependence, that everything relies on causes and conditions to come into existence, both share a similar positive aspect—that both are means for cutting down self-cherishing and arrogance. The belief in a Creator for some acts as a way for lessening self-cherishing through the idea of a being far greater than oneself. The understanding of interdependence lessens one’s self-cherishing and arrogance by remembering that everything one is and has depends on other factors and other people. So both views are a good method for developing humility. This is what His Holiness wanted all to remember; to respect the different views of the world.</span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">Along with the main teachings from His Holiness for this event also, as another surprise for me, were evening talks with some of the great scholars of Buddhism of today such as Alexander Berzin, Robert Thurman, Geshe Thupten Jinpa, Jhado Rinpoche, Her Eminence Jestun Khandro Rinpoche, along with others. These talks were so helpful for developing more understanding for this event in addition to the main teachings given and for developing a broader understanding of Buddhism in general. They were a nice treat because those extra evening teachings by themselves would be teachings that I would go to see anyways. So to have those while we were there were so nice. It would be like going to see a movie in the theaters while on your way out newly released movies on DVD are being handed out. I have been a follower specifically of Robert Thurman, so to see him teach and to get the chance to ask him a question was so amazing. I never expected to meet these great people, and to have the fortune to do so was life changing.</span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">In addition to the evening talks, the Kalachakra for world peace had the honor, as another big surprise, to host His Holiness the XVII Karmapa along with His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche, who was tortured in Chinese imprisonment for many years and whose new documentary was released in theaters, and also His Eminence Palden Gyatso, a Buddhist monk born in 1933 who was also imprisoned by the Chinese for 33 years and brutally tortured. Also, there was the honor of having the Venerable Ani Choying Drolma, the famous nun from Nepal with an astonishing singing voice used for charity and concerts. I cannot express enough on how incredibly blessed we all were to have such amazing Lamas, monks, nuns, teachers, scholars, and practitioners from all over in one single area. I truly feel that the people of Washington DC, and hopefully our government, have been so very blessed along with the ground on which our nation’s capital stands. His Holiness and so many others have left a remarkable imprint on our nation’s capital that will remain there always.</span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="color: white;">July 10^th and the 11^th His Holiness gave continued teachings on the 37 Practices and also on “Kamalashila’s Stages of Meditation” in which His main focus was on developing the mind through meditation on calm abiding and special insight. He showed us some breathing techniques to focus the mind without distraction and taught extensively on the nature of reality. It is too detailed to go into here, but I will briefly share some of what His Holiness wanted everyone to keep in mind. He taught about the interdependence of all things, in that everything we experience and all things in the universe rely on other causes and conditions to come about and to produce their functions.</span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="color: white;">Without a seed and the contributing factors of water, fertile soil, sunlight, etc, a tree will not grow. Likewise, our own experiences of happiness, suffering, and everything in between, will not be experienced, or even exist, without their own causes and conditions supporting them. The causes for happiness are positive states of mind such as loving-kindness and compassion, and positive actions such as giving, practicing patience towards those who give harm, and helping others in whatever way one can. The causes for suffering are harmful emotions such as anger, greed, attachment, self-cherishing and so forth, along with harmful actions such as killing, stealing, cheating others, and whatever is harmful to others directly or indirectly. These are the reasons why His Holiness wanted all of those attending to take a pledge to avoid harm to others and to benefit them as much as we can. He specifically taught this so we can have the causes for happiness and to avoid experiencing suffering. Actually, His Holiness has often said that when we become angry, we are the ones who receive the most harm, even more than those whom we become angry towards. So, if we want to avoid suffering we have to avoid its causes, which is why His Holiness taught so extensively on cause and effect and interdependence. </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">He also advised us to regard the belief in independent existence, the view that things are NOT affected by and reliant on causes and conditions, as one of our worst enemies. It is due to this belief that causes one to disregard cause and effect, leading one to engage in harmful actions without any thought of consequence. If one forgets cause and effect, one may also forget that harmful actions will cause suffering, so one is indirectly harming oneself. This is why His Holiness ensured us to regard that belief which is the opposite of the view of causality as our worst enemy. He also stressed to think differently in relation to our so called “enemies”. He urged us that from now on, we must refrain from regarding anyone outside of ourselves as our enemy. He has clearly explained that the real enemy is destructive emotion and ignorance. He said: “From now on you must no longer think that “my enemy is something outside of me.’” I don’t remember the exact quote word by word, but it is something very close to that. These key principles are what He wanted everyone to keep in mind most. He even joked and said that the reason why He gave the Kalachakra Initiation was because He wanted people to come to his teachings instead, and so announcing an initiation will gather lots of people!! Then He laughed!!!</span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">The teachings can be listened to online if you search videos for "Kalachakra 2011 teachings", so that would be better to do as they are too detailed to describe here. </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">Overall, as wonderful and life-changing as this event was, not everything was completely perfect. I do have to mention a few things that occurred to keep this honest. I was not so pleased about the security. Bags were not being scanned or checked thoroughly enough. When going through security, the bags were only lightly glanced into rather than checked thoroughly for anything that can be concealed. People could have easily snuck anything into this event due to the lack of carefulness. Also, texts and necessary things such as substances for the empowerment were lacking. Sometimes, there were not enough texts to read from, and some of the blessed objects which were necessary to receive were also run out of at one point. I feel that the Verizon center could have done a little better job at organizing. It would have also been helpful if the necessary items needed for this were ordered per seat so as to ensure that everyone attending would have what they need to be able to participate. One more thing important to mention was how people were treated from the Verizon center’s staff. I had a "Media" pass that grants general access in the stadium. “General” meaning I have the freedom to walk around in the common areas without any trouble so as to be able to write an article on the event. But, those with media passes were sent all the way up to the 6^th floor, making it almost impossible to be able to write about the event due to being too far away to see or hear what is going on. Fox news and the "important" reporters had close seats. </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">There was no equality among the media. Fortunately, I had my own tickets on me in case of trouble with the passes, which I had no trouble with until the last day there. I used the media passes for a few days with no trouble of general access. They, for some reason, did not send me up to the 6^th floor like they had planned. But, on the last day, the only day I did not bring my tickets, but only the pass, happened to be the only day they tried sending me to the 6^th floor. So I was late for the event as it was, and in addition I had to go all the way back to my hotel to get my tickets and missed about 2 hours of the empowerment for that day. I was there for everything else though, so I have no regrets. People were also stampeding to receive the objects required that were given out after the day’s empowerment. So, it seemed surprising that people would act this way during an event for world peace. It was strange to see people rushing after these things instead of sharing. It’s very minor though, and in general everyone was gathered with such an altruistic motive. Overall, this was an amazing event, which truly brought change to so many lives.&nbsp;</span><span><span style="color: white;"> </span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">I truly rejoice in all of those who attended the Kalachakra for World Peace, and to have had the opportunity to participate in such an altruistic cause. The most important part of this event was not what happened within those 11 days, but what His Holiness wants for everyone to bring with them for the rest of their lives. His Holiness said during the teachings that the 11 days were only the beginning. The real practice and the real blessing is what He requested of us to bring with us for the rest of our lives. The pledge to take the teachings to heart and truly develop the attitude of wanting to help others as much as possible was the real initiation. To genuinely devote to an attitude of loving-kindness and compassion, and to genuinely understand the reality of interdependence, cause and effect and so forth, is what His Holiness wants most from everyone. That is the real blessing, and the real beginning to what is meant by the Kalachakra for World Peace.<span>&nbsp;</span> </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">My words may seem beautiful and they may sound like their coming from a genuine practitioner, but coming from me, they are just empty words. I have in no way any of the qualities that His Holiness taught about and requested of everyone to develop. In some way, that makes me a hypocrite. But, I am trying though, and even that I lack sometimes. </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;">I hope I can someday in this life come to embody what His Holiness requested us to practice. But until then, for the time being, I hope that this brief discussion on the Kalachakra for World Peace may bring some inspiration and light to those interested in that 11 day event and in practicing some of the principles that His Holiness wished for us all to adopt. I truly thank my teachers and His Holiness for any benefits I have received from the Dharma.</span></span></span></span></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.thesnowlion.com</span></a><br /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-314536743561424809?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-596383234135318042011-08-14T23:33:00.000-04:002011-08-14T23:33:02.736-04:00<br /><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana;">Article and photos by Chia Chun Chung<br />August 13, 2011</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Qwebz502UA/TkiSUCMY8PI/AAAAAAAAA2o/CKM08FMAcmM/s1600/P1020818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Qwebz502UA/TkiSUCMY8PI/AAAAAAAAA2o/CKM08FMAcmM/s400/P1020818.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On August 13, we had our 14th monthly outreach at Harvard Square.<br /><br />I was alone for a good part of the scheduled two hours. Standing there with the signs by myself in the middle of that busy intersection perhaps heightened the messages on the signs in a way. One man came over and said, "I got the bookmark from you guys before, it is extremely informative" as he passed by. <span></span>He then turned around and told me that he really appreciated that information. This was one of the few times that we have received feedback from people who have met us in our previous sessions. Small moments like this confirm again that the actions we take, no matter how small, have effects. I was lucky to have one act long ago circled back to reach me this way.<br /><br />A group of Taiwanese students came by and asked me what I'm doing. One reporter from Taiwan stopped by and asked about this effort and we chatted for a while. He was pleasantly surprised to find that there is a group in the U.S. that voluntarily work on Taiwan?s behalf like this. <span></span>Then one man stopped by to tell us that he thinks Taipei 101 is the most beautify skyscraper in the world.<span> </span>That brought smiles to both of our faces, and for a brief moment, I had to hold back the tears that seemed to have come from nowhere. <br /><br />Our fellow friends came and joined me. They were busy organizing events for Taiwan, and had to arrive late. I marveled at their energy and strength.<span> </span>At the end of the day, what brings scattered individuals together and drives them to give their time and resources year after year for decades?<span> </span>It is the love for Taiwan, and the hope that democracy that many before us have fought so far for will continue to live on for years to come.<span> </span>Will you join us in our cause?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This vigil and the people who took part in it are not supported by any political party, green or blue. Rather it is a gathering of interested people who care about Taiwan and wish to stand up for basic human rights and values that apply to all human beings everywhere.<br /><br />We will continue our event on the second Saturday of every month. The next vigil will be<span editor_id="mce_editor_0"> September</span> 10th, from Noon to 2PM.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j4maB6F7x2U/TkiSkyCziWI/AAAAAAAAA2s/jHgEDn0aiKo/s1600/P1020819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j4maB6F7x2U/TkiSkyCziWI/AAAAAAAAA2s/jHgEDn0aiKo/s400/P1020819.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.thesnowlion.com</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-59638323413531804?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-46877643877605160912011-08-05T12:19:00.000-04:002011-08-05T12:19:03.856-04:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Article by Namzey Tenzin, Photo from Phayul<br />August 04, 2011</span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dYdZR_WDJMw/TjwXMYjgboI/AAAAAAAAA2k/nqR9nvfbcck/s1600/lthang.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dYdZR_WDJMw/TjwXMYjgboI/AAAAAAAAA2k/nqR9nvfbcck/s400/lthang.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: Phayul</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span editor_id="mce_editor_0"><span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0"><span><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;">Recently, I saw an article on Phayul about a religious function that was held in Eastern Tibet. When reading the article, I was duly impressed by the actions taken inside the country. Tibetans who are not allowed to even speak of their righteous leader in their own homeland had defiantly put up a life-sized poster of the Dalai Lama on a throne. They defied the Chinese government’s laws without fear and they fully showed their deep devotion towards a poster of His Holiness. <br /><br />People who came to the gathering were strongly encouraged to speak only Tibetan and wear only Tibetan clothing so that the event would be found more special. The Lithang people who organized the occasion even told the local Chinese police that if they wanted to come into the gathering, they must wear Tibetan attire as well. For the next ten days, people did not hesitate to attend this ceremonial event and Tibetans from all four sects and the Bon religion came together and celebrated the occasion and sought the Dalai Lama's blessings from the poster. The atmosphere seemed to be full of joy and excitement as people gave their entire focus on the gathering. Such was the true devotion and loyalty shown by our fellow Tibetans inside our homeland towards the Dalai Lama.<br /></span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span><span><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;">Now if we compare this to the Kalachakra event held in the capitol of America, they both differ on different scales. The Kalachakra lasted twelve days and was hosted by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in front of thousands of people, both Tibetans and non-Tibetans alike. <br /><br />Although majority of the audience gave their upmost attention to the Dalai lama’s teachings, there were also many people who had the opposite expression. According to the organizers, the Kalachakra event was broadcasted live to at least fifty other countries, and yet the audience was not maintaining the same sort of enthusiasm. People, especially Tibetans, did not make a great impression for the cameras if they had been caught dozing off in their seats. There were also many people-young and old-getting distracted by their phones: playing games, texting a friend, or checking their Facebook. There were many people who came to the event very late, but it was hard to differentiate who were late because of the number of people getting up from their seats and going in and out of the auditorium. It's a hassle for the people they have to go by through the narrow space between someone's legs and the next row. <br /><br />Unfortunately these people were all Tibetans. People who sat in their seats almost all throughout the event were non Tibetan. And even in the row behind me was a Chinese family of five people, and all of them sat in silence and did not move from their seats. There was, however, an impressive sight outside the auditorium.<br /></span></span><span><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;">In the blistering heat where the weather reached in the hundreds, almost all of the Tibetan women and girls were seen strutting the streets in their Tibetan dresses proudly; however, there weren’t many men wearing their traditional clothes. With a dress that reaches down to your ankles and a long sleeved silk shirt underneath, the Tibetan dress isn’t the ideal clothing for women to wear on a hot summer day. Yet the women still wore them to display their honor for other people to see. <br /><br />For an occasion that is held in the capitol city of America, we should have taken the chance to make a bolder statement of who we are. As much as a suit is a proper attire for a special event, traditional clothing deserves to be worn on a holy and rare Tibetan event such as the Kalachakra. It's also beneficial for younger people to see the importance of their own culture, especially in a free country. In Tibet, people are risking their lives to bring a photo of the Dalai Lama, and here in America the only thing holding Tibetans back from wearing their clothes is the weather.</span></span><span style="color: white;"><span><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span> </span></span></span><span><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;">Living in America, it's easy for the younger generations to get a mixed experience of culture. So it's important for these children to clearly identify Tibetan culture apart from American. Growing up from an early age, children should get experience from parents of their true background. When they get older, they shouldn't find their own language or dressing strange, they should be proud to show them off and show the world, such as the Lithang people had done. In a country where people can get carried away by the oddities and fascinations of a different culture, it can be hard to maintain a lifestyle of straight forward identity of culture. If one person starts to make a difference, everyone else will follow. And soon enough, every corner of the world will be able to see our uniqueness and pride.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br /><span editor_id="mce_editor_0"><span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0"><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana;"><span><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/">www.thesnowlion.com</a></span></span></span></span></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-4687764387760516091?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-49642433471929157772011-08-05T12:13:00.001-04:002011-08-05T12:14:39.356-04:00<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Article and photo by Chia Chun Chung<br />July, 2011</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6VttK3B6Vs8/TjwWXJeDiDI/AAAAAAAAA2g/mx0NCLQt4co/s1600/278914_702742067155_5402638_35728914_3444764_o%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6VttK3B6Vs8/TjwWXJeDiDI/AAAAAAAAA2g/mx0NCLQt4co/s400/278914_702742067155_5402638_35728914_3444764_o%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;; font-size: 12pt;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="color: white;">The second public event for Su Beng in Boston, organized by the local FAPA-YPG, took place on Sunday, July 17 at Harvard University. The gathering was attended by students, young professionals, and local members of the community, making it truly a cross-generational meeting of the minds.<br /><br />Su Beng spoke about how his experiences in Japan and China shaped his own identity and prompted him to embark on the long, and sometimes lonely, fight for Taiwan's independence. As one attendee later put it, ironically, “Su Beng found Taiwan in China.” Su Beng shared his interpretation of Taiwanese Nationalism: Taiwan and its citizens have evolved together through history, and developed their own culture along with collective economic and political interests. He has written about and frequently discussed this concept for decades. Su Beng believes that this self-awareness, understanding and acceptance of Taiwanese Nationalism will lead to Taiwan’s independence, given that Taiwanese people unite and stand firm to safeguard Taiwan’s interests. <br /><br />During the Q&amp;A sessions, several interesting questions prompted equally dynamic answers from Su Beng. When asked what he would say to President Ma, a former student at Harvard many years ago, Su Beng responded, “Ma should really explain his relationship with China.” Su Beng, 92, called Ma’s recent self-declaration on facebook, “I am a descendant of the Yellow Emperor in blood and I identify with Taiwan in terms of my identity. I fight for Taiwan and I am Taiwanese,” totally archaic, and said that the concept of lineage only befits a feudal system and is of no relevance in multicultural modern Taiwan.<br /><br />Su Beng’s staunch belief in Marxism prompted a lively exchange. One attendee questioned how Su Beng could continue to call himself a Marxist after witnessing the brutal acts by the Chinese Communist Party firsthand. Another in the audience asked Su Beng whether he wants to see Taiwan eventually become a Marxist society. Before the questions could get completely translated for Su Beng, others in the audience jumped in with their thoughts. The discussion was cut short and resumed after the event and through dinner. In the end, those involved all agreed that the differences in opinion arose mainly from different interpretations of “Su Beng’s Marxism.” It seemed that Su Beng holds the theoretical view of Marxism very close to his heart, but at the same time he disapproves of the dictatorships that have historically grown out of Marxist beliefs. <br /><br />Although I did not partake in this particular discussion, just sitting next to Su Beng at the time gave me much to think about. He sat, calm and composed, took everything in, and then insisted on clarifying his take on Marxism in his own deliberate, logical, matter-of-fact way. I watched and wondered how many times had he faced similar questions and even sharper criticism on his ideology before. It is almost certain that the “Marxist” label would not go far in winning friends in today’s world, let alone in Taiwan a few decades ago. Su Beng, however, held firmly to his convictions through the years and never gave them up. In his frail, slouching figure, I saw a quiet resolve that must also have been the driving force behind his decades of tireless toiling to free Taiwan from what he calls “a colonial regime.” Perhaps that inner strength is best embodied at the end of his speech, when he proclaimed, with full passion and confidence, that “Taiwan WILL BE INDEPENDENT!”</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/">www.thesnowlion.com</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-4964243347192915777?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-663452238186625042011-07-23T16:43:00.000-04:002011-07-23T16:43:41.162-04:00<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Article brief by Howard G. Fass<br />July 23, 2011</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0L6Mal_OGUI/TisxzHuqVTI/AAAAAAAAA2c/jXpE1MpVarg/s1600/9april20091_12%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0L6Mal_OGUI/TisxzHuqVTI/AAAAAAAAA2c/jXpE1MpVarg/s400/9april20091_12%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tibetan religious freedom once again faces the brutal steel boot of Chinese communist oppression in full force. This is communist China's true face; actions speak louder than propaganda and blood-money...<br /><br />This time, however, thanks to the Internet and technology some news and images are leaking out and the CCP regime is no longer able to perpetrate all its crimes against humanity in total secrecy. <br /><br />The world is now watching and is slowly starting to wake up. Tibet will be free and the Chinese people themselves will one day wake up and demand change from the cruel totalitarian CCP regime that lords over them!<br /></span><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The situation at this influential monastery has deteriorated since the March 16th death of a monk called Phuntsog, who committed suicide by setting himself on fire on the third anniversary of the 2008 anti-government unrest in the area.<br /></span><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This act, sparked several protests and peaceful demonstrations by Tibetans calling for basic human rights, liberty and religious freedom. <br /><br />The Chinese occupational security forces have since March, 2011 descended upon the Tibetans with beatings, imprisonment, murder and torture. <br /><br />Since the Chinese illegal invasion of Tibet in the 1950's well over 1.2 million Tibetans have been murdered. Tibetan women have been forcible sterilized. 6,000-plus monasteries have been destroyed and Tibetan culture and religion nearly completely destroyed in its own homeland. There is no freedom today in Tibet and it has been turned into prison ruled and colonized by Chinese.<br /><br />Where is the outrage and when will the world stand up?</span></span></div><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0066ff;">"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds."<br />Albert Einstein</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />Thanks for reading...</span></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><a class="undefined" href="http://www.voanews.com/tibetan-english/news/New-Video-from-Ngaba-120355694.html" mce_real_href="http://www.voanews.com/tibetan-english/news/New-Video-from-Ngaba-120355694.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cc00;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-size: medium;">TO SEE VIDEO EVIDENCE, CLICK HERE</span></span></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">This video is a link from The Tibetan Service at Voice of America. Thank you VOA for the truly incredible work you all do to keep Tibetan's inside Tibet aware and awake. Communist China does not control the truth and Tibet will be free!!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.thesnowlion.com</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-66345223818662504?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-30969592248797057182011-07-19T13:46:00.002-04:002011-07-19T19:22:22.227-04:00<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Article and photo by Howard G. Fass<br />July 19, 2011</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mB5xh1a7xSY/TiXCdq9tr_I/AAAAAAAAA2Y/951WmWRj7Do/s1600/Su+Beng.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mB5xh1a7xSY/TiXCdq9tr_I/AAAAAAAAA2Y/951WmWRj7Do/s400/Su+Beng.jpg" width="295" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last weekend Su Beng visited the Boston area and spent time with various Boston area Taiwanese groups and individuals. <br /><br />In particular, he spent time discussing Taiwan's need for national identity, Taiwan's history, politics and his own life's experiences. It was a rare opportunity to listen to a man who was an actual living piece of history and had jumped right into the thick of things on his own and got involved. Rather then just being a talker, he was and is a doer as well. This 92-year old Taiwanese revolutionary has lived quite the romantic and fascinating life full of intrigue, conflict and vibrancy... much like Taiwan itself in many ways. <br /><br />At one point he was a communist spy working for the CCP in China against the Japanese (as he felt then that Japan was trying to conquer all of Asia), later he saw the horrors of the CCP first-hand and quickly left China to return back to Taiwan, at another point he plotted to actually assassinate Chiang Kai-Shek because of all the horrors the KMT was visiting upon the Taiwanese people in their homeland. Later he fled to Japan and only returned back to Taiwan in the 1990's. <br /><br />Listening to him speak was an emotional roller-coaster ride for me personally full of conflict as he is still a committed Marxist in his ideology. I did rather sharply try to challenge him on this ideology and its long sad history. Slowly, however, I came to discover that beyond the simple label "Marxist" he is quite the humanitarian and a staunch defender of human rights and liberty. To Su Beng's good credit he believes that the grave mistakes of Stalin, Lenin, Mao, Pol Pot and others do not necessarily diminish the original good ideals that Marx had to offer. <br /><br />How can all this possibly fit? I'm not certain, but maybe one explanation works like this: Perhaps back when he was younger he fell in love with the unobtainable utopian text book ideals of Marxism and this beautiful dream for him left its mark on his heart and somehow motivated and activated him to seek to do good in the face of oppression. His was a time of extreme violence in a world inflamed by war and oppression by foreign domination in Taiwan so real, that violence and murder were constant daily events. In this context, it is possible that it may be very challenging for us today to look back and understand exactly with proper clarity... <br /><br />Kennedy once said: "If you make peaceful change impossible, you make violent revolution inevitable." <br /><br />Whether one agrees or not with everything Su Beng says or did in his long colorful life; one thing is crystal clear and that is his consistent strong love for a free and independent Taiwan. For him, and on this point I heartily agree, Taiwanese can have no peace and freedom so long as they are ruled by anyone else. Maybe in this murky world, such as it is, this is a pretty good starting point and maybe the most important one after all so long as it is done with a good heart and compassion. The differences and fine points, maybe just that... <br /><br />In closing it was an amazing time spent with an old guard of Taiwan's resistance to domination and foreign control. He is an amazingly honest, direct individual who will challenge you and often say what you may not like to hear, but in the end you never doubt that he is real, sincere and full of compassion for the building of the Nation of Taiwan. This quality alone is truly stellar and is much needed in a Taiwan that may feel more apathetic and fail to see the dangers that are poised to destroy them once again from the likes of a new KMT and CCP banded together to deny Taiwanese their rights to freedom, liberty and the independent nation-state they so richly deserve.<br /><br />Thanks for reading and get to learn more about this interesting Taiwanese historical figure and judge for yourself. He is a published author of a mammoth book which details Taiwan's last 400-years of history. He is a character unlike any other I have ever met; part revolutionary, part dreamer, part romantic idealist but all 100% heart and soul for Taiwan.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">----</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Disclaimer: My purpose for writing this piece here about Su Beng is to support Taiwan's right for full and complete nationhood and independence. While I admire and like many aspects of Su Beng and respect him, I do not support Marxism.</span></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/">www.thesnowlion.com</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-3096959224879705718?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-51252396910633937802011-07-19T10:12:00.000-04:002011-07-19T10:12:50.293-04:00<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Photos and brief writings by Howard G. Fass<br />July, 2011</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o2ymDxFcras/TiWPq02fSeI/AAAAAAAAA10/hRRLoH26LZo/s1600/hgf008a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o2ymDxFcras/TiWPq02fSeI/AAAAAAAAA10/hRRLoH26LZo/s400/hgf008a.jpg" width="395" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I had the tremendous good fortune to be able to attend the Kalachakra event in Washington, DC hosted by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.<br /><br />While there is much that could written about the details and religious significance of just what the Kalachakra is, rather than go into all of that and risk making a mistake, I can simply say that this Kalachakra event was a clarion call for peace and harmony for all beings in a very troubled world.<br /><br />The timing could not have been more poignant as all over the news and media the world-over, we seemed to be constantly assaulted by tragedy, suffering and misery. Everywhere one looks there are the tell-tale signs of moral decay and environmental degradation. The Kalachakra in its essence tells us that we are all inter-connected throughout the vast expanses and cycles of the universe. <br /><br />What we do and think matters on very practical levels and changes and impacts ourselves and those around us. If we pollute the rivers, we poison ourselves and harm every living thing in the water. If we harbor and persist with negative destructive mental states within, we damage our bodies and cause our spirits to suffer and maybe even die. <br /><br />No one and nothing exists in isolation and cannot be found to not be either composed of many different parts and/or be connected-dependent in some way or the other to something else. The analysis is in how things exist in reality and the fundamental world-view that naturally evolves from this point. <br /><br />For the Kalachakra, its a call for peace, balance and mindfulness. These are all ideals human beings have been struggling with since the very beginnings. But now, as humans have advanced with science, technology and population, our abilities to be either destructive or benevolent have been greatly increased and magnified to tremendous capabilities. Are we up to the task? Have our hearts and minds also advanced to match our species new found power and brawn?<br /><br />For me, at the most simple level, this is what the Kalachakra is all about; a message of peace because we impact eachother. I welcome any comments here if I have somehow made any mistakes or errors here with my simple understanding of Kalachakra. <br /><br />Thanks,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-COEkXO1NYJI/TiWP-TCpnJI/AAAAAAAAA14/QlD7geXS2SE/s1600/hgf001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-COEkXO1NYJI/TiWP-TCpnJI/AAAAAAAAA14/QlD7geXS2SE/s400/hgf001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vm7P27kk8bo/TiWQEeEphtI/AAAAAAAAA18/35qyVyUHZc0/s1600/hgf002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vm7P27kk8bo/TiWQEeEphtI/AAAAAAAAA18/35qyVyUHZc0/s400/hgf002.jpg" width="236" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nw1LKZOkO_8/TiWQLZIGaiI/AAAAAAAAA2A/KbKnvLwftfY/s1600/hgf00333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nw1LKZOkO_8/TiWQLZIGaiI/AAAAAAAAA2A/KbKnvLwftfY/s400/hgf00333.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kD5I9eDckFg/TiWQS_NnmaI/AAAAAAAAA2E/s9wtAScrUrU/s1600/hgf004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kD5I9eDckFg/TiWQS_NnmaI/AAAAAAAAA2E/s9wtAScrUrU/s400/hgf004.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6qjZObqn-IA/TiWQZkgMEII/AAAAAAAAA2I/Unji_sNG-1U/s1600/hgf005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6qjZObqn-IA/TiWQZkgMEII/AAAAAAAAA2I/Unji_sNG-1U/s400/hgf005.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QuAIutwt2YU/TiWQgihOWWI/AAAAAAAAA2M/WJ-8Hbbco-E/s1600/hgf006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QuAIutwt2YU/TiWQgihOWWI/AAAAAAAAA2M/WJ-8Hbbco-E/s400/hgf006.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IlsAkFoFzJQ/TiWQmZ0B53I/AAAAAAAAA2Q/OdtdRm4ppGM/s1600/hgf007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IlsAkFoFzJQ/TiWQmZ0B53I/AAAAAAAAA2Q/OdtdRm4ppGM/s400/hgf007.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rUza7hoGtsA/TiWQrsqx_MI/AAAAAAAAA2U/H-Yvwux_peo/s1600/hgf009a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rUza7hoGtsA/TiWQrsqx_MI/AAAAAAAAA2U/H-Yvwux_peo/s400/hgf009a.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.thesnowlion.com</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-5125239691063393780?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-74900623075592427582011-07-18T17:48:00.002-04:002011-07-18T17:55:27.527-04:00<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Photo and article by Howard G. Fass<br />July 18, 2011</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ll8UYyL2ySA/TiSpopAUBjI/AAAAAAAAA1w/sgzF1JfApuY/s1600/DSC_0228b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ll8UYyL2ySA/TiSpopAUBjI/AAAAAAAAA1w/sgzF1JfApuY/s400/DSC_0228b.jpg" width="282" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Every once in a while you meet an individual that changes your life. <br /><br />Its funny how such apparently "chance" (karmic) meetings happen in the first place and how these come to have such impact in one's life. Often the impact far outpaces the length of time the individual is even known or recognized, it just happens and all the questions seem to be answered in one moment before they are ever asked. <br /><br />There is a seemingly unseen, yet palpably powerful, presence to the meeting and the outside world around you seems to just stop and fade away against the importance that presents itself when meeting those with whom you discover there is a special quality and/or connection. I am not here to say that I in particular have any special qualities or connections from my own side whatsoever, but I will say that when I first met Garchen Rinpoche, I was deeply affected in a way I still very much feel to today.<br /><br />I recently met this great man on the West Lawn at the US Capitol during His Holiness the Dalai Lama's public talk during the 2011 Kalachakra event in DC. I vaguely remembered this lama's face from some documentary movie I had seen and knew that he had been held in a political prison by the communist Chinese for something like twenty years. I had forgotten his name, but had somehow managed to remember the face. <br /><br />What moved me in particular was this humble monk's absolute presence and compassion as these qualities just seemed to radiate from him in brilliance and light. Rarely had I ever experienced this before and felt that I would share this here on this site for others to read. <br /><br />My point in sharing this story is not to so much talk about my own experience per se, but rather to share about Garchen Rinpoche and show an example, in this ever declining world, that there are examples of high quality compassionate people full of love and grace and joy out there. As hard as it might be to believe in this cynical world of ours, there are special people who seem to break all the conventional understandings and completely rise above the suffering and torture to live a life of compassion, joy and love. They are indeed, super rare, but when you meet one (a true Bodhisattva), you never forget it and simply try to humbly learn and grow from the experience as best as one can.<br /><br />The take-away message I guess, is that it is possible to not compromise and "sell-out" and keep your internal integrity. The power and the message here is that against all the horror, destruction and crimes visited upon them by the Chinese communists; some Tibetans not only managed to just escape the horror visited upon them, but rather managed to seemingly soar high above the clouds with a spirit truly unbroken and ultimately free. This is difficult enough for us to do at a lousy job let alone living through deliberate genocide... simply amazing!<br /><br />Garchen Rinpoche is one of those individuals who soars. The Chinese may have held him prisoner in a gulag for 20-years, but rather than break him and or destroy Tibet and the Dharma,&nbsp;they only made all of these far stronger, and purer in a world that desperately needs</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">answers and road-maps along life's treacherous journey as we ever inch forward towards an increasingly uncertain future. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This was just one small iconic image from meeting this great man and&nbsp;one image of many from Kalachakra 2011 in Washington, DC.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0">May we all come to aspire to have more compassion, joy and love in our own lives and ultimately be free from everything that holds us back from our true potential...<br /><br />people like Garchen Rinpoche show us we can do it if we truly try.</span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/">www.thesnowlion.com</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-7490062307559242758?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-83052679913422591792011-07-15T15:38:00.000-04:002011-07-15T15:38:28.837-04:00<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Article by Howard G. Fass, photo by Chia Chun Chang<br />July 09, 2011</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ru87guMucMQ/TiCWpv4LPMI/AAAAAAAAA1s/ZYTu2IQejAQ/s1600/Harvard+Square.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ru87guMucMQ/TiCWpv4LPMI/AAAAAAAAA1s/ZYTu2IQejAQ/s400/Harvard+Square.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">On July 9th we held our 13th monthly vigil for Taiwan at Harvard Square.</span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Poised outside of Harvard University and amidst the hustle and movement of Cambridge in Boston, we consistently take a stand for Taiwan and this great nation's right to exist according to the wishes of the 23-million Taiwanese. <br /><br />The right to freedom, security and self-determination are basic human rights all protected under the guidelines enshrined within the United Nations. <br /><br />We stand together with this vigil in peace and compassion for the 23-million Taiwanese who have no voice in the international community. We call upon the world to not forget these people and to allow them the freedom, dignity and liberty they so richly deserve. <br /><br />The future of Taiwan belongs to the people of Taiwan and not to communist China. One China. One Taiwan. Peace and freedom for all! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This vigil and the people who took part in it are not supported by any political party, green or blue. Rather it is a gathering of interested people who care about Taiwan and wish to stand up for basic human rights and values that apply to all human beings everywhere.<br /><br />We will continue our event on the second Saturday of every month. The next vigil will be<span editor_id="mce_editor_0"> August</span> 13th, from Noon to 2PM.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0"> </span></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0"><br /></span>Come join us!!</span></div><br /><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.thesnowlion.com</span></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-8305267991342259179?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-13064196988915696512011-07-15T15:14:00.001-04:002011-07-15T15:47:15.633-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d9G7AJqQR9c/TiCRJxJwtPI/AAAAAAAAA1o/nHTtFKlRQBQ/s1600/Mt.+Washington.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d9G7AJqQR9c/TiCRJxJwtPI/AAAAAAAAA1o/nHTtFKlRQBQ/s400/Mt.+Washington.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">This is the summit photo from our second annual Freedom Climb!<br /><br /><span style="color: #990000;">SAVE TAIWAN, FREE TIBET</span><br /><br />All peoples deserve the right of self-determination, human rights, liberty and religious-cultural freedoms. These freedoms never come when one is a slave or colony to a hostile foreign invading power. Tibetans know this all too well and are constantly working for this truth with skillful compassion and action. <br /><br />Taiwanese are slowly starting to awaken; the KMT Chinese Nationalists invaded Taiwan and brutally crushed the Taiwanese people back in the 1940's, make no mistake about this. <br /><br />The KMT and the CCP do not represent true Taiwanese interests simply because they can't, they are not Taiwanese. Only Taiwanese have the legal and moral right and authority to determine their own future and destiny... anything less is at worst slavery and at best colonization. <br /><br />Think about it, make the connections and take a stand when you vote in Taiwan in 2012. It may very well be Taiwan's last chance...<br /><br />Thank you,<br /><br />The Snow Lion Foundation</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/">www.thesnowlion.com</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-1306419698891569651?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-44526971816077685822011-07-15T14:45:00.000-04:002011-07-15T14:45:57.641-04:00<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Article and photos by Howard G. Fass<br /><br />July 06, 2011</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A3HuPbW5-mE/TiCJon9_nqI/AAAAAAAAA1A/wihj59ZB8iQ/s1600/hgf011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A3HuPbW5-mE/TiCJon9_nqI/AAAAAAAAA1A/wihj59ZB8iQ/s400/hgf011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Verdana;">On July 6th at Harvard Square in Cambridge Tibetans and Tibet supporters gathered together to honor His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama's 76th birthday.<br /><br />The gathering was very well attended. There was touching poetry, speeches, prayers and even a yak dance. Particularly touching was singing by the very youngest generation of Tibetan children and prayers by senior Tibetans who made the dangerous crossing against incredible odds over the wintery peaks of the Himalayan mountains to escape with their lives from the torture and destruction of the communist Chinese invaders. <br /><br />Despite the sadness and sorrow for all the lives lost and destruction that has occurred in Tibet, this gathering was very much one of hope and joy. It was a celebration of His Holiness and everything he stands for in the world. Perhaps in the world today there is no other religious / political leader that carries the same unstained moral authority as does the Dalai Lama. His is a unique message of compassion, truth and ultimate understanding.<br /><br />In the world's current degenerate age where values, livelihoods and environment continue to decline, its good to know that we are not alone and that there are high positive beings and examples of character and compassion to lead us. <br /><br />We humbly thank you, Your Holiness for all your hard work, teachings and compassion you have been putting out into the world for all sentient beings, not just Tibetans.<br /><br />Happy Birthday!<br /><br />Perhaps the Chinese communists intended to originally destroy you and Tibet's unique culture. In this regard, they have completely failed and you have won as Tibetan Dharma and understandings have now spread around the world and is able to impact many millions of lives far beyond the Land of Snows where it all began!!</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jilb0LI3vUE/TiCJ1pyv1NI/AAAAAAAAA1E/poiyXJyv1e4/s1600/hgf008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jilb0LI3vUE/TiCJ1pyv1NI/AAAAAAAAA1E/poiyXJyv1e4/s400/hgf008.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mmfp-0a8Qe4/TiCJ-BQgxcI/AAAAAAAAA1I/Lfltg_W05YA/s1600/hgf009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mmfp-0a8Qe4/TiCJ-BQgxcI/AAAAAAAAA1I/Lfltg_W05YA/s400/hgf009.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WRDgy8Z8kFQ/TiCKSxrQmKI/AAAAAAAAA1U/6GJH-Edgfn0/s1600/hgf013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WRDgy8Z8kFQ/TiCKSxrQmKI/AAAAAAAAA1U/6GJH-Edgfn0/s400/hgf013.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LFSIwMHaCPs/TiCKY5JWr9I/AAAAAAAAA1Y/QzewnKYBBfY/s1600/hgf014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LFSIwMHaCPs/TiCKY5JWr9I/AAAAAAAAA1Y/QzewnKYBBfY/s400/hgf014.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rYk6Qk-vgY8/TiCKeau5VcI/AAAAAAAAA1c/DQjNywlmqj8/s1600/hgf015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rYk6Qk-vgY8/TiCKeau5VcI/AAAAAAAAA1c/DQjNywlmqj8/s400/hgf015.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vFJhutkR8vM/TiCKkjU49BI/AAAAAAAAA1g/CzXetopLOSc/s1600/hgf016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vFJhutkR8vM/TiCKkjU49BI/AAAAAAAAA1g/CzXetopLOSc/s400/hgf016.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A4UTbEPPtkQ/TiCKqnRk-BI/AAAAAAAAA1k/FMs4p6Sj5QA/s1600/hgf017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A4UTbEPPtkQ/TiCKqnRk-BI/AAAAAAAAA1k/FMs4p6Sj5QA/s400/hgf017.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.thesnowlion.com</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-4452697181607768582?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-49447142860768258892011-07-03T00:45:00.002-04:002011-07-03T15:06:24.666-04:00<span style="font-family: Verdana;">June 25 - 26, 2011<br />Brief article by Howard G. Fass, Photos collected from amongst the group of climbers</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pH-3oocUURI/Tg_x9JIJPWI/AAAAAAAAA0U/JOA5GAaJGcg/s1600/261700_730666860601_1000526_36970343_5425993_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pH-3oocUURI/Tg_x9JIJPWI/AAAAAAAAA0U/JOA5GAaJGcg/s400/261700_730666860601_1000526_36970343_5425993_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Verdana;">On June 25th thru 26th, 2011 our intrepid group held the second annual Freedom Climb for Taiwan and Tibet by climbing the summit of Mount Washington in New Hampshire. This mountain is the highest mountain in the North-East of the United States, and as such represents a symbol for the resolve of these two peoples to not be silenced in the face of oppression and domination by foreign Chinese control.<br /><br />While China and the KMT exiled government (occupying Taiwan) continue to oppress Tibet and Taiwan the flags and spirits of these two great independent nations flew with dignity and total freedom in the clear alpine air atop the summit with our group. We received many "hi-fives" and support from other hikers atop the summit and felt that in some small way we were contributing positive energy towards real change that will someday create tangible results in these two struggling lands for final lasting justice and peace.<br /><br />China and the KMT do not control the truth. Both have much blood on their hands and sooner or later the people will wake up and demand positive change. This is inevitable, its just a question of time. Change is coming and Taiwan and Tibet will be free...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">We thank everyone who supported us on our journey here and look forward to doing this climb again next year or celebrating final victory in Taipei and Lhasa.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DnjFBjO-N5E/Tg_yOnyUF-I/AAAAAAAAA0Y/igfoorxQ_10/s1600/263426_730666765791_1000526_36970332_29839_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DnjFBjO-N5E/Tg_yOnyUF-I/AAAAAAAAA0Y/igfoorxQ_10/s400/263426_730666765791_1000526_36970332_29839_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wILwNbUUEVo/Tg_yVXU6IlI/AAAAAAAAA0c/Ay-4SJC9YtM/s1600/261764_730667085151_1000526_36970372_2086334_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wILwNbUUEVo/Tg_yVXU6IlI/AAAAAAAAA0c/Ay-4SJC9YtM/s400/261764_730667085151_1000526_36970372_2086334_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h26TgP1gfRg/Tg_ycg5N20I/AAAAAAAAA0g/VmgZaT-aE-w/s1600/265148_730667025271_1000526_36970364_8305243_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h26TgP1gfRg/Tg_ycg5N20I/AAAAAAAAA0g/VmgZaT-aE-w/s400/265148_730667025271_1000526_36970364_8305243_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2DMK4HLC7Oo/Tg_yjkkSfXI/AAAAAAAAA0k/Mvpec2EmOQ8/s1600/268591_730667095131_1000526_36970373_1074204_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2DMK4HLC7Oo/Tg_yjkkSfXI/AAAAAAAAA0k/Mvpec2EmOQ8/s400/268591_730667095131_1000526_36970373_1074204_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ko4cizFQd_s/Tg_yqmgX5dI/AAAAAAAAA0o/UfovgjXozYI/s1600/271160_730666910501_1000526_36970349_7913154_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ko4cizFQd_s/Tg_yqmgX5dI/AAAAAAAAA0o/UfovgjXozYI/s400/271160_730666910501_1000526_36970349_7913154_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K36JzAy4Idc/Tg_y1PSQE1I/AAAAAAAAA0s/iwtZnwTp98w/s1600/P1020376%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K36JzAy4Idc/Tg_y1PSQE1I/AAAAAAAAA0s/iwtZnwTp98w/s400/P1020376%255B1%255D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kCRen9Igp-4/Tg_y8LB-EkI/AAAAAAAAA0w/n3XwlBLt7Ig/s1600/P1020380%255B2%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kCRen9Igp-4/Tg_y8LB-EkI/AAAAAAAAA0w/n3XwlBLt7Ig/s400/P1020380%255B2%255D.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AWwl9oOBOag/Tg_zHnfkVHI/AAAAAAAAA00/HjBuYPbZ2ZQ/s1600/269839_730667010301_1000526_36970363_7570515_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AWwl9oOBOag/Tg_zHnfkVHI/AAAAAAAAA00/HjBuYPbZ2ZQ/s400/269839_730667010301_1000526_36970363_7570515_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M4aChNAJEus/ThC23-fn9ZI/AAAAAAAAA08/WRtbk4eWkGQ/s1600/The_Aerial_Photograph_of_Yushan_by_Min_Ming_Chen_0%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M4aChNAJEus/ThC23-fn9ZI/AAAAAAAAA08/WRtbk4eWkGQ/s400/The_Aerial_Photograph_of_Yushan_by_Min_Ming_Chen_0%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yu Shan in Taiwan</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hmwLa24k8U8/Tg_zOgWKvFI/AAAAAAAAA04/6BYXSJxjapg/s1600/imagesCASP6Y7C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hmwLa24k8U8/Tg_zOgWKvFI/AAAAAAAAA04/6BYXSJxjapg/s400/imagesCASP6Y7C.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Kailash in Tibet<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Mount Kailash and Yu Shan, holy mountains in Tibet and Taiwan. <br /><br />Perhaps when freedom finally reigns in both Taiwan and Tibet, we may in that future time journey here to a newly free independent Tibet and Taiwan and&nbsp;celebrate compassion's final victory over oppression and pay proper homage to the Tibetan and Taiwanese martyrs and victims who contributed so much and suffered on the long hard decades-road to liberty and independence for Tibet and Taiwan.... Lest we forget...</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">We are one human family, we are inter-connected and share the same destiny together on this small blue planet in the universe; if one is oppressed and enslaved we all diminish.<br /><br />Thank you,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/">www.thesnowlion.com</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-4944714286076825889?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-57628414187244513892011-06-13T23:55:00.001-04:002011-06-14T12:38:51.228-04:00<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ObMvbq6g4XI/TfbakSdknGI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/-u28gcVHKOg/s1600/520_DSC_0044%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ObMvbq6g4XI/TfbakSdknGI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/-u28gcVHKOg/s400/520_DSC_0044%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Summit photo from last year's climb</em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Join us to show your support for Tibet and Taiwan and meet new friends in our hike to the summit of Mt. Washington. <br /><br />Start Time: Saturday, June 25, 2010 at 1:00pm<br /><br />End Time: Sunday, June 26, 2010 at 9pm <br /><br /><u>Location</u>: Mt Washington, New Hampshire <br /><br /><u>Tentative schedule</u>: </span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><u>Saturday / June 25th</u> <br />1. 1pm Meet and depart from Danvers, MA <br />2. 5pm Arrive at North Conway, NH<br />3. Stay overnight at the North Conway Grand Hotel <br /><br /><u>Sunday / June 26th</u> <br /><br />1. 7am Breakfast <br />2. Drive to Pinkham Notch, start hike 1pm Reach summit<br />3. Break, and start return trip down and/or drive to Pinkham Notch<br />4. Return back to MA. <br /><br /><u>Estimated Costs</u>: <br /><br />Participants will be responsible for their own meals and lodging. Stay in the hotel is approximately $40 per person in a room of 4. <br /><br /><u>Planned trail route</u>: <br /><br />Take the Direttsima Trail and Glen Boulder Trail to the summit. Alternate trail route: (based on the desires and hiking abilities of the attendees) Wildcat Ridge Trail. <br /><br />Please be sure to bring good quality hiking boots and proper gear (non-cotton clothing-warm and water resistant), gortex (similar) wind jacket, wool socks etc.. We want everyone to be SAFE and have a good time while supporting Tibet and Taiwan. <br /><br /><span style="color: #0066ff;">Proper gear and safety are your responsibility during this event! In case of inclement weather in the area, we will cancel/modify the schedule to ensure safety.</span> </span></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dFJZVGROU1FSS0hqWlV2NFE2QzJ1YkE6MQ"><span style="color: lime;">SIGN UP HERE</span></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />Questions: please email </div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a class="undefined" href="mailto:contact@thesnowlion.com" mce_real_href="mailto:contact@thesnowlion.com" target="null"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="color: lime; font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">contact@thesnowlion.com</span></a> </div><br /><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.thesnowlion.com</span></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-5762841418724451389?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-959227579575592552011-06-13T22:55:00.000-04:002011-06-13T22:55:40.962-04:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Article by Howard G. Fass</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Photos by Chia Chun Chung</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">June 11, 2011</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7C5TmapRZLU/TfbM3FVbqxI/AAAAAAAAA0E/66Hu3J2hXeo/s1600/P1020356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7C5TmapRZLU/TfbM3FVbqxI/AAAAAAAAA0E/66Hu3J2hXeo/s400/P1020356.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Despite the wind and rain, our small group continued on with our efforts to speak up for Taiwan in the heart of Boston. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Although there were a few sly smirks from a few passing Chinese tourists, most people were very supportive of our cause and some even mentioned "freedom for Tibet" as well. One Taiwanese lady was especially grateful for our efforts here and signed a petition requesting the US government to uphold its agreements with Taiwan regarding the island nation's defense. <br /><br />We will continue with this peaceful vigil for the freedom, liberty and human rights for the 23-million Taiwanese people who call the island of Formosa their home until there is true meaningful peace in the Taiwan Straits and communist China finally renounces its illegal militant claims to the independent nation of Taiwan despite the wishes of the overwhelming majority of the Taiwanese people.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The future of Taiwan belongs to the people of Taiwan and not to communist China. One China. One Taiwan. Peace and freedom for all!</span> <br /><br /><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">This vigil and the people who took part in it are not supported by any political party, green or blue. Rather it is a gathering of interested people who care about Taiwan and wish to stand up for basic human rights and values that apply to all human beings everywhere.<br /><br />We will continue our event on the second Saturday of every month. The next vigil will be<span editor_id="mce_editor_0"> July</span> 9th, from Noon to 2PM.</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;">Come join us!!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j4MCsgXeCY0/TfbNHOaopkI/AAAAAAAAA0I/EBhDnsGCptM/s1600/P1020358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j4MCsgXeCY0/TfbNHOaopkI/AAAAAAAAA0I/EBhDnsGCptM/s400/P1020358.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HArea7EYK8k/TfbNNF42dUI/AAAAAAAAA0M/dumTg8ceUfg/s1600/P1020357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HArea7EYK8k/TfbNNF42dUI/AAAAAAAAA0M/dumTg8ceUfg/s400/P1020357.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.thesnowlion.com</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-95922757957559255?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-85372025210329021212011-06-07T13:50:00.001-04:002011-06-07T13:56:12.518-04:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Photos by: Chia Chun Chung and Howard G. Fass<br />Story by: Howard G. Fass<br /><br />June 04, 2011</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yh7z7LTCeDI/Te5f0VJ2IUI/AAAAAAAAAys/fBSGBO5NkEE/s1600/DSC_0177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yh7z7LTCeDI/Te5f0VJ2IUI/AAAAAAAAAys/fBSGBO5NkEE/s400/DSC_0177.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">On Saturday, June 4th, 2011, TAA Boston, NATWA Boston and FAPA Massachusetts all came together to host two booths at The Cambridge River Festival.<br /><br />While the basic liberties and human rights for the 23-million Taiwanese people continue to deteriorate amidst the constant international oppression of hostile China; at least in Boston the hope and celebration for a free Taiwan could shine strong in peace and joy.<br /><br />There was a solid showing and interest in the Taiwan booths at this event. We had dancing, games and traditional Taiwanese puppet-show theater. Unlike, at the Olympic Games and the International World Games, the flag of the free Nation of Taiwan was able to participate in dignity at the opening parade for this event. Also there were two traditional Grand Prince puppets from Taiwan which were a huge hit with the crowds.<br /><br />In addition to all the fun activities, we informed everyone who came by about the true history about Taiwan and asked people to do what they could to become more aware and help out if they could. We were able to get 50 people to participate and sign a petition for HCR39 which supports Taiwan's ability to defend itself with US aide against and ever more and more belligerent China that consistently demands that Taiwan become a part of communist China irregardless of what the Taiwanese people themselves desire! <br /><br />We believe China's imperialist demands are illegal and that the constant threat of Chinese military egression against the peaceful Nation of Taiwan constitutes a grave threat to regional peace and global stability.<br /><br />It must never be forgotten that the current communist regime in power in China is directly responsible for the worst genocide in human history amounting to well over 80-million people, most of which were Chinese themselves. Tibet, East Turkistan and Inner Mongolia were all destroyed by hostile Chinese conquest and colonization and now Taiwan appears to be the next victim on the list unless change happens quickly.<br /><br />The future of Taiwan should be determined by the Taiwanese people themselves, free from any hostility and threat by any other country in keeping with UN Charter 1.2.<br /><br />This is the true prerequisite for meaningful peace and security in the Taiwan Straits, not the cheap one-sided sell out of the nation that seems to be occurring by the current Ma-lead KMT government now in power in Taipei. We say, let the Taiwanese decide!<br /><br />One Taiwan, One China, peace and freedom forever for all!<br /><br />Thank you...<br /><br /></span><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">SEE SOME VIDEO HERE: </span><a class="undefined" editor_id="mce_editor_0" href="http://taigiol.fhl.net/vcd/rotaiugbk.php?user=taigi&amp;bid=1&amp;proc=read&amp;msgno=212" mce_real_href="http://taigiol.fhl.net/vcd/rotaiugbk.php?user=taigi&amp;bid=1&amp;proc=read&amp;msgno=212" target="_blank"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #339900;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-size: small;">CLICK</span> <span style="font-size: small;">HERE</span></span></span></span></a></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X0br01Uu7hQ/Te5gcHAtZUI/AAAAAAAAAyw/2wFNzFS7k4o/s1600/P1020318%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X0br01Uu7hQ/Te5gcHAtZUI/AAAAAAAAAyw/2wFNzFS7k4o/s1600/P1020318%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X0br01Uu7hQ/Te5gcHAtZUI/AAAAAAAAAyw/2wFNzFS7k4o/s400/P1020318%255B1%255D.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Freedom and liberty for the Nation of Taiwan on parade at the Cambridge Riverfest!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-44bXU3qnb_w/Te5hBhi80qI/AAAAAAAAAy0/_S9HW8fWOmg/s1600/P1020319%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-44bXU3qnb_w/Te5hBhi80qI/AAAAAAAAAy0/_S9HW8fWOmg/s400/P1020319%255B1%255D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HRG4O4R5T7Y/Te5hLSZuGEI/AAAAAAAAAy4/2v3JQeNi9s8/s1600/P1020312%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HRG4O4R5T7Y/Te5hLSZuGEI/AAAAAAAAAy4/2v3JQeNi9s8/s1600/P1020312%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HRG4O4R5T7Y/Te5hLSZuGEI/AAAAAAAAAy4/2v3JQeNi9s8/s400/P1020312%255B1%255D.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Boston FAPA booth at the festival.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ExTi__Gs0mA/Te5hUhk9b-I/AAAAAAAAAy8/AStmaYfYDjU/s1600/DSC_0136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ExTi__Gs0mA/Te5hUhk9b-I/AAAAAAAAAy8/AStmaYfYDjU/s400/DSC_0136.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s5EpOX2tWzE/Te5hbu84TcI/AAAAAAAAAzA/l4jD1fn23Xk/s1600/DSC_0138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s5EpOX2tWzE/Te5hbu84TcI/AAAAAAAAAzA/l4jD1fn23Xk/s400/DSC_0138.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yAm72qiBGBo/Te5hkJcRhdI/AAAAAAAAAzE/dxLBQ7NHvso/s1600/P1020314%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yAm72qiBGBo/Te5hkJcRhdI/AAAAAAAAAzE/dxLBQ7NHvso/s400/P1020314%255B1%255D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TBvDe8BtTqI/Te5h-pX4rKI/AAAAAAAAAzI/mLxN0vSDF-c/s1600/DSC_0128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TBvDe8BtTqI/Te5h-pX4rKI/AAAAAAAAAzI/mLxN0vSDF-c/s400/DSC_0128.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BlW53_NnOZI/Te5iM6V7_wI/AAAAAAAAAzM/OITSCOzMxhw/s1600/DSC_0099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BlW53_NnOZI/Te5iM6V7_wI/AAAAAAAAAzM/OITSCOzMxhw/s400/DSC_0099.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a12Ikb7joW0/Te5iXSv1KUI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/2NIr3An_Z-k/s1600/DSC_0105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a12Ikb7joW0/Te5iXSv1KUI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/2NIr3An_Z-k/s400/DSC_0105.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pm_2ZvM8cLU/Te5igEJBoXI/AAAAAAAAAzU/P_2vD6mRtdA/s1600/DSC_0165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pm_2ZvM8cLU/Te5igEJBoXI/AAAAAAAAAzU/P_2vD6mRtdA/s400/DSC_0165.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UnrJkqzGjKA/Te5ipn6XfFI/AAAAAAAAAzY/T42TJuWPyKo/s1600/Howard+G.+Fass.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UnrJkqzGjKA/Te5ipn6XfFI/AAAAAAAAAzY/T42TJuWPyKo/s400/Howard+G.+Fass.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PG20rBgqCNc/Te5ixSUpJTI/AAAAAAAAAzc/0cE7WCaZD5w/s1600/DSC_0107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PG20rBgqCNc/Te5ixSUpJTI/AAAAAAAAAzc/0cE7WCaZD5w/s400/DSC_0107.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nZovvrJ3T2c/Te5i3_0D6wI/AAAAAAAAAzg/lAcL-duyWI8/s1600/DSC_0112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nZovvrJ3T2c/Te5i3_0D6wI/AAAAAAAAAzg/lAcL-duyWI8/s400/DSC_0112.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c79s0vxL67U/Te5jEbowZ9I/AAAAAAAAAzk/eBHsm5EUG44/s1600/DSC_011b5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c79s0vxL67U/Te5jEbowZ9I/AAAAAAAAAzk/eBHsm5EUG44/s400/DSC_011b5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DDHvs5QJmFM/Te5jMKlY8ZI/AAAAAAAAAzo/B8TDLlR-oUo/s1600/DSC_0126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DDHvs5QJmFM/Te5jMKlY8ZI/AAAAAAAAAzo/B8TDLlR-oUo/s400/DSC_0126.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eqsoZbADgP4/Te5jThNuxdI/AAAAAAAAAzs/kNQ7yftM6vY/s1600/DSC_012b7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eqsoZbADgP4/Te5jThNuxdI/AAAAAAAAAzs/kNQ7yftM6vY/s400/DSC_012b7.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUU7nmnqib0/Te5jZl2js1I/AAAAAAAAAzw/MmLN9kjVijc/s1600/DSC_0131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUU7nmnqib0/Te5jZl2js1I/AAAAAAAAAzw/MmLN9kjVijc/s1600/DSC_0131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUU7nmnqib0/Te5jZl2js1I/AAAAAAAAAzw/MmLN9kjVijc/s400/DSC_0131.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Traditional Taiwanese puppet theater. Taiwan has a vibrant and unique culture that can be found nowhere else in the world...</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-POBWdJD1OvA/Te5jgJVfiDI/AAAAAAAAAz0/tPsrxZc1MHw/s1600/DSC_0130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-POBWdJD1OvA/Te5jgJVfiDI/AAAAAAAAAz0/tPsrxZc1MHw/s400/DSC_0130.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KZQksbkc6Hw/Te5jn_L4NDI/AAAAAAAAAz4/yQ-ewOJwxG4/s1600/DSC_0134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KZQksbkc6Hw/Te5jn_L4NDI/AAAAAAAAAz4/yQ-ewOJwxG4/s400/DSC_0134.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SUnU7fRlA2k/Te5jvNjD5gI/AAAAAAAAAz8/N336OAlqSUA/s1600/DSC_0157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SUnU7fRlA2k/Te5jvNjD5gI/AAAAAAAAAz8/N336OAlqSUA/s400/DSC_0157.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OgqSIWIz3l4/Te5j2xcdSvI/AAAAAAAAA0A/AHMtQNPN4X4/s1600/P1020330%255B2%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OgqSIWIz3l4/Te5j2xcdSvI/AAAAAAAAA0A/AHMtQNPN4X4/s400/P1020330%255B2%255D.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.thesnowlion.com</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-8537202521032902121?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-38086736553083527012011-05-30T09:48:00.002-04:002011-05-30T09:54:44.051-04:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By Namzey Wangmo / May 26, 2011</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k1VCQK1y1qw/TeOfS62hS_I/AAAAAAAAAyo/fpR1H686flk/s1600/W_TIBET_wideweb__470x268%252C0%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k1VCQK1y1qw/TeOfS62hS_I/AAAAAAAAAyo/fpR1H686flk/s400/W_TIBET_wideweb__470x268%252C0%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When we hear on the news or read in the newspaper about protests going on in different countries, we always say how horrible it is and that it's good that they stand up for themselves. </span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We feel for them, we hold our own slogans in the street stating that people need to be freed from the government. However, it's not the same because no one in the street will attack you for holding up a sign. In other countries like Tibet, even letting out a cry of your opinion will give you a beating from the local police. No one really knows what it's like to be part of the mob of desperate people trying to get their voices heard. I felt for those people, but I never gave it a serious thought about how painful it could be physically and emotionally in the moment. But in recent events, I started to get a sense of how it's like.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">A few weekends ago, we heard the news that a hypnotist will be coming on Saturday. Everyone was excited and people wanted to be up on the stage with their school mates to get hypnotized. I was a little nervous about it because I didn't want to do something embarrassing. I was with some friends and we got there fairly early enough because we knew it was going to be a big crowd. When we arrived, a good amount of people were waiting outside the closed doors of the theatre, but after a few minutes, a crowd of people showed up. It was a long wait and as more people came together, the room became stuffy and humid. People were fanning themselves and complaining about how long it was taking to open the doors.</span><br /><br /><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">By the time the doors opened, it was already fifteen minutes past the time they were supposed to let us in. People immediately burst into an outburst of excitement as they streamed into the narrow doors. Although there was more than enough seats for the people that showed up for the event, everyone was rushing to grab the seats with the best view. My friends and I held hands as we tried to snake our way through the crowd and squeeze through the doors. It wasn't as easy as I imagined it to be. There were a lot of bigger, taller people who are as feisty as the people who are small. It was hard to see my friends, but I was being pushed around roughly between people. I felt my feet getting stomped on repeatedly as people tried to rush by. One of my biggest pet peeve is when I'm in a crowd and someone bumps into me, so in that situation I got furious pretty quickly. I was shoving people back and elbowing them to give myself some room. A few minutes of agitated shoves, my friends and I finally managed to get through the entrance. It wasn't an easy entrance though. With people pouring in, I got shoved into the edge of the door and got a nasty scratch from that. After the show, I saw that my friends got some nasty bruises themselves, but we all agreed that it was worth it. </span><br /><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"> </span></span><span editor_id="mce_editor_0"><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We said that our injuries were worth for the show, but I realized that there are people across the world who are facing more than just an excited crowd. My school mates rushed through the hallway and buzzed with so much excitement, the teachers had to try to control the crowd by calling people out. Across the nations, people who cross the line get beaten and arrested by the police. Our emotions for that event is nothing compared to the agony of people being controlled by their government system. </span></span></span><br /><br /><span editor_id="mce_editor_0"><span style="font-size: small;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My friends and I complained about our bruises for the next couple of days, but those people who get shot and beaten by batons don't whine about it like we did over a couple of scratches. That incident was probably the worst I've had, and I couldn't imagine the pain and suffering people are going through. Although it was not one of my favorite moments, that experience opened my eyes to see the huge amount of agony Tibetans in their home country are going through. I might never experience the riots going on, and I still might not understand the amount of pain there are emotionally and physically, but I'm hoping that people who don't understand what Tibetans are going through, will someday and will try to take a step in spreading the news.<br /><br />Since the illegal invasion and consequent conquest of the once free nation of Tibet by the communist Chinese state, well over 1.2 million Tibetans have been brutally killed. Tibetan religion, language and culture were nearly destroyed and nearly 7,000 religious monasteries have been leveled. <br /><br />Where is the outrage and where is the justice? Is it mass hypnosis that keeps us from taking action and reaching out with love and compassion and take a stand or is the world simply just asleep? <br /><br />In the wake of so much suffering and brutality, one can only shutter to think what it will take to finally wake up...</span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/">www.thesnowlion.com</a></span></span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-3808673655308352701?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-83730000257959014092011-05-23T11:19:00.002-04:002011-05-23T15:07:31.187-04:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Photos by: Chia Chun Chung and Howard G. Fass<br />Brief article by: Howard G. Fass</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jTGFFAWmB1o/Tdp4ziA6FjI/AAAAAAAAAyA/o9rhh9nergQ/s1600/a02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jTGFFAWmB1o/Tdp4ziA6FjI/AAAAAAAAAyA/o9rhh9nergQ/s1600/a02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jTGFFAWmB1o/Tdp4ziA6FjI/AAAAAAAAAyA/o9rhh9nergQ/s400/a02.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;">On Saturday, May 14th, we held our 11th monthly Taiwan vigil outreach at Harvard Square to support peace, human rights and freedom for the 23-million Taiwanese people in Taiwan.<br /><br />In a geo-political environment where the World Health Organization and others continue to trample on the identity and overwhelming wishes of the Taiwanese people by mis-labling the free Taiwanese island nation as a "province of China", our local group continues to make its monthly vigil in Boston to speak out and call for justice and liberty. <br /><br />China can not and will never speak for the desires and aspirations of the people of Taiwan; only the Taiwanese people can do this. It is their right to be able to determine their own future independently in peace, free from threats and attack.<br /><br />There will only be true lasting meaningful peace and stability in the region once the world starts to finally recognize the legal rights of the Taiwanese people and drop its increasingly ridiculous and immoral "one China policy" which is little more than CCP imperial domination in East Asia.<br /><br />Until such a day actually occurs, our intrepid group will continue its peaceful vigil. By defending human rights and freedoms for Taiwan, we uphold these universal values for all peoples regardless of nationality and location throughout the world.<br /><br /><span editor_id="mce_editor_0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;">This vigil and the people who took part in it are not supported by any political party, green or blue. Rather it is a gathering of interested people who care about Taiwan and wish to stand up for basic human rights and values that apply to all human beings everywhere.<br /><br />We will continue our event on the second Saturday of every month. The next&nbsp;vigil will be June 11th, from Noon to 2PM.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span editor_id="mce_editor_0"><br /></span>Come join us!!</span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mgvh0nJdG6c/Tdp5Z_2gX2I/AAAAAAAAAyI/J1erZg90x4s/s1600/a04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mgvh0nJdG6c/Tdp5Z_2gX2I/AAAAAAAAAyI/J1erZg90x4s/s400/a04.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pi7pHbod0EE/Tdp5fJdqalI/AAAAAAAAAyM/n0fhapa7s7E/s1600/a05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pi7pHbod0EE/Tdp5fJdqalI/AAAAAAAAAyM/n0fhapa7s7E/s400/a05.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K3k_eoSlqvc/Tdp5kpMrCjI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/9sp6ySk9cHw/s1600/a06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K3k_eoSlqvc/Tdp5kpMrCjI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/9sp6ySk9cHw/s400/a06.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">In addition to the vigil activities we held at Harvard Square, Gerrit van der Wees, Senior Policy Advisor at the FAPA Headquarters in Washington, DC. gave a talk about the erosion of democracy under the current Ma administration in Taiwan. Gerrit gave a wonderful and most education talk and helped our local Boston Fapa chapter generate much needed funds. <br /><br />We thank Gerrit for his decades of service for Taiwanese human rights and democracy. We also thank all those who attended the talk and those who most generously made contributions!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7YETVXPcedY/Tdp6LYjYnjI/AAAAAAAAAyU/xskgR2n_ebo/s1600/a11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7YETVXPcedY/Tdp6LYjYnjI/AAAAAAAAAyU/xskgR2n_ebo/s400/a11.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iIS8Y4EGnnk/Tdp6TMC0RRI/AAAAAAAAAyY/nVibcnwsaD4/s1600/a10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iIS8Y4EGnnk/Tdp6TMC0RRI/AAAAAAAAAyY/nVibcnwsaD4/s400/a10.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-djkAOB-R5ZY/Tdp6Yh5ji1I/AAAAAAAAAyc/ngix_NHywfg/s1600/a07.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-djkAOB-R5ZY/Tdp6Yh5ji1I/AAAAAAAAAyc/ngix_NHywfg/s400/a07.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w28JS_rXFvg/Tdp6cuogWqI/AAAAAAAAAyg/jw_bmG0wT_M/s1600/a08.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w28JS_rXFvg/Tdp6cuogWqI/AAAAAAAAAyg/jw_bmG0wT_M/s400/a08.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vrF7EEfpYMw/Tdp6kpefGZI/AAAAAAAAAyk/aPWZumzRRXs/s1600/a09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vrF7EEfpYMw/Tdp6kpefGZI/AAAAAAAAAyk/aPWZumzRRXs/s400/a09.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.thesnowlion.com</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-8373000025795901409?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-10880295462597303332011-05-03T10:37:00.001-04:002011-05-03T12:54:30.346-04:00May 02, 2011<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qhIn-uR6G5A/TcARcX_xWOI/AAAAAAAAAx4/QEetAYxu0OQ/s1600/images%255B9%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qhIn-uR6G5A/TcARcX_xWOI/AAAAAAAAAx4/QEetAYxu0OQ/s400/images%255B9%255D.jpg" width="251" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfkXGCaLXu8&amp;feature=player_embedded">CHERNOBYL DOCUMENTARY IN ENGLISH WITH CHINESE SUBTITLES</a><br /><br /><br />4/29/2011 蔡英文主席對430反核遊行聲明-<br /><br /><br />非核家園 - 我們對永續未來的嚴肅約定<br /><br />明天是4月30日，全國北中南東四地同步舉辦了「430向日葵廢核行動」，有許許多多關心台灣環境永續、關心下一代的朋友們將會出席參加這個活動。首先我要預祝這項活動順利成功，雖然在避免模糊活動焦點的考量下，沒有和大家一起走上街頭，但在推動非核家園、維護永續環境的路上，我願意與大家並肩前行，共同扛起實踐的責任。<br /><br />日本的核電災變，讓包括德國、瑞士在內等許多核電大國都在最短的時間內檢討了自己的核電政策，包括進行更嚴格的壓力測試，提前淘汰有安全疑慮的核電機組，同時也加速了廢止核電的進程，並且投入更多的努力來提高替代能源的使用比例。這同時也是我在日前提出了「2025非核家園計畫」的理由，因為我們不能把這樣的風險，留給下一代的子孫。<br /><br />我們的執政者，把「非核家園」的國家既定目標放在一旁，執意發展核電，讓國人和生態持續的與不可測的危機共處，對於攸關國家永續發展的能源政策，也一直沒有更進步的思維，這樣的趨勢令人感到既遺憾又憂心。這也告訴我們，展開行動的時刻已經來臨。<br /><br />喚起公民意識的社會運動和推動革新改造的政治行動，從來都是相輔相成、缺一不可的一體兩面。沒有強大的人民做後盾，改革將缺乏動力；而沒有政治行動者的呼應與實踐，進步也將難以落實。在此，我除了對所有參與活動的朋友們表示我最高的敬意和支持之外，也期待在未來的每個日子，繼續和各位一起，為更美好的台灣共同努力。這不是一個政治宣示，而是我們關於永續未來的嚴肅約定。<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UFFgTxKLpSY/TcASFb6ImCI/AAAAAAAAAx8/rv8ukSY3bU8/s1600/260654%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UFFgTxKLpSY/TcASFb6ImCI/AAAAAAAAAx8/rv8ukSY3bU8/s320/260654%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Taiwan exists in one of the most earthquake prone regions of the world and it is therefore insane and morally irresponsible to have any nuclear reactors located there. Think about it....</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If nuclear reactors can have serious accidents in locations in the United States, Japan and Russia which are geologically either the same or more stable that Taiwan, why is it that Taiwan has any at all? If an accident were to ever happen on the tiny island of Taiwan, where would all 23-million Taiwanese have to go? The answer is that many would die due to exposure to radioactive contamination.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is an issue that goes well beyond mere party politics and economics, but human life as we know it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please watch the Chernobyl documentary here and remember it well during the 2012 up-coming elections.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't ever think it couldn't happen in Taiwan! If it could happen at Three Mile Island in the USA, Chernobyl Russia and more recently in Japan, then of course, it could happen in Taiwan...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Only Tsei Ying Wen and the DPP call for all the dangerous nuclear power plants in Taiwan to be closed down for good and removed for the safety and well-being of the 23-million Taiwanese people.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We completely support Tsei Ying Wen in her historic mission to free Taiwan from the risk of nuclear nightmare and death. This mission should be job number one for the DPP and the nation of Taiwan in the elections of 2012.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Howard G. Fass</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Snow Lion Foundation</span><br /><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.thesnowlion.com</span></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-1088029546259730333?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-67149601859777661062011-04-26T22:36:00.000-04:002011-04-26T22:36:25.297-04:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Short introduction by Howard G. Fass</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Video footage from September, 2006 by mountain climbers; Sergiu Matei, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pavle Kozjek, Sebastien Glorie and Martin Holton.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">April 26, 2011</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It has been nearly five years now since the footage shot here took place. My purpose for collecting these links off of Youtube and re-posting them here is to simply further and share the message that this footage conveys.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As it was back in 2006 and well-before and remains ever so today, Tibet is dying at the hands of communist China.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How sorrowful for us all that despite this footage, the Olympic Committee continued to host their now tainted games in Beijing and America's then president continued to attend. How sorrowful for us all that the largest corporate sponsors were falling all over themselves to participate and cash in on the quick buck despite the high moral cost and blood...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tibetans deserve far better than this and the rest of the world deserves far better leaders both in government and in business who actually have some real compassion and the courage to take a stand for what is right.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I humbly thank everyone who was involved in putting this great documentary together. By doing what you all did, often at great sacrifice, this has insured that those who perished back in 2006 did not die in secret nor in vain.</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vFsbj5AaElc/TbeALL6s-SI/AAAAAAAAAx0/dXSVKIrW2uU/s1600/om+mani.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vFsbj5AaElc/TbeALL6s-SI/AAAAAAAAAx0/dXSVKIrW2uU/s1600/om+mani.gif" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrj9JOOvlos&amp;feature=related">MURDER IN THE SNOW / PART 1</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzbGw-WZcL8&amp;feature=related">MURDER IN THE SNOW / PART 2</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xN7D-gzVQ4g&amp;feature=related">MURDER IN THE SNOW / PART 3</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsZ75DiaCxE&amp;feature=related">MURDER IN THE SNOW / PART 4</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVkeRa2H7T8&amp;feature=related">MURDER IN THE SNOW / PART 5</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3syoU6GPyjY&amp;feature=related">MURDER IN THE SNOW / PART 6</a></span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.thesnowlion.com</span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-6714960185977766106?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-59010451791418375772011-04-25T18:25:00.002-04:002011-04-26T10:54:35.725-04:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Brief article by: Howard G. Fass</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Accompanying videos shared here by: Golog Rinchen Sangpo</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">April 25, 2011</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B_ctQ-FlYmE/TbXzl7tH9GI/AAAAAAAAAxw/VcDgkmtIqms/s1600/DalaiLama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B_ctQ-FlYmE/TbXzl7tH9GI/AAAAAAAAAxw/VcDgkmtIqms/s400/DalaiLama.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is a saying, I do not know from who, that states that "the truth never dies". Nowhere today in the modern world is this ever more the case than with the situation inside Tibet.</span> </div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span>&nbsp; <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On one side there is the giant land empire of communist China ruled with an iron fist by the dictatorship of the Chinese Communist Party. On the other side is the scant few million Tibetans with His Holiness the Dalai Lama seeking a small living-space for their unique culture, language and religion in a land that was once their own and free from foreign rule and colonization.</span> <br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These videos collected here are the product of unimaginable courage in the face of total oppression and control. This is the modern David and Goliath struggle of our age whether we know it or not.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So while the world's media focuses on petty puppet-show politics and canned-sound-bites meant to sell one product or another, a real struggle for the essence of human rights, freedom of religion and justice that impacts the entire human family rages on largely un-noticed.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Certainly some politicians, when finally cornered, do pay some light lip service to human rights and justice over profits and trade, but mostly that's all it seems to be. In the end, its completely up to us the masses of people of the world to take a stand and hold our leaders accountable, whoever they may be, to take a stand and do the right thing by humanity.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Business and profits are meant to serve humanity, NOT the other way around. Left as it seems to be going; we will all be slaves in a few generations or so...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Doing the right thing is not some chirpy fake weak trite boy-scout kind of exercise; its practical and meaningful because, after all, we are all inter-connected in this world and the abuse of any people anywhere in the world eventually diminishes us all.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please give these videos a quick viewing, lest we forget that the suffering and tragedy of Tibet is still on-going and has never stopped.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">China is attempting to pull off the total lobotomy and genocide of an entire people in the nation of Tibet and is counting on the world being complacent and not caring enough to take a stand.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please open your heart and do the opposite and take a stand. If you do, no matter what happens in the course of history and events, you and the rest of humanity will have no regrets...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Howard G. Fass</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Snow Lion Foundation</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">PLEASE VIEW THESE AMAZING VIDEOS:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odZKrbe3I2E&amp;feature=related">PART ONE</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9JdP5NJr4g&amp;feature=related">PART TWO</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbi8mCahHX0&amp;feature=related">PART THREE</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3vGoUBWjV8">PART FOUR</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YK-66Nigg5M">PART FIVE</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LAWhgKGyWo&amp;feature=related">PART SIX</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXI9o5C_kzc&amp;feature=related">PART SEVEN</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4ZWQ1mN_z0&amp;feature=related">PART EIGHT</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJEWXbmHn3Y&amp;feature=related">PART NINE</a></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/">http://www.thesnowlion.com/</a></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-5901045179141837577?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-5583797490182958012011-04-12T22:07:00.000-04:002011-04-12T22:07:08.982-04:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Article and photos by Chia Chun Chung</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rwRtSQADu6M/TaUEed__agI/AAAAAAAAAxo/gf7xtYxIJ3E/s1600/P1020262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rwRtSQADu6M/TaUEed__agI/AAAAAAAAAxo/gf7xtYxIJ3E/s400/P1020262.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On Saturday, April 9th, we enjoyed a beautiful spring day for the 10th monthly outreach at Harvard Square. Harvard Square, with its usual heavy pedestrian traffic, was busier than usual due to the annual Harvard China Forum that was taking place over the weekend. As such, our group of four had many interesting conversations with the passersby. Across the street, Falun Gong practitioners handed out letters calling on attendees and the conference organizers to pay more attention to human rights abuse and the political situation in China. While China continues to prosper economically, we hope that there is similar progress in social justice, and that fundamental human rights be respected there.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A few young students from Taiwan were delighted to recognize our Taiwan flag in Boston, far away from home. They were also surprised to learn that after having lived overseas for decades, local Taiwanese American elders still insist to stand on the street, on their own time, to speak up on Taiwan’s behalf. I stood on the side and watched the impassioned conversation across generations about the past and future of the small island that we all care deeply about. I read worry and concern from the faces, but at the same time, I also felt a sense of quiet tenacity that inspires hope that a better future for Taiwan is reachable if we try hard enough. Our message is clear: Only the people of Taiwan can determine Taiwan’s future, and that decision should be made democratically, peacefully, and without external threats.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">This vigil and the people who took part in it are not supported by any political party, green or blue. Rather it is a gathering of interested people who care about Taiwan and wish to stand up for basic human rights and values that apply to all human beings everywhere.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At the end of the day, our small group packed up our signs and went separate ways back to our lives. “See you next month”, one of our elders waved. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We will continue our event on the second Saturday of every month. The next gathering in May will be May 14th, from 10AM to noon, to accommodate another event in the afternoon.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Come join us!!</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JE2D4yFPybo/TaUFBV7_7vI/AAAAAAAAAxs/XbZxjBY-9wc/s1600/P1020264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JE2D4yFPybo/TaUFBV7_7vI/AAAAAAAAAxs/XbZxjBY-9wc/s400/P1020264.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br /><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.thesnowlion.com</span></a> <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-558379749018295801?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-34622077376797873652011-03-18T13:23:00.000-04:002011-03-18T13:23:09.560-04:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Article and photos by Howard G. Fass</span> <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span>&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GdlW6iwbjB8/TYOUJNzCzqI/AAAAAAAAAxc/x1Wis6TO8do/s1600/DSC_00028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GdlW6iwbjB8/TYOUJNzCzqI/AAAAAAAAAxc/x1Wis6TO8do/s400/DSC_00028.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On March 12th, in keeping with our on-going commitment to peacefully demonstrate for the freedom and liberty of Taiwan we had our 9th monthly vigil at Harvard Square.</span> <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span>&nbsp; <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We intend to keep up this vigil until the human rights and liberties for the 23-million Taiwanese people are properly recognized by the international community and communist China finally faces reality and completely renounces its ridiculous imperial claims to this island-nation against the wishes of the vast overwhelming majority of the Taiwanese people.</span> <br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Taiwanese want to be free and do not want to become yet the latest conquered nation by the CCP! Just look at what happened in Tibet and East Turkestan and Inner Mongolia...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Currently China has a vast arsenal of military weapons and missiles aimed at Taiwan and constantly threatens to use these militarily should the 23-million people of Taiwan ever dare choose to formally become independent and free. We feel this behavior on the part of China constitutes a continued threat of war and represents a grave threat to both the United States and democracy / human rights world-wide.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This vigil and the people who took part in it are not supported by any political party, green or blue. Rather it is a gathering of interested people who care about Taiwan and wish to stand up for basic human rights and values that apply to all human beings everywhere.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our next event will be on Saturday - April 9th, from noon to 2pm.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you,</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OdWT4Rp8pvY/TYOUniE1o9I/AAAAAAAAAxg/EYd3CJRLuiw/s1600/DSC_00024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OdWT4Rp8pvY/TYOUniE1o9I/AAAAAAAAAxg/EYd3CJRLuiw/s400/DSC_00024.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HfUIqi6m7l8/TYOUxHjiyII/AAAAAAAAAxk/t2FFdGbxfNI/s1600/DSC_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HfUIqi6m7l8/TYOUxHjiyII/AAAAAAAAAxk/t2FFdGbxfNI/s400/DSC_0030.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.thesnowlion.com</span></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-3462207737679787365?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-27860288645959849932011-03-15T16:13:00.005-04:002011-03-15T16:24:10.431-04:00March 15, 2011<br /><br />Brief article by Howard G. Fass, photos from various news sources from around the world<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-m9NqG8RZgk8/TX_GA32VjGI/AAAAAAAAAxI/bKx5l7T8ePc/s1600/188125_146985755365788_2030786_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-m9NqG8RZgk8/TX_GA32VjGI/AAAAAAAAAxI/bKx5l7T8ePc/s400/188125_146985755365788_2030786_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the wake of worsening human suffering and hardship in Japan we call upon our viewers to please take a silent moment to pray for the Japanese people in their hour of need.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In suffering and fear there are no petty national boundaries or distinctions, just the common innate nature that binds all living beings together in their plight on Earth. Lets come together and make a difference here in any way we can.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please see below a moving prayer ceremony for the Japanese people by the world famous Vietnamese Dharma Master Thich Nhat Hanh which was shared with me by a good friend in Taiwan:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddQD3s92cYc&amp;feature=related">See Youtube video here</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Listed below is a quick chronology of events from The Christian Science Monitor:</span><br /><br /><strong><u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Day 1 - Friday, March 11th</span></u></strong><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•At 2:47 p.m. local time, Japan is struck by the largest recorded earthquake in its history off the coast of the northeastern city of Sendai. Meteorologists log it at 8.9 on the Richter scale.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•11 nuclear reactors shut down automatically.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•A powerful tsunami triggered by the earthquake sweeps away cars and homes and knocks out regular and backup cooling systems at the six-reactor Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Several reactors are affected.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•The government orders everyone within a three kilometer radius of the plant to leave the area.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•Japanese authorities report that a fire at the Onagawa nuclear power plant is extinguished.</span><br /><br /><strong><u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Day 2 – Saturday, March 12</span></u></strong><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•A blast caused by a pressure buildup blows the roof off the containment structure of the Fukushima Daiichi plant's Unit 1 reactor, but reports say the nuclear fuel rods are not affected. Four workers are reported injured.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•Residents within a 6-mile radius of the plant are evacuated. Kyodo news agency estimates that 20,000 people are being evacuated.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•Workers begin injecting seawater and boric acid into the reactors in what experts say is a last-ditch attempt to prevent a meltdown after the backup cooling systems for reactors 1 and 3 fail completely.</span><br /><br /><strong><u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Day 3 – Sunday, March 13</span></u></strong><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•Fukushima reactor No. 3 is vented again.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•There is believed to have been a partial meltdown in the reactor.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•A company spokesman states that the radiation released thus far does not pose a health risk to humans.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•The cooling system in reactor 2 fails and more radioactive steam is released.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•The government evacuates more than 200,000 residents from homes within a 20-kilometer (12.4-mile) radius of the plant and tests 160 people for radiation exposure, authorities said Sunday.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•IAEA rates the accident as a level four out of seven on the scale of international nuclear disasters. Three-Mile-Island was rated a five, Chernobyl a seven.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•Meanwhile, in southwestern Japan, Shinmoedake volcano erupts for the second time in 2011, sending ash and rock more than two miles into the air. Analysts say it was the biggest volcanic activity there in 52 years.</span><br /><br /><strong><u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Day 4 – Monday, March 14</span></u></strong><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•An explosion caused by pressure buildup blows away the roof and walls of the building housing the Fukushima Daiichi plant's No. 3 reactor and injured 11 people. The plant's No. 2 reactor loses its cooling capabilities after the explosion. Workers begin injecting seawater and boric acid into that reactor.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•A fire is extinguished, but Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano says that more radiation was released as a result and that "now we are talking about levels that can damage human health."</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•The US Geological Survey upgrades the earthquake from an 8.9 to a 9.0.</span><br /><br /><strong><u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Day 5 – Tuesday, March 15</span></u></strong><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•An explosion hits Fukushima Daiichi's No. 2 reactor in the morning. Readings indicate some damage to the No. 2 reactor's suppression pool, a donut-shaped reservoir at the base of the reactor's containment vessel.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•A fire is ignited in the No. 4 reactor building Tuesday, but is later put out.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•The plant is emitting as much radiation in one hour as it normally would in six months, but government spokesman Yukio Edano says: "The possibility that a large amount of radiation has been released is low."</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•The head of France's Nuclear Safety Authority, says the international alert should be from a level 4 disaster to a level 6 incident.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•Foreign companies begin to order evacuations of their employees.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Some key numbers as of Tuesday, March 15:</strong> </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•Death toll: 2,722</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•Confirmed missing: 3,742</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•Evacuated: 439,337 (from 10 prefectures)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•Houses damaged: 68,231</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•Houses destroyed: 4,648</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•Countries offering aid: 102</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0zvGHcqSvFc/TX_Hb2ggMdI/AAAAAAAAAxM/FKi1M740piY/s1600/flash1203113350%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="243" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0zvGHcqSvFc/TX_Hb2ggMdI/AAAAAAAAAxM/FKi1M740piY/s400/flash1203113350%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">His Holiness the Dalai Lama praying for the people of Japan</span></td></tr></tbody></table>&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OyliqRz3E9w/TX_HrVatQsI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/zyofxmjZq3Q/s1600/439x%255B1%255D+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OyliqRz3E9w/TX_HrVatQsI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/zyofxmjZq3Q/s400/439x%255B1%255D+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Christians in Pakistan offering prayers for the Japanese victims</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XYP-mlgLs5M/TX_H5ymTxCI/AAAAAAAAAxU/XyjxxiIxJzs/s1600/japan4%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XYP-mlgLs5M/TX_H5ymTxCI/AAAAAAAAAxU/XyjxxiIxJzs/s400/japan4%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">School children in India praying for Japan</span></td></tr></tbody></table> <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <img border="0" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6jy-lGlxlSQ/TX_IILiHCXI/AAAAAAAAAxY/x7Gdjiy0OR0/s1600/120_120_peme_1__1_%255B1%255D.gif" /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.thesnowlion.com</span></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-2786028864595984993?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-76566055529240827702011-03-03T20:20:00.006-05:002011-03-04T09:42:48.600-05:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Photos and article by Howard G. Fass</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">March 03, 2011</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Xb5jQA_zXMc/TXA9iSiUv7I/AAAAAAAAAwI/AmKwMsEaa2I/s1600/tibetlobby1101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Xb5jQA_zXMc/TXA9iSiUv7I/AAAAAAAAAwI/AmKwMsEaa2I/s400/tibetlobby1101.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>2011 Tibet Lobby Day in Washington, DC.</em></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were honored to join the Third Annual Tibet Lobby Day in Washington, DC. again which was organized and hosted by The International Campaign for Tibet.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were proud to represent, in addition to our own small group, Students for Free Tibet. Our heartfelt thanks goes out to everyone at The International Campaign for Tibet who made this event such an absolute joy and success.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We joined our good friends from The Tibetan Association of Boston and two Tibetan former political prisoners Lama Sonam and Ngwang Sangdrol. These two individuals lived through unbelievable suffering and hardship at the hands of the communist Chinese government which has been brutally oppressing Tibetans and their unique culture since day-one of their illegal occupation of the Tibetan nation.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Their voice was a powerful one on Capitol Hill that will not be easily forgotten by those who heard them in government. We thank them for their bravery and steadfastness under tremendous hardships. They serve as a constant reminder of just how important human rights and religious freedoms really are. If human rights are suppressed and abused anywhere, these rights become diminish everywhere; lest we forget...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We met with the Congressional and Senate offices for the states of Maine and Massachusetts. We also met with staff from The Committee on Foreign Relations from the US Senate.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Our primary asks were</u>:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. Continued support for Tibetan language service in the VOA (Voice of America) and RFA (Radio Free Asia). These two news sources are a life-line of information and hope for Tibetans living behind China's fire-wall.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. Keep pushing the Chinese for a US consulate in Lhasa, Chinese occupied Tibet. The State Department has already approved this move and ear-marked funding for this consulate. Having American "eyes and ears" on the ground in Tibet's capital in this way would help keep the world in touch with what is going on inside Tibet. This is critical given the brutal nature of the CCP's continued occupation and exploitation inside Tibet.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. Support for the Special immigration legislation (HR 699 / Sensenbrenner, Miller bill). This bill would allow for 3,000 immigrant visas to be issued to qualifying Tibetans over a three-year period. Tibetans are currently considered stateless persons under international law, so this bill is critical.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. Push the Chinese government to free and release all Tibetan political prisoners now and stop their illegal crimes against humanity!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. Ask our representatives to join The international Network of Parliamentarians for Tibet. Currently this organization has 133 parliamentarians from 30 different countries around the world. The goal of this organization is to advance the issue of Tibet in governments worldwide.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Below are some photos from the 2011 Tibet Lobby Day. Thanks to everyone who made this successful event possible!</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-phZh2zVfCH4/TXA-MHXX8WI/AAAAAAAAAwM/XNb7_2pTRs0/s1600/tibetlobby+1102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-phZh2zVfCH4/TXA-MHXX8WI/AAAAAAAAAwM/XNb7_2pTRs0/s400/tibetlobby+1102.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Our newest member!</em></span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QpYwDuVQh3A/TXA-enHwN9I/AAAAAAAAAwQ/w26alRqkdAY/s1600/tibetlobby+1103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QpYwDuVQh3A/TXA-enHwN9I/AAAAAAAAAwQ/w26alRqkdAY/s400/tibetlobby+1103.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>With Maine Senator Snowe's office.</em></span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L7MnuFhY6jw/TXA-rcABRNI/AAAAAAAAAwU/BzBV4UG6Gzk/s1600/tibetlobby1104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L7MnuFhY6jw/TXA-rcABRNI/AAAAAAAAAwU/BzBV4UG6Gzk/s400/tibetlobby1104.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PcuIG4Z4rCY/TXA-wxN-VZI/AAAAAAAAAwY/CNInywZsh04/s400/tibetlobby1105.jpg" width="400" /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Xlxrvmh989k/TXA_sLHk_eI/AAAAAAAAAwc/H0UjhvlhrLw/s1600/tibetlobby1106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" l6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Xlxrvmh989k/TXA_sLHk_eI/AAAAAAAAAwc/H0UjhvlhrLw/s400/tibetlobby1106.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BdAAoSgCG9E/TXA_09Kj78I/AAAAAAAAAwg/-_nyHmI4TYg/s1600/tibetlobby1107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BdAAoSgCG9E/TXA_09Kj78I/AAAAAAAAAwg/-_nyHmI4TYg/s400/tibetlobby1107.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XJ26ApmVMHY/TXA_5xSpOaI/AAAAAAAAAwk/TJUqIoAQSKc/s1600/tibetlobby1108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XJ26ApmVMHY/TXA_5xSpOaI/AAAAAAAAAwk/TJUqIoAQSKc/s400/tibetlobby1108.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-O5gf25nLI3I/TXA_-5-dQEI/AAAAAAAAAwo/oImFja2PQv4/s1600/tibetlobby1109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-O5gf25nLI3I/TXA_-5-dQEI/AAAAAAAAAwo/oImFja2PQv4/s400/tibetlobby1109.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>With Maine Congresswoman Pingree's office.</em></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-90OFGiu9_Tg/TXBATfY6doI/AAAAAAAAAws/K0dDvGtvJuw/s1600/tibetlobby1110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-90OFGiu9_Tg/TXBATfY6doI/AAAAAAAAAws/K0dDvGtvJuw/s400/tibetlobby1110.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>With Massachusetts Congressman Capuano's office.</em></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sboVn2SDpOM/TXBAgCsdlrI/AAAAAAAAAww/2yGuAXSoUQ4/s1600/tibetlobby1111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sboVn2SDpOM/TXBAgCsdlrI/AAAAAAAAAww/2yGuAXSoUQ4/s400/tibetlobby1111.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UGjTwRClf1Q/TXBAo2_3BFI/AAAAAAAAAw0/bGllfKpvh6k/s1600/tibetlobby1112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UGjTwRClf1Q/TXBAo2_3BFI/AAAAAAAAAw0/bGllfKpvh6k/s400/tibetlobby1112.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>With Maine Senator Collin's office.</em></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-msuSjYF6ycc/TXBA3qQ-aaI/AAAAAAAAAw4/D3nbgCH_vtE/s1600/tibetlobby1113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" l6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-msuSjYF6ycc/TXBA3qQ-aaI/AAAAAAAAAw4/D3nbgCH_vtE/s400/tibetlobby1113.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>The Special Envoy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaks to the Tibet Lobby Day delegates at the ICT headquarters in Washingon, DC.</em></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7gnPKx11Wq8/TXBBNzySHrI/AAAAAAAAAw8/ljpV2Uiq7fM/s1600/tibetlobby1114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7gnPKx11Wq8/TXBBNzySHrI/AAAAAAAAAw8/ljpV2Uiq7fM/s400/tibetlobby1114.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>With Massachusetts Congressman Tierney's office.</em></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vd1WQd3afN8/TXBBZ6YUikI/AAAAAAAAAxA/7iWcg8dBbLI/s1600/tibetlobby1115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vd1WQd3afN8/TXBBZ6YUikI/AAAAAAAAAxA/7iWcg8dBbLI/s400/tibetlobby1115.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>With Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown's office.</em></span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--gakQ9euMQ4/TXD6KSZ7VTI/AAAAAAAAAxE/5JoKqb_a_jM/s1600/DSC_0172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" l6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--gakQ9euMQ4/TXD6KSZ7VTI/AAAAAAAAAxE/5JoKqb_a_jM/s400/DSC_0172.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His Holiness' Special Envoy Lodi Gyari and Caleb.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.thesnowlion.com</span></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-7656605552924082770?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-15859837825142404132011-02-14T10:18:00.000-05:002011-02-14T10:18:54.778-05:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">story by Chia Chun Chung and photos by Chia Chung Chung and </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Howard G. Fass</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aNtRYwquzEc/TVlGYxEt6EI/AAAAAAAAAu0/3581LeLLoBU/s1600/DSC_0492b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aNtRYwquzEc/TVlGYxEt6EI/AAAAAAAAAu0/3581LeLLoBU/s400/DSC_0492b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today we had our 8th monthly Taiwan outreach at Harvard Square. We had several much-missed friends join us today. Every time a new or familiar face showed up, it lifted our spirits in this brisk, windy winter day.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As recent news continue to show signs that Taiwan's sovereignty is becoming increasingly compromised, the aurora among our group was quite somber. As usual, we elicited a mixture of responses from the pedestrians passing by. One man said he came from Taiwan and that he "works for the president" and asked if he can take pictures of us. We posed for him, and hope that he will relay our concern for Taiwan's security, freedom, and sovereignty to Mr. Ma when he returns to Taiwan.</span></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another man was alarmed by our sign and stopped to say, "Wait, what? We don't have diplomatic relations with Taiwan?!". Others were drawn by our sign calling on the U.S. to abolish the One China Policy, and approached us in disagreement after some hesitation. All our differences aside, the fact that open, opposing dialogues can take place publicly is perhaps something we take for granted here in the U.S. As a young democracy, Taiwan has come a long way in the past few decades, and our hope is that Taiwan gets the chance to continue its progress and mature into a truly safe and free nation that is accorded the respect and recognition that it deserves.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you to everyone who dropped in to show support for Taiwan. We will continue to raise awareness every month. As one pedestrian who stopped by today pointed out, the world is interconnected. The wave of democracy is starting to reach places it hasn't before. We salute our brothers and sisters all over the world who are fighting for human rights and justice, and hope that they stay safe and strong.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This vigil and the people who took part in it are not supported by any political party, green or blue. Rather it is a gathering of interested people who care about Taiwan and wish to stand up for basic human rights and values that apply to all human beings everywhere.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our next event will be on March 12, from noon to 2pm</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YfdCq1OBwPE/TVlHFq2F7CI/AAAAAAAAAu4/vB-d6Ql01G0/s1600/DSC_0477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YfdCq1OBwPE/TVlHFq2F7CI/AAAAAAAAAu4/vB-d6Ql01G0/s400/DSC_0477.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e0fYmWHRbj8/TVlHPGz0hKI/AAAAAAAAAu8/yTx-M9e7KI8/s1600/DSC_0478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e0fYmWHRbj8/TVlHPGz0hKI/AAAAAAAAAu8/yTx-M9e7KI8/s400/DSC_0478.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PuimWVAepXM/TVlHcdkKt8I/AAAAAAAAAvA/NLagG8PYKNM/s1600/DSC_0482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PuimWVAepXM/TVlHcdkKt8I/AAAAAAAAAvA/NLagG8PYKNM/s400/DSC_0482.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rkS_D_dwvbE/TVlHkxuF4fI/AAAAAAAAAvE/RQ5AuLKkvn4/s1600/DSC_0485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rkS_D_dwvbE/TVlHkxuF4fI/AAAAAAAAAvE/RQ5AuLKkvn4/s400/DSC_0485.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vq5M8-G0MGk/TVlHsD_ldWI/AAAAAAAAAvI/tHNlaBPlECQ/s1600/P1020142b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vq5M8-G0MGk/TVlHsD_ldWI/AAAAAAAAAvI/tHNlaBPlECQ/s400/P1020142b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.thesnowlion.com</span></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-1585983782514240413?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-57203134863612296482011-02-10T21:48:00.001-05:002011-02-10T21:49:58.044-05:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Article by Howard G. Fass</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">February 10, 2011</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gszV_OlN0s8/TVSiMUrEmNI/AAAAAAAAAuo/ztRBqJIA28o/s1600/Egyptian-army-tanks-in-Ta-007%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gszV_OlN0s8/TVSiMUrEmNI/AAAAAAAAAuo/ztRBqJIA28o/s400/Egyptian-army-tanks-in-Ta-007%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Government tanks rolling in the streets of civilian protest</em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Scenes such as this are the last thing the Chinese government wants its 450-million Internet viewers to see.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why?</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The short answer is that they are afraid and will do whatever it takes to control and rule... this includes murder and terror. Maybe this is why, within China's ever growing military machine it is estimated that a full half of all spending is spent on internal control of its own people. Rule by brute force always requires the whip.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is a regime with the blood of some 80-million of its own people on its hands. The destruction of Tibet, Inner Mongolia, Manchuria and the brutal suppression of all religion and freedom are also hallmarks of the CCP state that Mao Tse-Tung bequeathed to the world in his own bloody image.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, the CCP regime should be very afraid...</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This dictatorship has blood on their hands and know all too well that all it takes is a spark to ignite the Chinese people to demand freedom and human rights and the CCP's political house of cards will come falling down hard...</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Because somewhere somehow in the secret consciousness of the Chinese people, in a hidden corner that the legions of thought-police and the communist propaganda mechanoids couldn't yet reach exists a place where truth reigns supreme and the human spirit soars free, even if only in a dream. Dreams of freedom and justice are powerful and not easily contained; and what's dangerous for the Beijing communist dictatorship is that these are highly contagious.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So as the Internet Firewall and state propaganda machine goes into full over-drive to filter and block news of the on-going freedom movement inside Egypt from ever reaching China's 1.3 billion people, no matter what Beijing does, something is bound to get through and slowly spread around from within.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How ironic, that so many of the news photos from Egypt have tanks in them. In 1989 there was the "tank man" who bravely stood up and held back a column of government army tanks sent to crush the Chinese people, now imagine millions of them today doing the same...</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ll0V5N-ag6o/TVSi5wsnLiI/AAAAAAAAAus/6tawRZ7MeZo/s1600/tank-man%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="263" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ll0V5N-ag6o/TVSi5wsnLiI/AAAAAAAAAus/6tawRZ7MeZo/s400/tank-man%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Cometh the Tank Man!</em></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uKLMVepbRVE/TVSjLfD3PiI/AAAAAAAAAuw/qOgntwxMVaM/s1600/A+man+standing+in+front+of+the+tank%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uKLMVepbRVE/TVSjLfD3PiI/AAAAAAAAAuw/qOgntwxMVaM/s400/A+man+standing+in+front+of+the+tank%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>A Czech civilian in 1968 demanding freedom and human rights...</em></span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.thesnowlion.com</span></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-5720313486361229648?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-56039436432666406502011-01-25T14:06:00.002-05:002011-01-25T14:07:41.271-05:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Story and photo by Howard G. Fass</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Biographical details provided by Geshe Ngawang Tenley</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">January, 2011</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TT8ec_BDvdI/AAAAAAAAAug/LG2Q04fIc2U/s1600/Geshe-la.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TT8ec_BDvdI/AAAAAAAAAug/LG2Q04fIc2U/s400/Geshe-la.jpg" width="252" /></a></div><br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Perhaps never before have I been so nervous about writing anything as I have felt when beginning to write this article in honor of Venerable Geshe Tsultrim Choephel, who was my precious Dharma teacher and good friend for the last three years. To those who knew him, he was affectionately known as Geshe Tsulga-la or simply as "Geshe-la".</span> <br />&nbsp; <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The task seems just too big and I personally feel quite lacking in any writing talent and ability to do this great man any proper justice by writing something fitting to convey to others even just some of Geshe-la's good qualities and merits.</span> <br />&nbsp; <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Much of life's most truly profound experiences and feelings seem to transcend words so are quite difficult to describe on paper; I only hope that whatever I write here will be somehow acceptable to others without too much error and provide a tiny view of the Tibetan lama who taught and benefited so many at The Kurukulla Center in Medford and around the world in Tibet and in India. He blessed many and will never be forgotten.</span> <br />&nbsp; <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His will be a lasting living legacy that will be felt for a vast amount of time, much like when a pebble when dropped into a still pond leaves circular ripples that radiate in every direction to every shore. The impact is real and profound.</span> <br />&nbsp; <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For me, Geshe-la, was a solid inspiration and guide who taught practical methods upon which to live one's life best. He taught that it is best to master your delusions and develop your mind so that one can generate merit with positive action for one's own benefit and for the ultimate benefit of all sentient beings. Personally, I have a very long way to go in my own small journey; but to the extent that I am even on the right road to begin with, I owe this to Geshe-la and his good heart.</span> <br />&nbsp; <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He passed away in November of 2010 and represented one of the last remaining living Tibetan lamas who was actually born and raised inside Tibet before that ancient culture was largely destroyed in its own homeland by the invading communist Chinese in 1949 and the decades that followed. Geshe-la represented a rare authentic unbroken lineage of spiritual mind and ethical mastery from a Tibet that is now completely shattered by the tragic events that caused the Tibetan Diaspora and the flight of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1959 to India.</span> <br />&nbsp; <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now many decades later, few of these original masters remain alive to teach and impart upon their fortunate students and others their unique intimate knowledge of compassion for all sentient beings. In a world, seemingly so often dominated by sorrow, injustice and violence, these precious Dharma masters offer guiding touchstones along the path of self-discovery and awakening to the deeper true meanings to the way we ought to live our lives and respond to the vast reality around us. Rather than being a message of just blind hope, it's a message of action of what to do and how to do it. This is why the Dharma is called a "practice", because practice long enough and diligently enough and quickly one will achieve some kind of result.</span> <br />&nbsp; <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Listed below is a detail from Geshe-la's life.</span> <br />&nbsp; <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I thank Geshe Ngawang Tenley, his former attendant and nephew, for the notes I heavily referenced in writing what follows: Geshe-la was born on May 8, 1939 in the Kardze district of Kham in North-western Tibet. He was born the son of Tibetan nomads who frequented this region of Tibet. At the age of 5 and 6, he began studying the Tibetan language diligently.</span> <br />&nbsp; <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By the age of 7 he was enrolled at The Dargye Monastery of Trehor which was also in Kham. At the age of 11 he formally joined The Dargye Monastery as a monk. He studied hereunder the direction of Gelek, Lozang Yeshe and others. In November 1954, Geshe-la received teachings from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. In 1956 he received pre-novice and novice vows from the former abbot Jetsun Lozang Jampa Khedrup and received the name Lozang Konchog.</span> <br />&nbsp; <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In 1957, Geshe-la entered the Dharma door of The Sera Je Monastic University, which was one of the major monastic and intellectual centers in Central Tibet before being destroyed by the Chinese government. There, Geshe-la took special training in many vast Tibetan Buddhist topics under the direction of former abbot Venerable Kangyurwa Lozang Thubten and former abbot of the Lower Tantric College Venerable Ugyen Tseten Rinpoche.</span> <br />&nbsp; <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Geshe-la's studies at Sera Je were not to last long before the ravages and desecrations of the invading Chinese communists forced His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama to flee Tibet. It was then in 1959, that Geshe-la followed His Holiness and made the dangerous trek across the frozen high Himalayas to freedom and sanctuary in India. After crossing into India as a refugee, Geshe-la lived in Buxar Duar in East India for several years with around another 1500 other Tibetan monks.</span> <br />&nbsp; <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">During this period of his life, Geshe-la endured severe poverty, extreme conditions of climate change from his native Tibet and the extreme shortage of almost every basic living necessity such as food, clean water, shelter and medicine. Despite the challenges, at the very least he was free and more-or-less safe to practice and live for the Dharma and work to safeguard and rebuild the valuable religious contribution to the human family that Tibetan Buddhism is.</span> <br />&nbsp; <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In August, 1970, Geshe-la took full ordination vows directly from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. He continued to study and deepen his knowledge of Sutra and Tantra. Many transmissions and teachings he received directly from His Holiness.</span> <br />&nbsp; <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In 1988, Geshe-la, in the presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and a great many other Tibetan Dharma scholars successfully sat for his Geshe Lharampa examination which is the highest level of the Geshe Degree. From here he continued on the traditional Lharampa teaching tour to the central monastic seats in 1989.</span> <br />&nbsp; <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thereafter, Geshe-la joined The Gyumed Lower Tantric Monastery for one year to seek teachings on all Four Classes of Tantra. During this brief stay, he gave regular classes on Buddhist philosophy to the monks at the monastery.</span> <br />&nbsp; <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In 1992, Lama Zopa Rinpoche requested that Geshe-la journey to the West to teach the Dharma. Faithfully following Lama Zopa's request, Geshe-la moved to the United States despite many difficulties such as not knowing the English language at the time of his journey. Completely undaunted and purely motivated by compassion to benefit people in the West, he persevered and began teaching.</span> <br />&nbsp; <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From 1992 up until 2010, unbeknownst to most of his students, he was a prolific writer. His works include a biography of the Kangyur Lama, a former abbot of Sera Je Monastery, titled "The Glorious Deeds of The Excellent Kangyur Lama", and a condensed and an extensive historical account of Tahsi Dargye Monastery, both titled "Religious History of Tashi Dargye Monastery of Tehor". He also wrote an introductory book on Buddhism titled "How to Practice Buddhadharma: A Lamp Illuminating the Path to Liberation"; a biographical account titled "Detailed Biographical Accounts of the Three Incarnate Lamas of Gyalten Lama Rinpoche of Tehor Tashi Dargye Monastery"; and a two-volume work titled "Extensive Religious History of Sera Je Monastery".</span> <br />&nbsp; <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From 1995 until his passing in November, 2010, Geshe-la was the resident teacher at The Kurukulla Center located in the metro-Boston area in Medford. Despite all these vast accomplishments and abilities, Geshe-la, like all truly noble beings only exuded the air of a simple and humble ordinary monk.</span> <br />&nbsp; <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To those who were fortunate enough to know him and received countless blessings and teachings from him, he will be deeply missed. Despite the physical human loss, there is however a deep spiritual sense of quiet blessing in having been so exceedingly fortunate in this life to have come into intimate contact with an authentic lineage Dharma master from old Tibet.</span> <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span>&nbsp; <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">----</span> <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span>&nbsp; <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/">http://www.thesnowlion.com/</a></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-5603943643266640650?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-36306469666669926102011-01-21T11:40:00.002-05:002011-04-18T09:30:22.123-04:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Articles by Howard G. Fass and Chia Chun Chung</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Photos by Howard G. Fass, Chia Chun Chung and Ngawang Jorden</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">January 19, 2011</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TTmzxYh9VdI/AAAAAAAAAtg/1pC3omC6caI/s1600/Tibet+Taiwan+vigil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TTmzxYh9VdI/AAAAAAAAAtg/1pC3omC6caI/s400/Tibet+Taiwan+vigil.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By Chia Chun Chung:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today President Obama hosts Hu Jintao at the White House and the two leaders discuss various issues that put the two nations at odds. To bring attention to the fact that China continues to oppress human rights and freedom within and outside of its borders, many activist groups mobilized to protest Hu's US visit.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In Boston, members of Tibetan American and Taiwanese American communities came together and held a special vigil in Harvard Square. Our Tibetan friends have held the vigil in the square week after week for years. It was an honor to join such a dedicated group in a show of support for the universal values of peace, democracy, freedom, and human rights. At 6pm, the scheduled start time, people started to gather, carrying signs and flags. Although the rain and snow kept falling, behind our hats, scarves, and heavy jackets, we saw common beliefs in each other's eyes on faces old and new. Some drivers honked in support, some gave us thumbs up, and many pedestrians stopped to take in our signs and listen to the speeches that were being made.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Taiwanese American community, represented by Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA), issued five demands to Hu and the Chinese Communist Party:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. Respect Taiwanese freedom and democracy;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. Recognize the right of the Taiwanese people to self-determination;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. Dismantle the 1,600 missiles and threatening weaponry pointed at Taiwan;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. End Taiwan's international political isolation, particularly to international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. End Chinese economic and political manipulation of Taiwan.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many worry that democracy and human rights are deteriorating in Taiwan, due to excessively China-friendly policies instituted by the Ma Administration. With this in mind, I found the vigil to be especially poignant. Standing under the dim lights in the rain with a sign in hand, listening to prayers by our Tibetan friends who have collectively lost so much under the CCP regime, the scene gave a foreboding glimpse of what could happen to Taiwan if we remain passive and just let history take its course. On behalf of those who cannot speak out, we must continue to reach out and speak up to protect values that apply to every human being, those of peace, justice, and freedom.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We will press on...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">-----</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By Howard G. Fass</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The most serious political threat mankind faces in this new century, is not international terrorism as constantly defined by the US, but the totalitarian expansion of the Chinese Communist regime worldwide and its complete and total disregard for human rights and freedom where-ever its dark influence extends.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Never before, in the history of mankind has a brutal regime such the CCP held so much control and inflicted so much harm on so many.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since the founding of the CCP, this regime has been responsible for the murder of some 80-million people (mostly Han Chinese), the irreparable destruction of traditional Chinese culture, religion and values, the destruction of the Manchu language and the near total extinction of Tibetan culture and religion in its homeland and on and on. The China of today has become a graveyard of conquered nations and peoples to the sorrowful blood-red flag of the Chinese communist ideology as interpreted by Mao Tsetung.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From forced-abortions of Uyghur women to involuntary organ-harvesting from imprisoned Falun Gong practitioners, there is no mercy shown to anyone who dares to be anything separate in any way from the CCP and its total demands.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rather than responsibly change and reform as is often said to the Western world by the Chinese government media sources and their greedy global-corporate co-conspirators, the CCP regime has consistently resisted all calls for freedom and human rights by its own people and the world. From the 2008 Olympics to the 1989 Tiananman Square massacre, this regime has shown the world that it will do what it likes to whom it likes regardless of the body-count and savagery.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And who is this Hu Jintao, the current Chinese leader visiting the USA, with regards to all of this? When the tanks were rolling in Tiananmen Square back in 1989 crushing the bodies of Chinese students in Beijing, Hu Jintao was the ruling Chinese commissar in occupied Tibet. Under his direct command, Tibetan nuns and monks were mercilessly persecuted and tortured. Tibetan civilians were murdered and imprisoned for peacefully protesting China's continued occupation and theft inside Tibet. Tibetan civilians were also imprisoned and tortured for their continued undying love and admiration for His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Even having a small photo of His Holiness and being caught with this by the Chinese authorities could lead to torture and a long imprisonment. This was back in 1989 and things have only gotten worse now.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rather than stand appart from the CCP's abuses, Hu Jintao has been an active leading participant and has a lot of blood on his hands. When the party was at the brink back in 1989, it was brutal leaders such as Hu that saved the regime by crushing anything that stood in its way.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lest this all be forgotten and dismissed by the 23-million Taiwanese people who stand to lose EVERYTHING, should China and their KMT puppets have their way and the beautiful island nation of Taiwan become absorbed by the Chinese empire. Taiwanese should take full stock of current affairs and history and demand their own freedom and self-determination. China should respect the legitimate wishes of the Taiwanese people and renounce its imperialistic demands on Taiwan and elsewhere and live in peace with its neighbors.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We call upon the nations of the world, especially the United States to finally wake up and see communist China for what it is!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By continuing to shamelessly appease and co-opt this brutal regime, we help keep in power a brutal force that visits untold sufferings upon its own Chinese people and those held captive by its military police power. If this what the rising China is all about, we should shutter to think what a world led by such a brute would come to be...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Perhaps things are finally slowly starting to change as can be seen from the following recent sharp quotes by US politicians in Washington DC during Hu's 2011 visit:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Representative Christopher Smith, a Republican who on Tuesday held his own conference on Chinese human rights abuses, said: "Who is Hu Jintao? In 1989, just a few months before the massacre in Tiananmen Square, Hu was Beijing's iron fist in Tibet."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"This was the man who ordered the savage beating of Tibetan nuns and even children were pummeled to death. He presides over a gulag state, clearly a dictatorship. He has been directly responsible for the systematic detention and torture of millions of Chinese,"</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Smith said. "Cattle prods are put into prisoners' armpits and at their genitals." "I believe Hu ought to be at The Hague being made to account for his crimes rather than being treated with a state dinner," said Smith.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"We should not be welcoming the world's worst human rights abuser to our White House. It is wrong. We should not be granting respect to this monstrous regime," Representative Dana Rohrabacher, a Republican, added.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">----</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TTm002ku3HI/AAAAAAAAAtk/iprcJHI_uPY/s1600/0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TTm002ku3HI/AAAAAAAAAtk/iprcJHI_uPY/s400/0001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tibetans who have lost their homeland...</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TTm0_v4CxEI/AAAAAAAAAto/HL7UIO3Nrw8/s1600/0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TTm0_v4CxEI/AAAAAAAAAto/HL7UIO3Nrw8/s400/0002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TTm1Xldi1hI/AAAAAAAAAts/X4TpPirbwBI/s1600/0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TTm1Xldi1hI/AAAAAAAAAts/X4TpPirbwBI/s400/0003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TTm1eGoxYkI/AAAAAAAAAtw/QlllhIetUs4/s1600/0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TTm1eGoxYkI/AAAAAAAAAtw/QlllhIetUs4/s400/0004.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TTm1lj1exAI/AAAAAAAAAt0/7FHR6x44YG8/s1600/0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TTm1lj1exAI/AAAAAAAAAt0/7FHR6x44YG8/s400/0005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TTm1q71iK3I/AAAAAAAAAt4/PJ0yHPqUbeg/s1600/0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TTm1q71iK3I/AAAAAAAAAt4/PJ0yHPqUbeg/s400/0006.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TTm11JjRfZI/AAAAAAAAAt8/bc6Fb1cBXZc/s1600/0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TTm11JjRfZI/AAAAAAAAAt8/bc6Fb1cBXZc/s400/0007.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TTm2Boxvg7I/AAAAAAAAAuA/dSkWecLaCnU/s1600/0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TTm2Boxvg7I/AAAAAAAAAuA/dSkWecLaCnU/s400/0008.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TTm2JF3y8EI/AAAAAAAAAuE/eciMTzkS7iQ/s1600/0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TTm2JF3y8EI/AAAAAAAAAuE/eciMTzkS7iQ/s400/0009.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TTm2OmvXDsI/AAAAAAAAAuI/JR5udYTPla4/s1600/00010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TTm2OmvXDsI/AAAAAAAAAuI/JR5udYTPla4/s400/00010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TTm2TxF23nI/AAAAAAAAAuM/wTpqbrpaGW8/s1600/00011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TTm2TxF23nI/AAAAAAAAAuM/wTpqbrpaGW8/s400/00011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TTm2Z2Yf1cI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/Hj_LmbVa6JY/s1600/00012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TTm2Z2Yf1cI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/Hj_LmbVa6JY/s400/00012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sering-La blessed us all with his prayers! OM TARE TUTARE TURE SOHA</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TTm2qT6BFmI/AAAAAAAAAuU/fPp20Ux0NlQ/s1600/00014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TTm2qT6BFmI/AAAAAAAAAuU/fPp20Ux0NlQ/s400/00014.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TTm2vm1RntI/AAAAAAAAAuY/MMfNV_-MUf4/s1600/00015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TTm2vm1RntI/AAAAAAAAAuY/MMfNV_-MUf4/s400/00015.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TTm20rVEi2I/AAAAAAAAAuc/YxcqkaU6Cz8/s1600/00016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TTm20rVEi2I/AAAAAAAAAuc/YxcqkaU6Cz8/s400/00016.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you to everyone who came out into the winter's cold to support and be a part of this vigil.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a great success! Together we can speak out for freedom and human rights. No action is too small... We must be the change we want to see in the world and hold our leaders accountable ...</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-3630646966666992610?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-3595092234291404172011-01-09T23:34:00.003-05:002011-01-09T23:36:07.789-05:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">story and photos by Howard G. Fass</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TSqLZr3zSxI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/oxclVLLDhcw/s1600/DSC_0396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TSqLZr3zSxI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/oxclVLLDhcw/s400/DSC_0396.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On January 8th we all had our seventh monthly Harvard Square outreach event to support the nation of Taiwan and the aspirations for freedom, justice and human rights for the 23-million people who call this island home.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Despite the increasingly cold winter weather we had a respectable turnout of volunteers to speak out for Taiwan. We had the important opportunity to speak out and share with those who spoke to us or continued passing by in the cold but read our signs.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This vigil and the people who took part in it are not supported by any political party, green or blue. Rather it is a gathering of interested people who care about Taiwan and wish to stand up for basic human rights and values that apply to all human beings everywhere.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This vigil is held every month, rain or shine at Harvard Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Next month, we will hold this vigil on February 12th from 12NOON to 2PM.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you...</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TSqL3LnYFKI/AAAAAAAAAtU/wBSwS-9FOAE/s1600/DSC_0397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TSqL3LnYFKI/AAAAAAAAAtU/wBSwS-9FOAE/s400/DSC_0397.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TSqL_VILTsI/AAAAAAAAAtY/EPGeKhBHkx0/s1600/DSC_0395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TSqL_VILTsI/AAAAAAAAAtY/EPGeKhBHkx0/s400/DSC_0395.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TSqMIP3vSaI/AAAAAAAAAtc/YLrpfQG19FU/s1600/imagesCAAZVN15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TSqMIP3vSaI/AAAAAAAAAtc/YLrpfQG19FU/s400/imagesCAAZVN15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.thesnowlion.com</span></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-359509223429140417?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-37440964897407105722010-12-17T01:24:00.000-05:002010-12-17T01:24:32.246-05:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Story and Photos by Howard G. Fass</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">December 16, 2010</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TQsAFh11goI/AAAAAAAAAsw/E2V77Y5tRlk/s1600/FAPAlogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TQsAFh11goI/AAAAAAAAAsw/E2V77Y5tRlk/s200/FAPAlogo.jpg" width="198" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was very fortunate and honored to be a part of the Massachusetts' group of FAPA members who went as constituents to speak to their congressional representatives in the US government to voice our concerns regarding human rights and freedom for the 23-million people of Taiwan. We also met with representatives of The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission.</span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span>&nbsp; </div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Part of our mission was to request our representatives to join The Congressional Taiwan Caucus which is a large bi-partisan caucus whose mission is to provide its members of Congress and the Senate with pertinent detailed information on what is both current and important regarding Taiwan. Currently there are two Massachusetts Congress members who are Congressional Taiwan Caucus members. There are currently, 125 congressmen and 19 senators in this caucus.</span> </div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In addition to this we called attention to the strange scenario Taiwan finds itself on the world stage; Taiwan is one of only a few nations that the United States does not have formal diplomatic relations with. In this regard, the vibrant young democracy of Taiwan has been made to join the likes of North Korea, Iran and Cuba in having no formal direct ties with Washington!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now, we know that there is a trade commission known as The "AIT" which serves as a quasi-diplomatic US reach to Taiwan; but the message internationally is confusing, vague and often contradictory. In an environment where Taiwan is under the constant threat of immanent military attack and diplomatic persecution by a hostile China which openly claims the island as its own territory, such ambiguity has got to end soon. We feel that this persistent ambiguity only emboldens China to potentially act rashly and endangers the legal rights of the Taiwanese people themselves to have full political and international breathing-space free from threats and danger.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Massachusetts' FAPA team also communicated our view that Taiwan's freedom, democracy and human rights are also in The United States' best interests and the best interests of the entire region as well. If strategic Taiwan should be allowed to perish as a free independent democracy, the message to the rest of the world in Asia would be that America has retreated from protecting our critical interests and core-principles in the region leaving the door wide open for China. Our allies would feel abandoned and may choose to make strategic new alliances to safeguard their own interests and future.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The world is already starting to witness an embolden China that lays vast claims to the entire South China Sea in complete violation of international maritime law and bullies just about every neighboring state from India to Japan to Vietnam, Taiwan and The Philippines with extra-territorial claims and disputes.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We know that The United States can not control what China chooses or chooses not to do regarding Taiwan, human rights and freedom. But we do know that The United States can control what it does choose to do. We hope and pray, that in the final analysis, our great nation chooses to stand-up and defend its principles and support human rights and democracy, not for just Taiwan, but for everyone...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We would like to thank everyone at FAPA headquarters who put so much time and effort into this event and made it such a great success. We would like to also thank all the congressional offices and The Tom Lantos Commission for taking the time to meet with us and discuss Taiwan.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are especially grateful to live in a great nation where we can travel freely and meet with our political representatives and voice our concerns free from fear of violence or oppression. These are the things that lack entirely inside Beijing and are starting to slide in Taipei...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you,</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TQsAvTk0rsI/AAAAAAAAAs0/3I5GhiJchH4/s1600/fapa001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TQsAvTk0rsI/AAAAAAAAAs0/3I5GhiJchH4/s400/fapa001.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Massachusetts FAPA team</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TQsBEdK9OCI/AAAAAAAAAs4/_AHsUKWRD-k/s1600/fapa002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TQsBEdK9OCI/AAAAAAAAAs4/_AHsUKWRD-k/s400/fapa002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ready to speak out for human rights and freedom for Taiwan</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TQsBTJ4MNPI/AAAAAAAAAs8/qYiJ0Tj1HK4/s1600/fapa003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TQsBTJ4MNPI/AAAAAAAAAs8/qYiJ0Tj1HK4/s400/fapa003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TQsBaO6c58I/AAAAAAAAAtA/XgkMwa70SP4/s1600/fapa004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TQsBaO6c58I/AAAAAAAAAtA/XgkMwa70SP4/s400/fapa004.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With members from The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TQsBovs-7OI/AAAAAAAAAtE/VHel4FHO5YE/s1600/fapa005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TQsBovs-7OI/AAAAAAAAAtE/VHel4FHO5YE/s400/fapa005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TQsBuw40luI/AAAAAAAAAtI/yb7EShUjuTM/s1600/fapa007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TQsBuw40luI/AAAAAAAAAtI/yb7EShUjuTM/s400/fapa007.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To learn more about FAPA please visit here:&nbsp; <a href="http://www.fapa.org/">FAPA</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.thesnowlion.com</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-3744096489740710572?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-53262347810698374832010-12-06T20:22:00.006-05:002010-12-06T20:28:13.145-05:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">December 06, 2010</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">story and photos by Howard G. Fass</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TP2K8ZbqPLI/AAAAAAAAAsM/UHgXPPppUhE/s1600/DSC_0113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TP2K8ZbqPLI/AAAAAAAAAsM/UHgXPPppUhE/s400/DSC_0113.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On December 4th we all had our sixth monthly Harvard Square outreach event to support the nation of Taiwan and the 23-million people who call this island home.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Despite the cold weather we had an awesome turn-out of participants and were able to speak to many people, Chinese visitors included, and educate them about the legitimate and legal aspirations of the Taiwanese people to be free.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This vigil and the people who took part in it are not supported by any political party, green or blue. Rather it is a gathering of interested people who care about Taiwan and wish to stand up for basic human rights and values that apply to all human beings everywhere.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This vigil is held every month, rain or shine at Harvard Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Next month, we will hold this vigil on January 8th from 12NOON to 2PM.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you...</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TP2NWE1Wt8I/AAAAAAAAAso/xmBTTiOrbY0/s1600/DSC_0118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TP2NWE1Wt8I/AAAAAAAAAso/xmBTTiOrbY0/s400/DSC_0118.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TP2NhSR2VmI/AAAAAAAAAss/Z_f5QypQMaU/s1600/DSC_0109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TP2NhSR2VmI/AAAAAAAAAss/Z_f5QypQMaU/s400/DSC_0109.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TP2Ly1H4RHI/AAAAAAAAAsY/6bMGNPlb3_o/s1600/DSC_0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TP2Ly1H4RHI/AAAAAAAAAsY/6bMGNPlb3_o/s400/DSC_0110.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TP2L9MhO-2I/AAAAAAAAAsc/2zHxNO7w8pg/s1600/DSC_0115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TP2L9MhO-2I/AAAAAAAAAsc/2zHxNO7w8pg/s400/DSC_0115.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TP2MFfpL79I/AAAAAAAAAsg/WtT7vCU09FQ/s1600/DSC_0127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TP2MFfpL79I/AAAAAAAAAsg/WtT7vCU09FQ/s400/DSC_0127.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TP2MNRgAQDI/AAAAAAAAAsk/K3i2zOY7Hrk/s1600/DSC_0120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TP2MNRgAQDI/AAAAAAAAAsk/K3i2zOY7Hrk/s400/DSC_0120.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.thesnowlion.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.thesnowlion.com</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-5326234781069837483?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-68063684777538806082010-12-05T22:56:00.001-05:002010-12-05T22:57:59.888-05:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">November 27, 2010</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">story and photos by Howard G. Fass</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TPxdiqxW8VI/AAAAAAAAArs/ktHgQV9EMyk/s1600/a006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TPxdiqxW8VI/AAAAAAAAArs/ktHgQV9EMyk/s400/a006.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once again I had the wonderful opportunity to be at the annual SFT fund raising party in Boston this year. It has fast become an annual November tradition for all local Tibetans and Tibet supporters in the area and is a great way to have a great time while supporting a cause that means an immense amount to us all.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This year, was an especially heartfelt event as we all payed homage and honored the passing of Geshla Tsulga, who was a local Tibetan Geshe (Lama) at the Kurukulla Center located in Medford. His loss is felt by all and it was decided by the organizers of this event to especially honor his memory and to honor the loss of Lama Sonam's brother who was recently tortured to death by the Chinese inside Tibet. We also honored the loss of Lama Migmar's mother who also recently passed away.</span></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These losses remind us of the fragility and impermanence of life and how very precious our days alive are and that we need and must make the very best use of our life. This is what true religion lived working for others and positive social action are all about.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On a more personal note, this year's SFT event was yet another way for me to personally honor Geshla Tsulga and everything he taught me in the brief precious few years that I had the opportunity to know and learn from him. He was an active supporter of Tibetan freedom and the rights and dignity for all living beings everywhere. He is deeply missed, but his legacy lives on...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The good work that SFT has been doing all these years for Tibet is a reminder and a wake-up call to the world that human rights and freedom are issues that will not die and will never be allowed to be swept under the rug in the name of power politics and corporate greed....</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Howard</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TPxeExsarNI/AAAAAAAAArw/giUyytufWhI/s1600/a007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TPxeExsarNI/AAAAAAAAArw/giUyytufWhI/s400/a007.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TPxeLmt13kI/AAAAAAAAAr0/70QlIWol6_Y/s1600/a003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TPxeLmt13kI/AAAAAAAAAr0/70QlIWol6_Y/s400/a003.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TPxeSRcj5WI/AAAAAAAAAr4/g6NXgDkrd14/s1600/a008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TPxeSRcj5WI/AAAAAAAAAr4/g6NXgDkrd14/s400/a008.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TPxeZTJsh7I/AAAAAAAAAr8/rPxxgG3A1JM/s1600/a001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TPxeZTJsh7I/AAAAAAAAAr8/rPxxgG3A1JM/s400/a001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TPxelxannfI/AAAAAAAAAsA/gvmrDOhYC9A/s1600/a002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TPxelxannfI/AAAAAAAAAsA/gvmrDOhYC9A/s400/a002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TPxelxannfI/AAAAAAAAAsA/gvmrDOhYC9A/s1600/a002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TPxelxannfI/AAAAAAAAAsA/gvmrDOhYC9A/s400/a002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TPxetJK2afI/AAAAAAAAAsE/PdJWCqHip9M/s1600/a004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TPxetJK2afI/AAAAAAAAAsE/PdJWCqHip9M/s400/a004.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TPxetJK2afI/AAAAAAAAAsE/PdJWCqHip9M/s1600/a004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TPxetJK2afI/AAAAAAAAAsE/PdJWCqHip9M/s400/a004.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TPxe1z2vd7I/AAAAAAAAAsI/Qk6I6uzdUmk/s1600/a005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TPxe1z2vd7I/AAAAAAAAAsI/Qk6I6uzdUmk/s320/a005.jpg" width="230" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.thesnowlion/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.thesnowlion</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6800775078508134224-6806368477753880608?l=thesnowlionblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Snow Lion Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833468095144364464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6800775078508134224.post-30489309262645813762010-11-16T10:01:00.001-05:002010-11-16T10:03:04.936-05:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">November 16, 2010</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TOKcLLg0vWI/AAAAAAAAArg/tHcriDAbUcY/s1600/DSC_0469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TOKcLLg0vWI/AAAAAAAAArg/tHcriDAbUcY/s400/DSC_0469.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Story and photos by Howard G. Fass of The Snow Lion Foundation</em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On November 12th we all had our fifth monthly Harvard Square outreach event to support the nation of Taiwan and the 23-million people who call this island home.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This vigil and the people who took part in it are not supported by any political party, green or blue. Rather it is a gathering of interested people who care about Taiwan and wish to stand up for basic human rights and values that apply to all human beings everywhere.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This vigil is held every month, rain or shine at Harvard Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Next month, we will hold this vigil on December 4th from 2PM to 4PM.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TOKcpD3ikvI/AAAAAAAAArk/fP5nySJ_I5c/s1600/DSC_0463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TOKcpD3ikvI/AAAAAAAAArk/fP5nySJ_I5c/s400/DSC_0463.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TOKcwnngOzI/AAAAAAAAAro/2BylOCz_XuQ/s1600/DSC_0462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3PiMWiXI5ks/TOKcwnngOzI/AAAAA