Tibet, China, and Presidential Hopefuls

The nation of Tibet has been much in the news lately as Red China seeks more control there. China, of course, sees Tibet's culture and religious views as a threat to an orderly, centrist, Chinese government.

Now, as the focus of the world shifts to that region as publicity for the upcoming Olympic games increases, Tibet's separatist faction has taken the opportunity to showcase their struggle against China's oppressive policy. No doubt it would have happened anyway, but coincidentally...

China, for her part, is caught in a vice. She must quell the outbursts to maintain credibility in the region (oppressive regimes must retain face, above all else, lest the mindset slips), and yet not mar the world's view of the grandiose Olympic host.

In the most transparent of all cop-outs, China is trying to paint the Dalai Lama as a violent behind-the-scenes puppeteer.

Surely, this is an opportunity for presidential hopefuls Clinton, McCain, and Obama to give the voters an inkling of what they would do in an uprising that could very well lead to a reinactment of Tienanmen Square.

Predictably (or interestingly, depending on your personal bias), they are all three marching in lockstep. None are calling for any harsh action against China. Whether this is based on a policy of cautious diplomacy, waiting for one of the others to go overboard, or concerns over keeping Walmart stocked with Chinese schlock merchandise in our teetering economy is unclear.

In a (bold?) statement, Clinton says, "I think that what's happening in Tibet is deeply troubling, and this is a pattern of the Chinese government with respect to their treatment of Tibet." Try bland next time, Hillary.

McCain adds, "It's not correct that the people there are being subjected to mistreatment. That is not acceptable conduct from a world power, which China is." A nod to a trading partner?

And Obama, a graduate of Pastor Wright's theological tutelage, chimes in, "We can start now by speaking out for the human rights and religious freedom of the people of Tibet." God**** China, God**** China, their chickens are coming home to roost!