NEW WAYS TO SHOW SUPPORT FOR TIBET

With the recent publication of shocking and brutal video evidence of Chinese torture, the world is once more paying attention to the situation in Tibet. Furthering the fresh attention, 28-year-old Tibetan monk Tashi Sangpo made the news when jumping into the Machu River, shortly after being accused by the Chinese of secreting a Tibetan national flag and suspect documents.

A single day later, farmers in the Karze region of Tibet went on strike. The result being the Chinese government issued warnings that those families who strike risk being arrested and having their land impounded. The forced suicide of Tashi Sangpo also sparked new activity in Gyala, where the police station was attacked. This has led to circa 95 monks surrendering or being arrested.

(information source: http://www.tibet.net/)

With the rising attention to Tibet, comes a new way that supporters can peacefully demonstrate their support for Tibetan harmony. The following link will take you to a recent development issued from Archbishop Desmond Tutu, in which he calls for 'Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, human rights leaders and concerned individuals' to express their concern and pledge their support to the Dalai Lama in his quest for a peaceful solution.
http://www.thecommunity.com/publish/home/Archbishop-Desmond-Tutu-Statement.php

A second opportunity to show that you care about the Tibetan situation is available at http://www.studentsforafreetibet.org/article.php?id=1905

FIVE SIMPLE WAYS THAT EVERYDAY PEOPLE CAN HELP TIBET

1. Join groups and online communities to show your support.
If the member numbers continue to increase and remain solid, our world's governments will not be able to continue to pay only minimal attention to the situation. The more people who support Tibet, the more the governments will have to do so to continue to receive support at election time from the populace. Large group membership numbers show that everyday people support Tibet. Some groups are officially run and have more ideas, petitions, and power, whereas others may have more information on the Tibetan culture, religion, or discussion boards where like-minded people can share new assistance ideas.

2. Reduce China's economical hold over the world.
More and more products seem to be 'Made in China' as time passes. The growing economy of the Chinese nation makes it harder for world governments to stand up in defense of Tibet, being at risk of falling out with a 'great economical power'. If everyday people stop buying Chinese products, we can not only turn the economy around to lessen China's hold over the world, but also prevent excess money being used to purchase torture and murder weapons for use on the Tibetan population. Refusing to buy Chinese is a simple way that everyday people can show their support for Tibet. If China does not get as much income, it will be forced to spend its income on its own population rather than harming other cultures.

3. Support countries that have supported Tibet.
Many nations around the globe have offered support to Tibetans in exile. India and Bhutan have large Tibetan refugee populations, and other countries such as Switzerland have shown support as well. Buying products from these countries not only enables them to be repaid for their generosity to the Tibetan refugees, but additionally puts the economic favor into the hands of kinder people. Supporting these countries with your purchases allows them to grow and diminishes Chinese domination of the world market. It is like saying 'thank you' to them for helping Tibet and saying 'no thank you' to China for its continuing damage.

4. Wear a symbol of your support.
Spreading the word verbally is not the only way to increase awareness of the continuance of the Tibetan troubles. Several lines of T-shirt have been developed depicting 'Free Tibet' and these can show your support in an easy and everyday way. Many people only see the news printed in their newspaper or heard on their TV or radio - and soon forget the problems that remain when they are not headlines. Wearing a pro-Tibetan T-shirt will remind other people about Tibet as you walk through your daily life. Tibetan jewelry is another option. Wearing a prominent necklace for example, will bring people to admire the craftsmanship of Tibet as well as putting Tibet in focus.

5. Sign petitions.
Keeping up to date on relevant petitions is another way that everyday people can assist. Share the link to these petitions with your family and friends, as well as informing any Tibetan groups that you may belong to. The more signatures on each petition, the more impact it will have.