Dalai Lama prays, encourages democracy in Taiwan

[onehandle]

Source: AP

SHIAO LIN, Taiwan – The Dalai Lama said Taiwan should have "very close and unique links" with China but also enjoy democracy as he arrived at a devastated village Monday to pray for victims of Taiwan's worst storm in 50 years.

Beijing has voiced its opposition to the Dalai Lama's visit, saying it could harm relations between the mainland and Taiwan, which Beijing wants back after the two split six decades ago.

Despite that continuing demand, Taiwan and China have dramatically improved relations after decades of enmity, with President Ma Ying-jeou making closer business ties and cultural exchanges a signature issue of his 15-month-old administration.

The Tibetan spiritual leader insisted his visit was a humanitarian one and he had no political agenda, but in his remarks to reporters he encouraged Taiwan to preserve its democracy.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090831/ap_on_re_as/as_taiwan_dalai_lama

[comtec]

1. I think he's confused

Taiwan IS a democracy!
At least the point the OP posts is confused.
The entire reason we BACKED Chang kai shek (which caused the split of taiwan from China mainland) was because he was "democratic" and not "one of them damned commie bastards" and I swear that's nearly a direct quote.

The Lama's power in Tibet (and yes I believe in a FREE Tibet... FREE from China AND the Lamas) was brutal and at times cruel.

If they want to go back to their temples they are entitled to that much.

But the government of Tibet needs to be Democratic, at the very least a parliamentary system in place.

But I digress.

[robcon]

2. I don't think the Dalai Lama is confused, but the author of the article is.

Taiwan is a thriving democracy, with peaceful changes of power several times.

[harmonicon]

3. thank you for being sane

It amazes me that people who talk about "free Tibet" listen to the Dalai Lama - I don't think theocracy and freedom should ever have anything to do with each other.

[David__77]

4. To be fair, he has resigned his "governmental" role.

He has no part in the exile "government" of Tibet any more. Formally, he does not call for independence for Tibet, and recognizes it is a part of China. Whether this is just words, I do not know.

[Lost Jaguar]

5. His Holiness...

...has worked very hard to encourage democracy in his exiled government. He has professed a consideration that the people should vote on whether or not there will even be a successor to him. He longs for his next incarnation to be that of "a simple monk." He has expressed admiration for some aspects of socialism. He acknowledges the deprivation and exploitation that existed in his country in its earlier, near-feudal history. He accepts the karma of his personal suffering from political violence, as more than one of his predecessors achieved his station through violent religious schisms. This is a worldly, sophisticated, man-of-science we're talking about. At home, he lives in austerity, as a monk, risng early, praying, eating simply, and studying sutras. He only lives his jet-set lifestyle because it is necessary to promote the cause of his peoples' self-determination, the survival of Tibetan culture, and to send a message of love and compassion even to the occupiers of his country.