Dalai Lama Supports Freedom of Speech But Not Violence ` by U.P.

The Dalai Lama supports China's hosting of the Summer Olympics but says nobody has the right to tell protesters demanding freedom for Tibet "to shut up." The Dalai Lama went on to say,"We are not anti-Chinese. Right from the beginning, we supported the Olympic games... I really feel very sad the government demonizes me. I am just a human, I am not a demon." While The Dalai Lama said demonstrators have a right to their opinions, he called for nonviolence. Chinese authorities have tightly restricted access to Tibet and Tibetan areas of western China. We also know that China blocks access to Legal Pub. Tibetans have demonstrated in a request for more personal freedoms for almost two decades.

Japan's government remains quiet. Out of deference to Beijing, Japan apparently does not communicate officially with the Dalai Lama. However, the spiritual leader regularly visits Tokyo. Buddhism remains one of Japan's main religions. While I personally know little of the Buddhist faith, The Dalai Lama stance on nonviolence is refreshing and is worth consideration.