THE FLAME CONTINUES

Yes, for better or worse I am back!
I am happy to see the Czech Republic government have added their voice to that of Poland and said they will not send officials to attend the opening ceremony in Beijing.
So the Chinese authorities are worried, and so they should be. The Olympic flame reached Beijing yesterday and Tiananmen Square was closed off for fear of protests.
A Senior Chinese official claims that India acknowledges Tibet is part of China, which should not surprise anyone after seeing the way the Indian police, (famous for beating and torturing suspects), treated Tibetan protesters.
Mr. Narayanan, a National Security advisor in India, made the statement to State Councillor Dai Bingguo, (according to Dai Bingguo anyway). He continued by saying the government in Delhi did not support independence for Tibet or allow anti-Chinese actions on India's soil.
Once against the invasion of Tibet, the Indian government now seems fairly happy to cuddle up to its neighbour. Strange bedfellows for sure, especially seeing as Tibet’s government in exile, plus it’s spiritual leader, reside in India. I guess you could call it diplomacy – I’d call it hypocrisy; but then what would I know?
The Chinese government are not dumb, and right now are making pre-emptive strikes. In London, for instance, the embassy is rounding up supporters ready for Sunday when the flame travels through London. They know very well that protesters and activists will dog its progress from Wembley to Greenwich.
The “Overseas Chinese Students for the Olympics” Association, ( do you think there is a tiny chance this is run by Beijing?), is organising an unofficial guard for the flame, and that could cause some serious problems for the Metropolitan police.
It is travelling by bus and boat part of the way, but will be exposed when carried through the streets between Ladbroke Grove and Lancaster Gate, then London Bridge to Whitechapel in East London.
Matt Whitticase, from Free Tibet is urging the London police to keep the two groups of protesters apart to avoid a flashpoint, (Free Tibet has held a number of meetings with officials over this).
If you want to see the exact route visit this site
http://www.london.gov.uk/torchrelay/london/map.jsp

The group supporting the Olympics claim on their web site that they have the support of the Chinese embassy. Well, does that surprise you? I would reckon they are RUN by the Chinese embassy based on claims by an ex-official about another such group in the U.S. 2 years ago.
I am hoping to join the protests Sunday, but waiting for permission from my surgeon seeing as how I have just had heart surgery.

FUEL FOR THE FLAMES

One more blog before I am admitted for surgery Wednesday.
A Chinese government official has declared the protests at the lighting of the Olympic flame as shameful!
China's Xinhua news agency has described Monday's torch-lighting ceremony at Olympia as "flawless".

I’d like to remind all readers of my blog who wish to sign the petition to go to www.everyonegroup.com
The itinerary for the first legs of the flame’s journey to Beijing is as follows:-

Torch relay in Greece 24th-29th March
Beijing March 31st
Almaty April 2nd
Istanbul April 3rd.
I can only hope that there are peaceful protests at these, (and all scheduled ), cities as the flame continues its journey.
One more news item from China –Yang Chunlin has been jailed for 5 years in China for gathering 10,000 signatures on an open letter entitled, “We want human rights, not the Olympics”. The prosecutor claimed it “stained China’s international image” and amounted to subversion.
I think he wasted his time – the Chinese government have made an excellent job of staining their image, without any private help!
See ya soon - the sooner the better.

FAN TIBET'S SPLUTTERING FLAME

The Olympic flame was lit today amid attempts to disrupt it by Tibet supporters. Yes, I agree, the Olympics are a symbol of international cooperation and peace; but how can anyone consider this as such when the organising country is guilty of breaching such ideals. The word hypocrites comes to mind.
The president of the Chinese organising committee, Liu Qui, was disrupted by protesters as he spoke prior to the flame being lit, and more were awaiting it on its initial journey. The police moved in quickly, but not quick enough to prevent the images being broadcast world-wide, with the exception, of course, being China, who did not show the images on Chinese television.
I am sure these will not be the only protests as it makes its way to the Olympic stadium, and nobody should be surprised at such protests because the flame will be moving through countries that, (unlike China), allow free expression – some anyway.
The concept of the Olympics bringing people together in a combined act of brotherly love is a meritorious principle. Unfortunately, we live in the real world, and the real world has always had, and always will have, dictatorial regimes, who care little for world opinion.
The fact that many countries and companies are willing to prostitute their values in order to reap financial benefits shows just how much they truly care about freedom and human rights. God forbid that the people of Tibet should stand in the way of the mighty dollar,(or pound, rupee etc).
I hope and pray the flame’s path to China will be a rocky one, and that, even if the Chinese budge not one centimetre in their flagrant disregard for world opinion. They will at least know, (and hopefully sleep badly knowing that), millions around the world despise them.
There will be no blog for a few days because I am going into hospital tomorrow for a heart operation.
I’ll be back soon – I can only thank the supreme power(s) that be that there are others around the world, (especially Everyonegroup, of which I am a proud member), holding the torch high to shed light on abuse of human rights.

In fact, if you check our web site, (http://www.everyonegroup.com/), you will see the leaders of the group are proposing to award alternative medals to those athletes withdawing from the games in protest at the continuing Chinese aggression in Tibet.

I quote from the Official torch journey web site:-

The theme of the relay is "Journey of Harmony".
The theme embodies the Olympic ideal of 'placing sport at the service of the harmonious development of man, with a view to promoting a peaceful society concerned with the preservation of human dignity'. 'Harmony' boasts strong Chinese characteristics, and expresses the traditional Chinese philosophy in pursuit of a balance between man and nature, among people and between man's body and soul. It also supports Chinese people's wish of building a harmonious society of enduring peace and common prosperity.

To use a well-known phrase - WHAT A LOAD OF BOLLOCKS!

See ya

NO GOOD NEWS EXCEPT FROM THE USA!

The Chinese have admitted that unrest has now spread outside the so-called autonomous region to nearby provinces. Reports of 400 troop carriers moving into the area suggest that China is determined to crack down on these “mobsters”, (their words, not mine). They also blame the Dali Lhama for these problems. I guess it’s easier to blame him, (or anyone else come to that), rather than accept the fact they had no right entering Tibet in the first place.
Their first concern now is damage control, especially with the Olympics coming up. An event I sincerely hope will be marred by disruptions and protests.
At least one country, (Poland), is talking about a government delegation not attending the opening ceremonies in protest. Good on ya Poland. Shame more countries don’t have the courage to stand up to the authoritarian communist bullies that make up China’s leadership.
The U.N. through its spokesman is calling for restraint on both sides – they are not sitting on the fence – they leave the gate open so as to run backwards and forwards! Other countries, such as New Zealand and Canada, have voiced their objection; but it’s only the U.N. that can really have any effect on the situation. That is the theory, but based on past cases, this lumbering dinosaur is either unwilling, or unable, to take effective measures at times like this.
Russia's UN Ambassador, Vitaly Churkin, said Tibet was "not a matter for the Security Council".
UN spokeswoman Michele Montas said that the body had no independent reports of what was happening in Tibet. "We have completely conflicting numbers in terms of how many people died," she added. Nice one that! Good let out! An accurate body count is required before any action is taken.
"With the Olympics ahead... they really will pay a terrible cost in international public opinion if they're seen to violently crack down on dissidents,". That was Mark Malloch-Brown, England’s Minister for Africa, Asia and the United Nations. Now, the dictionary definition of a dissident is, and I quote, “a person who publicly disagrees with and criticizes their government”. The point is, Tibetans do not, and should not, recognise the Chinese government as being theirs, so why call them dissidents? Religious suppression and denial of basic human rights have been the mainstay of the Chinese government’s policy for a long time. Why change their habits now?
India? I guess their affiliations with China are fairly strong judging by yhe way they handled peaceful Tibetan protesters the other day.
Some say Tibetan autonomy is not possible, sitting as it does between two rapacious giants, China and India. They sustained themselves before, and, if they choose to take the path of independence rather than opting for economic growth, who’s to say they are wrong?

I think this is all called pussy-footing and seems to go for most countries. Naive? Yeah, maybe I am; but if someone comes in and settles down in my house uninvited, I sure as hell am not going to sit there and accept it!
I suppose you could call what’s happened during the last week a dispute ending in collateral damage – trust the Americans to come up with such a friendly sounding phrase for dead people. Collateral damage is a great euphemism – rather like someone saying their relative has “passed away”, or that they’ve “lost their uncle”. Lost him where? Passed a what? Makes death sound almost cosy.

JUST HEARD THAT NANCY PELOSI A SENIOR U.S. LAW MAKER HAS CALLED FOR THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY TO DENOUNCE CHINA'S RULE IN TIBET!

GOOD FOR YOU NANCY!!!

See ya

"THE U.N. IS A ASS ... A IDIOT"

The title? A “modified” Dickens quote by Mr. Bumble in Oliver Twist, (“If the law supposes that,” said Mr. Bumble,… “the law is a ass—a idiot. If that’s the eye of the law, the law is a bachelor; and the worst I wish the law is that his eye may be opened by experience—by experience.”).
I am sure that many national representatives at the U.N. feel that they are doing a great job. The problem is, they are so removed from the real world, (ensconced as they are in their ivory tower), that they fail to fulfil their duties to the ordinary men and women they purport to protect and watch over.
Take the 1948 U.N. declaration of human rights. How many member states abide by those articles? And how many member states do anything when a fellow member abuses, or ignores, those rights?
Maybe I take too simplistic view, and I am convinced that were I to ask any representative, they would put forward what they considered a reasonable argument for their dereliction of duty.
Examples? There are so many. True, I will not touch on many cases or all articles because it would mean a blog so long most people would give up reading it.
Article 4. Slavery. Having seen the situation with Asian servants in Saudi Arabia myself, I would say that it exists there.
Article 5. and the U.S.A. Can we seriously believe that torture and degrading treatment is not being used during interrogations? This applies to many countries, not just the U.S.A; but, you have the greatest responsibility when you claim, and are acknowledged, (albeit grudgingly), to be the world leader.
Article 18. and religion. How many countries have no freedom of religion and continue to flout the U.N. declaration without comment? China for one and Saudi Arabia. The Pope is in the process of trying to persuade the Saudis to allow churches, (for churches read Roman Catholic churches) and open practise of religion. There is nothing in Islam, (th the best of my knowledge), that prevents this. The problem is, Saudis follow the Wahabi extremist view, and he religious police called muttawahs hold sway over the country.
Article 19. Too many countries to mention individually that flout this one.
The list goes on and on. How can we be asked to accept this leviathan of an institution when it fails to institute or take action over the laws and rules its members formulated?
Or is it me? Am I failing to see something important?
The latest incidents in Tibet – what have the U.N. done? Slumped, yet again, into a heap of inactivity.
Plus ca change, plus la meme chose.

WOULD YOU TRUST THIS MAN?

It’s incredible! The Chinese Premier, Wen Jiabao has accused the Dalai Lama of masterminding recent violence in Tibet's main city, Lhasa.
It’s like a bunch of thieves break into your house, and then complain when you start protesting about their presence. I guess you have to admire the authoritarian bull shitter. After all, he and his henchmen manage to suppress and intimidate their own people, so why not the Tibetans?
And the world community stands by, slaps his wrist and curses the Tibetans for giving them a headache.
My dearest wish is that there are many protests before and during the Olympics. The Chinese face of modernity and improvement in human rights can only be compared to covering up a massive crack in your house structure with some wallpaper. The trouble is, world governments and organisations seem to be fooled by the pretty design on this particular wall covering.
I’m convinced that companies “supporting” the Olympics care little about this oppressive, dictatorial regime. It is money that makes the world go round, and bugger where it comes from half the time.
See ya

A THORN IN CHINA'S SIDE

This is Gedhun Choekyi Nyima. He is 18 now, and has not been seen since he was “disappeared” by the Chinese government subsequent to his being chosen as the 11th Panchen Lhama. Where is he? And who is now the Panchen Lhama?
Gedhun is somewhere in China leading a “normal” life – somewhere safe for his own protection, ( The Chinese government’s words, not mine). Protection from what? Only the Chinese know that, because they are quite content with Qoigyijabu becoming Panchen Lhama – one NOT approved of by the Dali Lhama, but chosen by a committee established by our beneficent brothers, the Chinese government in residence.
Just another small step in the relentless march of reform started in 1949 when the Chinese occupied Tibet. The Dali Lhama fled Tibet in 1959 and has since led the life of an exile.
China’s has a burning desire to be recognised as a true member of the international community – even more so in this, the year they hold the Olympics.
The story if Tibetan history in the 20th and 21st century is a tragic one – the tragedy made worse by the seemingly indifference from the world community, especially governments and NGO’s.
The latest uprisings can be looked on as a good or bad thing, (depending on your outlook). The Dali Lhama has called it cultural genocide – latest count is about 80 dead last night.
A good thing? In one way because it has brought the smouldering resentment of he Tibetan people back into the headlines. Tibet has been, for far too long, shifted to the sidelines as far as human rights abuses are concerned. The Chinese government have since 1949, (and fo reasons best known to themselves), claimed Tibet as pat of China. In spite of the Dali Lhama maintaining a high profile, China has, in my opinion, worked it such their importance on the world business stage has ensured few really serious efforts have been made to remove them as overlords of this mountain kingdom.
China wants only to show the world what steps they are making to improve human rights. This is, of course, because of the Olympics. Many cry the Olympics should not be used for political purposes. I agree – only Tibet’s freedom is not a political matter – it’s a human rights matter.
I only hope many responsible people and companies will take the opportunity to voice their objections during this Olympic year – show the Chinese government for brutal oppressive regime it really is.Some links for you:-

Groups supporting Tibet http://www.tibet.com/Address/tsg.html

In the U.K write to your MP and Euro Mp's

http://www.writetothem.com/

Free Tibet group http://www.freetibet.org/

Enough tiny stones can build a strong wall

See ya

HOW EASILY WE LOSE A SENSE OF PERSPECTIVE

This photo is of Jokhang Square in Lhasa just 3 days ago. The harmless looking policeman shown here were, it appears from what tourists report, a publicity exercise as opposed to the real hard men in the background who arrested a number of Sera monks. This link is to a blog of someone who was there:-
http://steve.ulrike.stivi.be/english/list.php?LijstNr=2&Item=55

This is a personal blog, and I am well aware that my views will upset some people. Fortunately, we live in a free society, and I would like to think that free speech is alive and well too – not so sure about that!
It’s almost impossible to know where to turn or who to turn to when the subject of human rights abuse is discussed. Without wishing to lessen the importance of the case, there is much coverage at the moment of Mehdi Kazemi – the young gay Iranian who’s deportation from The Netherlands to the U.K. is imminent.
If only his was the only case; but human rights must be kept in perspective, and no one case should be allowed to detract long term from the bigger picture. There are many people fighting his case, including me, and i have no desire to lessen the impoertance of what they are doing; but we musr never develop tunnel vision when it comes to human rights.
Without lessening the importance of other issues, I have been thinking about Tibet, and the prevailing acquiescence amongst the international community. Bjork spoke out during her concert, and I admire her for doing so.
Yet the international community, (especially large conglomerates who sponsor and profit from the Olympics), have little regard for a small country that China chose to occupy, and occupy without valid legal grounds.
China hopes that the staging of the Olympics will signal its emergence as a world power. This may well happen, and they will not be the first world power to scorn human rights – history is littered with nations that have made a mockery of the subject, and there is no reason the 21st century should be any different. China, in my opinion, is a far larger abuser of human rights than Cuba. And yet, the “West” snuggles up to China as its bed mate purely for financial reasons, while treating Cuba as a pariah, (the USA especially).
I am no babe in the woods, and know that business and profit make the world go round; but surely it is not asking too much that any company, no matter how big and powerful, has certain ethical principles? How long have companies such as Nestle and Maxwell House used the poor growers? The situation there has changed somewhat, and I like to think it is as a result of international public pressure.
One company I admire and applaud is the British Co-Op group. They started buying direct from the coffee and cocoa growers before it became fashionable – before it was “good business practice” to do so.
I will write more on Tibet soon. Having a scientist’s mind, I like to make sure of my facts first.
See ya

MEHDI KAZEMI

I have just heard, (although yet to be confirmed), that the Dutch court has ruled against Mehdi remaiing in the Netherlands and mus be deported back to the U.K. I will confirm this with a new post as soon as I have more information from official sources.
There is talk about the case being referred to the EU court of appeals.


Mehdi is to be deported back to the U.K. within 72 hours. It's not over until it's over so SIGN THE PETITION
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/UKMADHI/

CONTACT THE HOME OFFICE
mailto:public.enquiries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk

mailto:indpublicenquiries@ind.homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk

CONTACT JACQUI SMITH
The Rt Hon Jacqui Smith MP
House of Commons, Westminster,
London, SW1A 0AA
: 01527 523355
By E mail:
smithjj@parliament.uk

IDLE THOUGHTS

I’m happy to see that Bjork registered her feelings on Tibet during her performance in China – good for her. If only more governments and “celebrities” had the courage to take the same stance over this and other issues. Needless to say, Chinese media DID NOT report the incident. Bit like the BBC really. I have searched high and low on their site for news about Mehdi – the only result for Mehdi’s name when searching the BBC web site was a link to the Independent front page last week.
I guess it was Mehdi Kazemi’s case that really brought me back into the realms of activism. OK, I was biased, seeing as he is a young gay guy having serious problems, and I am an older gay guy who recently found true love. I’m not a sentimentalist though, and realise my ability to change things is limited; but to do nothing at all, (no matter how ineffective my efforts are), is, to me, a crime against humanity.
I’m busy working, leading a normal life – just the same as you; but none of us should ever be so busy that we can’t spare a few minutes to register our disapproval, our dissatisfaction, with governments and institutions far more powerful than ourselves, and who’s actions we disagree with. This is the age of instant communication. Those of us living in a country where free speech is a right have a moral responsibility to those less fortunate. OK, my efforts might be useless; but I at least try. What do you think would have happened if Schindler had turned the other way during WWII?
Ants are tiny creatures – almost powerless individually; but look at them working as a team! We could learn a lot from observing them. “What can I do? I’m only one person”, is no excuse at all.
Although I now teach English as a second language online, my training is as a scientist, and my scientific background has made me a life-long researcher. Having become a member of the Everyone Group, (an honour I do not really consider myself worthy of), I need to research many of the issues I intend writing about, and there are plenty, believe me. Apart from the current issues receiving attention, (such as Mehdi, and the Rrom and Sinti people), I have always felt the world powers-that-be turned, and turn, away from the problems of Tibet. I am well aware that the U.S. government have a rather distorted view of human rights and oppressive regimes. How come they cuddle up to the Chinese authorities, and condemn outright the Cuban administration? Seems to me the Chinese are far more oppressive than Cuba. It’s business and trade I know, and many would argue it is business that makes the world go round. There is a trend now towards companies being more aware of public opinion and stressing their commitment to fair trade etc., although this often stems from a desire to increase profits rather than any sense of altruism.
I have no idea where this blog will go – I’m as curious about that as, I hope, you are.
See ya

MEHDI KAZEMI

Mehdi Kazemi – I’ve written a load about him on my other blog.
The UK government claims, and I quote from the Border and Immigration Agency:-

“To be recognised as a refugee, you must have left your country and be unable to go back because you have a well-founded fear of persecution.”
“The United Kingdom also adheres to the European Convention on Human Rights, which prevents us sending someone to a country where there is a real risk they will be exposed to torture, or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment”.

Mehdi came here to study, (his uncle lives here), and had every intention of returning, (his boyfriend was back home – why would he not want to return?). During his stay the Iranian authorities arrested his partner, and finally executed him for being a homosexual, although only after he had revealed the name of his partner.

Now, I may be dumb, or stupid; but surely that places Mehdi in a position of being at real risk of “degrading treatment” as they call it above. The UK government is NOT adhering to the European Convention on Human Rights – in fact, they are flouting it. He does have a “well-founded fear of persecution”.
And yet, they make other claims that there is no hard evidence of homosexual men being executed, How about this?

These were two gay teenagers placed on the back of a lorry - the lorry drove off, leaving them to suffocate slowly while the crowds looked on.

For your, ( and the Home Office’s), information, the Iranian powers-that-be do not use the long drop method of hanging. They use a short drop, and that means the victim does not die instantly – he or she suffocates slowly. That’s exactly what the sick people in authority want. All done in the name of religion.

The British officials are also reported as having said gays are safe as long as they are discrete. That is a load of bullshit, because even if he does deny his homosexuality and live a “discrete” life, Mehdi is marked purely because of his partner having named him prior to being executed. And why should he lead a life in the shadows purely because he was born gay?

They also misunderstand Iranian claims by the judiciary that the number of public hangings will be reduced - any idiot can see the Iranian authorities will hang them in prison beyond the eyes of the world.
He, I, we, did not choose to be gay – we were born that way, and it will be a terrible black mark on Britain’s reputation if the Dutch do deport him back here only for the UK government to deport him back to Iran.
I was accused by one Euro MP of wanting to bring all gay Iranians into Britain. I never asked any such thing; but I do ask for some compassion to be shown to this one young man who commits no crime in loving another man – who has done no wrong, except fall foul of a brutal, lying, totalitarian Muslim regime.

AN INTRODUCTION

Those of you who already follow the other blog abour Brian and I know that the blog was becoming a mouthpiece for human rights. Brian did not complain - far from it; but I decided that human rights deserved a blog all of their own - so here it is.
I can't tell you what it will be about - maybe just personal views - for sure campaigns and links - hopefully a gentle, (sometimes hard), nudge to readers who, (mostly not intentionally so), choose to turn away, or cross the road and pass by on the other side.
Yes, I have done that sure - I have also written and campaigned over the years on behalf of many causes. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak with the health problems I have. BUT, I still believe in the power of the written word - the old adage, "The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword" is still valid today . Shame that so many people seem to have lost the ability to write, and that is criminal. We live in an age of mass communication - no need for paper and pen - no stamps or trip to the post box. All we have to do is register our approval, anger, or disquiet and send it - WHAM! Gone in 60 seconds, (less actually, but who counts?). if only all those people who express their opinions in speech would take a few minutes to send them by e-mail.
All I can hope is my blog will stir a few people into action - and maybe, just maybe, those few will stir a few others. SImilar to the Theory of Chaos - the Butterfly Effect, (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butterfly_effect).
Yeah, I still have a basic faith in humanity, even if that faith is misplaced a lot of the time.
See ya