Still No Meeting Between Obama and Dalai Lama
So we’re on day 8 of the Dalai Lama ‘s visit to the United States, and still no meeting with President Obama. The holiest of holy people is in the capitol for the Kalachakra for World Peace 2011, a religious festival that’s a beacon for thousands of Buddhists each year. I’m not Buddhist, but like any non-evil human being I respect the Dalai Lama and am sensitive to the human rights atrocities that have plagued Tibet over the years. The leader of the exiled government has met with several non-profit groups in D.C. during his stay, but nothing yet with the big dog.
This really shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. China has issued a statement warning that it would be very unhappy if the president met with the Dalai Lama. We all know Obama doesn’t want to step on China’s toes. So excuse him while he avoids standing up for what’s right or moral or courageous. Say what you will about George W., but he always made a point of being very public regarding his meetings with the Dalai Lama. But you know, this is a different America. One where we’re more concerned to not come off bullyish than we are about being a leader of the free world. One where we’re relinquishing our superpower status in favor of China every day. But that’s ok.
In all honesty, I’m not sure what’s worse: not meeting with him at all, or a repeat of what happened last year. For those of you who are not familiar, check out this photo:
Painful to look at, no?
Yup, that’s the him. The Dalai Lama. Being shushed out the back door of The White House right by the giant trash heap. Last year China said that it would prefer Obama not to meet with the Dalai Lama, but if he did, to make it discreet. This was Obama’s discreet. Let’s not send him out the front door, but send him robes-and-all through the back door and over the trash. Good to know we’re now China’s new lapdog. We do as we’re told.