By Larry Gerstein
As a person of Jewish heritage, I have imagined how I would respond if Hitler were to visit the USA while the slaughtering of Jews was still going on or if it had ended. I could not sit still for one moment and I would rise up and take some action. If Hitler was to apology for his vicious, despicable acts of cruelty, I would strive to forgive him, but it would take years of hard work and reflection. Regardless, I would want Hitler to know that I totally disapproved of his actions and that he had to take full responsibility for his brutality.
While I am not Tibetan, for me, I have similar feelings and thoughts about Hu. Under his rule in Tibet during the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, unthinkable acts of violence and destruction were carried out. Further, he instituted martial law and cracked down on the religious and other freedoms granted by the previous Chinese leader of Tibet. Now as the leader of China, Hu has continued to suppress human rights in Tibet, he has helped to finalize the railroad, and he has implemented policies and strategies to further the genocide.
Instead of remaining quiet or changing the character of our actions when Hu arrives in the USA, along with coordinating the largest Tibet demonstrations ever seen in the USA, we should be filing charges against Hu leading to his appearance before an international tribunal. Why should he escape scrutiny and punishment for his crimes against humanity and his acts of genocide? He’s not repented nor would this justify a “free ride.”
If we all continue to not only ignore the brutality of such individuals but also placate them, the leaders of China will never change their position about Tibet nor will they be held accountable. To not pursue the truth is tantamount to endorsing the communist framework of control. More often than not, citizens living in communist countries are afraid to stand up in opposition to the oppression of their government for fear of severe reprisals or being denied their requests.
Not all Tibetans and TSGs will be held hostage by The PRC, nor will we succumb to the threats of guilt, open acts of intimidation, and destructive attempts to weaken our democratic freedoms. Some of us will not be held captive and will continue to mobilize our voices and resources until independence is achieved for those inside of Tibet, those who desire breaking the chains of “refugee” status so that they can return to a Free Tibet, and more important, those who died for Rangzen.
