Let’s do this like buddhists

George W. Bush will meet the Dalai Lama tomorrow to give him a Congressional medal. Chinese officials are miffed because they fear it gives his Holiness political power in Tibet they’d rather have remain with the Chinese Party. They’d probably would like nothing better than for him to curl up and die. (He’d be back.) Or at least go away and stop peacefully protesting.

This recent episode does not only show the ugly side of China, it is also a fine example of peaceful protest done right because of that very reason. The BBC reports:

Chinese officials in Tibet expressed fury at the announcement of the Congressional award.

Tibet’s Communist Party Secretary of Tibet, Zhang Qingli, accused the exiled spiritual leader of trying to “split the motherland”.

“We are furious,” he said. “If the Dalai Lama can receive such an award, there must be no justice or good people in the world.”

Asked by journalists after the meeting to comment on China’s reaction, the Buddhist leader said: “That always happens”. BBC

Somehow I doubt this would be getting so much play in the mainstream press if the Chinese had just kept their mouths shut. Instead they openly protested and shone the spotlight on him. All he had to do is smile and say “yeah, they always act this way” and he looks good.

Now that is wisdom.