Fair Feels Good

After decades of suffering, the Tibetan people have burst onto the streets in protests and riots. The spotlight of the upcoming Olympic Games is now on China, and Tibetan Nobel peace prize winner the Dalai Lama is calling to end all violence through restraint and dialogue–he urgently needs the support of the world’s people.

China’s leaders are lashing out publicly at the Dalai Lama–but we’re told many Chinese officials believe dialogue is the best hope for stability in Tibet. China’s leadership is right now considering a crucial choice between crackdown and dialogue that could determine Tibet’s, and China’s, future.

We can affect this historic choice. China does care about its international reputation, and we can help them choose the right path. China’s President Hu Jintao needs to hear that the ‘Made in China’ brand and the upcoming Olympics in Beijing will succeed only if he makes the right choice. But it will take an avalanche of global people power to get his attention.

China’s economy is dependent on “Made in China” exports that we all buy, and the government is keen to make the Olympics in Beijing this summer a celebration of a new and respected China. China is also a sprawling, diverse country with much brutality in its past, so it has good reasons to be concerned about stability — some of Tibet’s rioters killed innocent people. But President Hu must recognize that the greatest danger to Chinese stability and development today comes from hardliners who advocate escalating repression, not from those Tibetans seeking dialogue and reform.

We will deliver our petition directly to Chinese officials in New York, London and Beijing, but it must be a massive number first.

The Tibetan people have suffered quietly for decades. It is finally their moment to speak, we must help them be heard.

The petition for restraint and dialogue in Tibet is exploding, with 253,353 signers since March 19! Add your voice to the outcry now. Sign the petition The goal is 1 million voices united for Tibet.

Icelandic singer, Bjork, causes controversy again! This time it is not her bizarre dress sense, but her political stance.

In her recent concert in Shangai she declared ”Tibet! Tibet!” three times, and to end a passionate performance of her song ”Declare Independence”. The lyrics include “raise your flag, ignore their patronizing, tear off their blindfold, open their eyes…declare independence”.

Typically, Chinese state media did not report on the concert. (The state does not tell people inside China about its harsh and oppressive rule over Tibet, so why should it mention any opposition to its rule). But, online news sites were aflame with anger and criticism. “If she really did this, then this woman really makes people throw up,” one comment on popular Chinese Web site Sina.com said.

While Chinese fans are angry, reported posting comments on websites:

“Wow, the nerve! Where did she get the courage to do this? Weirdo!”

“I like Bjork”, said one, “it’s OK for her to have a different point of view, but for her to do this is disrespectful to fans here - very selfish of her”.

Why do western stars give a shit about Tibet. Isn’t Tibet ours?! Mind your own business!”

Many, including the Free Tibet Movement, commend her courage.

Speaking out in a controlled state is risky. Bjork will probably not be allowed in China again in the near future. She has already had her show canceled at the 2008 Serbian EXIT Festival concerts due to her dedicating the same song to Kosovo in her concerts in Japan. We see here a true artist, performing from her heart and caring enough about her convictions to speak our loudly and without fear.

Bjork released this comment on her official website, which is now banned in China.

I would like to put importance on that i am not a politician, I am first and last a musician and as such I feel my duty to try to express the whole range of human emotions. the urge for declaring independence is just one of them but an important one that we all feel at some times in our lives. This song was written more with the personal in mind but the fact that it has translated to its broadest meaning, the struggle of a suppressed nation, gives me much pleasure.
I would like to wish all individuals and nations good luck in their battle for independence.
Justice !