Home > Opinions > Checks and Balances: "Obama of China"

Checks and Balances: "Obama of China"

By Rinchen | Tibet Sun

Rinchen Photographer unknown

Throughout this interesting journey of the Kalon Tripa Elections, I am enamoured by the energy, enthusiasm and the interest general Tibetan population has started to take in it. I think this is an achievement all Tibetans must relish and be proud of. What we are seeing is the evolution of a modern democracy, though small in extent, but significant in essence. This makes a Tibetan Youth like me, more and more motivated to engage in this exciting process. However, seeing some recent developments, it also makes me concerned, considering the direction a few players in this election have chosen to take.

With the evolution of modern politics and democratic trends within our society, one must also have certain checkpoints, which curtail and minimize any negative elements of modern politics creeping into our society. We must maintain, the Tibetanness, when it comes to the moral high ground, we as Tibetans have always claimed, specifically because of His Holiness The Dalai Lama. Without which, I don’t think we can claim to be truly Tibetan or even the followers of His Holiness.

After having watched the original video of the Woodrow Wilson Centre event, the depth and eloquence of Dr Lobsang Sangay with respect to all aspects of the Tibetan issue, is more than evident here, especially when you watch the complete video. I recommend it to all readers of this piece.

I am none the less far more motivated to be a tiny part of that checkpoint, which prevents these negative elements of modern politics from creeping in and tarnishing this wonderful evolutionary process of Katri elections occurring in our society. Call me an idealistic, naïve youth if you like.

Being a critical and a well informed youth, I am aware of the power of misinformation in our society, whether historically it was the imprisonment of Gendhun Choephel, or more recently, the banishing of the late Professor Dawa Norbu from Dharamshala, who was a friend of Jamyang Norbu la. Of course things have changed now; Tibetans are more educated and far better informed than ever before. However, such methods are still quite powerful.

As a strong and vocal supporter of Dr Lobsang Sangay la, I considered it necessary to dig deeper into this “Obama Of China” quote initially reported by Jamyang Norbu la. Considering, me and my fellow friends had initiated and are running a campaign website to support Dr Lobsang Sangay la, I consider it my moral obligation to our supporters to present a clear and honest perspective on the matter. We requested Dr Lobsang Sangay la to give us access to the talk at Woodrow Wilson Centre and it was finally possible to have the centre upload the complete video of the event on its website.

What was surprising, though expected, was the fact that Dr Lobsang Sangay never actually said what was being quoted by Jamyang Norbu la as “Obama of China” comment. The non-existence of this quote and subsequently the context of the whole presentation was completely different than what Jamyang Norbu la interpreted as a desire to be a Chinese and Tibetan Political Reviews’s (TPR) strange analysis as “Tibetan Integration into China”. I would not go into details of the whole presentation at Woodrow Wilson Centre, however, the only thing prominent in the presentation and the talk by Dr Lobsang Sangay, was his unraveling of Chinese policies of, I quote: “Cultural assimilation, Political Repression, Economic Marginalisation in Tibet.”

What ails me most, is witnessing the weakening of the professional integrity of Jamyang Norbu la, as a popular Tibetan writer. His writings, his views, his stand had often formed the core of my value system as a young Tibetan kid in a Tibetan school. Further more, while at college, being in the “Tibetan World Magazine” team of writers, I jumped at the opportunity of interviewing Jamyang la. But youthful admiration of a persona is bound to shatter, when maturity, exposure and experience tells you otherwise. Any avid reader of Jamyang la’s writings would agree that in his past writings, he has more than often played the devil’s advocate, mostly in a passionate and insightful manner. Many of us even related to his anguish, apparent in many of his pieces, his complaints, his frustrations, and in fact, all of that inspired youths like me. But now, in recent times, what I have witnessed is the metamorphosis of an honest and struggling Tibetan writer to a strange distraught persona.

His critique on Samdhong Rinpoche’s quote (another quote unquote diabolique) was intriguing at first. Then I watched the complete video, uploaded by Tibetan government-in-exile (TGiE) website, and surprisingly, Jamyang La’s interpretation of that quote was far from accurate. Still as a long time fan, I brushed aside any critique of Jamyang la, however honest it was. But then, with his “Obama of China” piece, I was completely awestruck, especially after reading a continuation of the first article, where he praises every other candidate, and especially glorifies his own cousin Tenzin Tethong la, and the wrath falls of only on Dr Lobsang Sangay. Does a man, referred to as a self taught Tibetan writer, read by many Tibetan people, changes his stand simply because the timing suits it.

Now I am not as much troubled by his support for his cousin, but more so by the factual inaccuracies in that write up. That is rather sad and comes as a disheartening revelation to a long time fan like me. Misinformation is a very dangerous thing and we should try our best to avoid it to make this election as clear and respectable as possible. Jamyang la himself is well aware of the consequences of misinformation, he was a close friend of late Prof Dawa Norbu la, who was also a victim of the same methods of misinformation circulating around.

Jamyang Norbu la is a popular writer, admired by many Tibetans, especially the youth, his past experience puts him in a position of a person, who understands the dynamics of everything abhorrent that was in past Tibetan politics and in fact was witness to many such events. Despite all that, he employs the same tactics either intentionally or unintentionally by spreading inaccurate reporting to his readership in particular and the Tibetan populace in general. That is a very sad thing to a naïve, idealistic youth like me. I hope that Jamyang Norbu la renders his apology to Dr Lobsang Sangay la for reporting an inaccurate detail of a comment, that was actually not given, and the context of the whole talk was different as apparent in the video. By the way, on further enquiries, I came to know that Jamyang Norbu la himself was not present in that talk.

TPR takes it one notch above than simply speculating over a fictional quote. It not only re-emphasises the validity of the quote and in fact delves on to coming to conclusions that almost label Dr Lobsang Sangay “as a communist Chinese sympathiser”. This was an effort to try and undermine the popular image of Dr Lobsang Sangay as a freedom fighter with true passion for Tibet and Tibetan people.

TPR has definitely failed to walk that fine line of balance in reporting and upholding Tibetan ethics, when it comes to claiming being an unbiased platform. Tragically, article after article, the purpose, the intent and the goal of this website seems questionable. I do not say it as a Dr Lobsang Sangay supporter, but by simply looking at the lack of any genuine article questioning Tenzin Tethong la’s policy and views, or even providing critical analysis of contradictory comments he gave in the Dharamshala and the Bylakuppe debates, one can easily see what is happening. I only wish that such a good initiative by my fellow youths, should also try to put an effort in balancing their act or come out in open backing whoever they support or believe in.

Very objectionable and prejudiced questions were asked to Dr Lobsang Sangay, from the ethnicity of his wife, to his green book payments, to his full bright scholarship, his job at Harvard, to his travel to China on a scholarly meeting in 2005, etc, etc, and the list goes on. ALL OF THESE ARE ADDRESSED WITH OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS, and by the way, the travel to China on a scholarly meet SPONSORED BY HARVARD, was vouched unequivocally/clearly by Kalon Tripa Prof Samdhong Rinpoche himself in his recent address at Minnesota. In fact Samdhong Rinpoche went further and acknowledged Dr Lobsang Sangay’s contribution in reaching out to Chinese scholars as one of the reasons why the TGiE granted him waiver to continue his position at Harvard. (The team of Kalon Tripa for Tibet will provide all the documents, and also will publish the video where Rinpoche speaks about it).

Some people have even resorted to identity theft by creating fake Facebook accounts in Dr Lobsang Sangay’ss name. Despite of Dr Lobsang Sangay’s clear cut policy approaches apparent in almost all the debates, especially the Dharamshala and the Bylakuppe debates, he was still blamed as being not clear on his policy strategies. Come on now, anyone who watched the debate can easily see who is not clear and succinct on policy issues.

Why doesn’t TPR write about how Dr Lobsang Sangay’s views on election reform were far from naïve but in fact visionary? He was the one who first suggested mail-in and proxy ballots. Considering what has happened in Nepal and Bhutan recently, is it not the sign of political foresight and sophistication, that Dr Lobsang Sangay la anticipated such events. Had the parliament adopted the mail-in-ballots, Tibetans in Nepal and Bhutan could have participated in the election unimpeded. Even our brethren from Tibet could have mailed their votes for Kalon Tripa, thereby legitimising our government and snubbing the Chinese government.

Many have questioned his academic credibility. Come now, if a scholarly position at Harvard and a PhD is not impressive, I don’t know what world we are living in. A letter from Harvard (uploaded on National Democratic Party of Tibet website) even speaks of his impeccable record both as a scholar and a person. What should actually be under the scanner, is the nature of the position held by Tenzin Tethong la at Stanford. But I won’t question that, because I am proud of any Tibetan doing good, and not jealous of it. Still a clear job title would be a good description of his position at Stanford.

Personally, it’s not the PhD that inspires me more, but the hope and the interest Dr Lobsang Sangay la has generated in Tibetan politics. Of course, I do not believe that just one person could turn the tides in Tibet’s favour, but I do believe in the sense and reason of his well educated, balanced and experienced voice. So definitely, a degree from Harvard is not the selling point as many would believe. But it’s definitely attractive and a plus point.

Contrary to some observer and commentators, including Jamyang Norbu la, who have so patronisingly brushed aside the preliminary lead of 22,000 and plus votes by Dr Lobsang Sangay la, as a result of ignorance of the common Tibetan people. I am sure; we common Tibetans are not as ignorant and foolish as some of these observers have concluded.

In one of the write ups, TPR takes another remark from Dr Lobsang la about the desire to see the Tibetan National Flag on Potala and somehow again twists it as inconsistent to his policy stands. Why doesn’t TPR realise that having an aspiration to raise the Tibetan National Flag on Potala does not necessarily stray from the ‘Middle-way’ policy? Ten months in US have made me know that many states here even have their own flags. Every Tibetan wants Rangzen in his heart, but suggesting that those who support His Holiness’ ‘Middle-way’ approach are Chinese sympathisers, is a very disrespectful allegation.

Regarding political gaffes, I cannot but laugh at the Sarah Palin analogy in their recent piece. Tenzin Samdup’s article clearly clarified that. I hope TPR is not playing the role of Glenn Beck of Fox news, who to a new comer to US like me, seems pretty amusing. As Samdup la mentions, a dose of “The Daily Show” is enough to expose Fox News’ antics. Now efforts at writing a sophisticated and pretentiously objective analytical piece, is by all means fine by me. Why not also have some semblance of balance and genuineness? Does not take me a degree, either in law or political science to see through it?

How about TPR ask hard hitting questions to Tenzin Tethong la or is he above questioning by simple and naïve youths like us? For example, How Tenzin Tethong la’s metamorphosis of stand from — I am for right to ‘Self Determination’ to “I will follow everything according to His Holiness” unconditionally endorsing ‘Middle-way’ policy to that of “Personally, I am up for Rangzen” — not a sign of political dilly dallying. I can specifically pick a dozen such other quotes from the debates, twist it, and sensationalise it. But as an idealist youth by habit, I won’t do it. Can TPR ask Tenzin Tethong la, whether he has an IC or an American Citizenship?

This is critical compared to Dr Lobsang Sangay who still travels on his IC and is not an American citizen. Technically it might not be important, but does it not show the desire to return to serve his country. Despite of living for over 15 years in America, he still carries an IC. It does say something about his Integrity. I will request him to provide a copy of his IC to put it up on Kalon Tripa for Tibet website. Despite having a degree from Harvard law school he did not practice and earn thousands of dollars but rather remained committed to our cause. It does say something about his Integrity.

There are a few objectionable questions similar to the ones raised towards Dr Lobsang Sangay la. However, I won’t stoop to that level and ask those uncomfortable and irrelevant questions here. I have no personal grievance against Tethong la, I believe he is a decent gentlemen and a fellow Tibetan with good intentions in heart, just as Dr Lobsang Sangay, who has taken the brunt of false, inaccurate and unfair criticism. However, I think Tenzin Namgyal Tethong la should discourage any negative campaign tactics by his supporters.

TPR and Jamyang Norbu la, have put every effort into reducing the popular image of Dr Lobsang Sangay as an emerging Tibetan leader, with genuine Tibetan aspirations, to one that of a Communist Party of China sympathiser. However, all of Dr Lobsang Sangay’s work, talks and presentation on Tibet, point otherwise. It is not my intention to convert the converted, neither to preach the preachers, nor do I think that it will serve any purpose. My simple, naïve and idealistic request to everyone, is to keep this election clean and respectable. We can also expect more of such manoeuvres in the coming days, so be informed and be wise. Of course, with the grace of His Holiness, the education we have received will make us well equipped to see through all such tactics by a few patronising individuals.

Regarding my affiliation, let me tell you this, I am affiliated to those thousands of Tibetan youths who have grown eating Tingmo at a Tibetan school, I am affiliated to thousands of Tibetans who still sell sweater in India, my affiliation is to those Tibetan farmers who still plant corn and wheat on a small piece of land, my affiliation is to those monks who sacrifice their whole life for the preservation of Tibetan Buddhism, my affiliation is to those hundreds of unemployed Tibetan youths scattered across India who have no idea of what to do, my affiliation is to former political prisoners like Palden Gyaltso la and others who have actually sacrificed their life for serving their country, and those in Tibet who are still striving hard, and the list goes on, and finally I am affiliated to those tech savvy, resourceful and innovative tribe of youths, who would stop at nothing when challenging hypocrisy and unfairness. The education achieved with the grace of His Holiness and his schools, its high time for youths like us to speak up and stand steadfast to patronising views and comments.

Recent personal attacks on me by TPR, are more than welcome. I am nothing more than an inspired youth and have no personal relationship with Dr Lobsang Sangay, neither do I stand in a position to gain anything from his loss or win, except if he wins, I will be proud to be able to be a part of a movement, that sees true aspirations and needs of common Tibetan people and Tibetan youths. A personal attack on me in fact hardens my resolute faith in putting more time and effort into this campaign. At least, my views have a face, a voice and an openness, unlike TPR. Many don’t even know who the editors actually are, what is their relationship with their patron, what is the background of editors running TPR.

Anyone can criticise me and I welcome all views, except of course of those of TPR, who are obviously misinforming the general populace. I request Tenzin Tethong la to disavow TPR and the tactics employed by them. It will be a truly remarkable act, showing genuine concern for moral uprightness in this election, and a dislike for subtle tactics of manipulation through misinformation. I am sure Tenzin Tethong la, would not associate himself with these elite sophisticated bullying tactics proponents, but would rather be proud of common Tibetan youths like me, who are finally giving up worth the “Tingmo” they ate in Tibetan schools. But I do commend TPR on finally doing something openly by attacking a simple Tibetan Youth.

It does not give me pleasure to divert hours from my engineering studies to writing long social commentaries. However, the responsibility is so great and overwhelming, its emotionally draining and If I don’t say my piece, I would rather not be a Tibetan then. As Tenzin Samdup, from University of Edinburgh, clearly says in his piece on the subject, “Silence may be golden but speech, in matters of national importance, is platinum.”

PS: I commend genuine supporters of Tenzin Namyal Tethong la, only those who focus more on campaigning on his positive points and for them I have my utmost respect and regards.

Copyright © 2010 Rinchen

Published in Tibet Sun