Historic protest against Central Tibetan Administration targets dismissal of Representative of the Dalai Lama in North America, in Dharamshala, India, on 27 Nocember 2017. Tibet Sun/Lobsang Wangyal
By Lobsang Wangyal
McLEOD GANJ, India, 27 November 2017
For the first time in nearly 60 years, Tibetans in exile held a protest against the Cabinet (Kashag) of the Central Tibetan Administration. They were challenging its controversial decision to sack the Representative of the Dalai Lama to North America in Washington DC.
Kashag had announced on 7 November that Representative Penpa Tsering had been fired from his position. He has been ordered to leave office on 30 November.
About 100 people gathered at the basketball ground on the premises of the CTA demonstrating against the Kashag’s action. The protesters also expressed dissatisfaction with the 10-point response that had been issued by the Cabinet.
Last week a few dozen Tibetans staged a protest in New York City over the same issue. A few also protested in Toronto, Canada, during Lobsang Sangay’s visit to the country.
The majority of the demonstrators in Dharamshala are from McLeod Ganj. A few had travelled from other places. While carrying out their peaceful silent protest, an announcer said that if any outsiders come to provoke them, they would not use any violence against them.
Banners hanging on the walls read: Movement for promotion of CTA’s integrity; No misuse of power; Do not destroy His Holiness’ legacy; No disregard to public aspirations; and, We need an independent commission to resolve the matter immediately.
Dolma Bam, one of the staunch supporters of Lobsang Sangay in the 2011 election, was among the protesters today. He said, “We are not protesting against the CTA. We are seeing an injustice. There is not a good reason to sack Penpa Tsering. I feel that Lobsang Sangay is destroying the CTA. We are here to protect the CTA from destruction.”
“We are no more able to trust and rely on Lobsang Sangay. There is lack of honesty and justice, and the reasons given by Kashag are unacceptable,” he said.
Sherab Dolma, 81, who was the oldest among the protesters, said, “I would like the Kashag to be truthful. Do not dismiss those who are working hard.”
“I don’t know if the Kashag will pay heed to us, but it will be a shame for them. It is for the first time that the public is protesting against it.”
Organic farmer Rinzin Dorje travelled the longest distance to participate in the demonstration, from Bylakuppe in South India. Dorje said, “I was shocked to hear about the sacking of Representative Penpa Tsering. It came all of a sudden. The Kashag’s decision doesn’t do any good for the Tibetan cause.”
“None of the 10-point reasons given by Kashag calls for expulsion of a Representative from his duty. We now call for the formation of an independent committee to give a recommendation after impartial investigation of information from both the sides.”
Dorje added that if the matter doesn’t get a fair judgment, they will continue with their agitation.
Salam (who uses only one name), 36, had travelled from Goa to join the protest. “I am neither supporting Lobsang Sangay, nor Penpa Tsering. I am here to support the truth. Penpa Tsering has rejected Kashag’s 10-point charges. That has raised the question.”
“We do not need explanation, we need the reason why Penpa Tsering was expelled. We have the right to know. We demand an independent committee to investigate the matter.”
Tsultrim Dorje, 53, had come from Kathmandu, Nepal. He said he voted for Lobsang Sangay in the 2011 election. “I have heard lies over the years from Lobsang Sangay as the leader. He has been deceiving the people.”
He said that Kashag’s ten reasons created more doubts than clarity. “Unless justice is done, we will not stop our movement.”
One of the protesters left his winter sweater business and travelled to Dharamshala to join the demonstration. Tsering Wangchuk, 36, is from Dekiling, but does his winter sweater business in Rajasthan. He said that Penpa Tsering has not made any comments so far out of respect for the rules. “I have full confidence that Penpa Tsering will come out clean from this situation.”
A protester from Sikkim said that she is a ‘Denjongpa’, but her husband who passed away a few years ago, was a Tibetan. She said, “I am here to support truth and justice. Kashag’s reasons are not satisfactory. The Dalai Lama is working so hard for Tibet, and what the Kashag has done makes me worry about what China will think. Tibetans should work in unity to achieve their goals.”
Five representatives of the protesters approached the Cabinet Secretariat to present a memorandum. The Additional Secretary of the Secretariat Phuntsok Tsering received the memorandum from them at the entrance of the Secretariat, and said that he will hand over the memorandum to the Cabinet tomorrow when the President of CTA and the ministers meet for their weekly meeting.
Answering questions from the the media, he said, “People have the right to demonstrate in a democratic society. Kashag will look into their demands and will make a decision.”
Penpa Tsering has said that he will respond to the Kashag’s 10-point charges against him after he leaves his office on 30 November.
Although I am not competent to comment on the issue, it would have been better if PT was recalled to Dhasa first and served with a show cause notice. If the allegations were found prima facie substantive, then an enquiry commission could have been instituted. In this case, it is apparent that PT has not been given sufficient time to prove himself innocent. I say all this, if it is within the constitutional framework of the Tibetan government in exile.
Heard that Penpa Tsering is holding a press conference tomorrow (5 December) at Norbu House in McLeod Ganj at 2pm to respond to Kashag’s 10-point reasons for suspending him.
Yes it was a historic protest indeed against LS Sikyong/Kashag and CTA, but it was historic for being a shameful and disgraceful protest, just for replacing a staff member from his position due to his underperformance and challenge to Sikyong and Kashag’s direction.
These protesters have no validity in their protesting, but are simply undermining Sikyong and Kashag’s administration. These protesters are misguided by Dhondup Choephel or Mila Rangzen. Tibetans should not use Mila Rangzen social media, and all Tibetans should boycott and never interact with Mila Rangzen in the future.
I don’t have any reason to point out whether Penpa Tsering la is a great performer or not. When it comes to respect/loyalty and adherence to his/her boss is very important work relationship. This is the best interest on both party and best interest for any government or any private business organisation.
During the handover in the DC office some Tibetan people are lashing out and showing unacceptable behaviour towards Ngodup Tsering la who has given very humble reasons and it was clear indication of Ngodup Tsering la’s professionalism and highly-respectful behaviour towards bunch of total disrespectful to our Sikyong/Kashag and CTA.
Penpa Tsering la was just sitting there and led these bunch of people abused Ngodup Tsering la. Did Penpa Tsering show any mannerism or professionalism and his behaviour itself is explanatory that he is not fit as representative in DC office.
I cannot imagine how on earth these people are protesting just for a staff member being removed from his position. Indeed it was historic for being a laughing-stock, and I am pretty sure people in the world are laughing at us. It was historic for embarrassment for all Tibetans in the world.
Shame on all you protesters.
[Comment shortened. Please read Tibet Sun comment guidelines. — Web admin]
Some well-informed guy commented in Facebook:
“He (Sikyong) is also wrong to say that dispersement of funds from Office of Tibet’s account to different offices cost 10% interest. Other organizations are also registered non profit organization, 501(C)3, and as a non profit organization they DO NOT pay tax. He certainly got it wrong on these two arguments and it’s misleading to say the least.”
It would make a real difference if PT takes the case in a US court (1.5 million dollars mystery and related matters). Otherwise, people like Lobsang Sangay type would never seem to learn any lesson. He is the type of Donald Trump, Putin, Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un, all who never cares on basic human decency, norms and laws of the land. He has such a gall to deceive even His Holiness.
If PT takes the case to CTA, it would be a disaster, for CTA is manipulated by Lobsang Sangay and his cronies or henchmen.
Justice is a two-way process; both sides get to speak.
When will our Sikyong Sangay get off of his high horse. A person who cannot deliver like the US President or Indian PM must stop thinking and acting like one. What ‘ambassador’?
All Sangay has achieved is a series of unprecedented historic protests by free-thinking democratic people in major political capitals – Toronto, New York, Dharamshala, and Washington.
No important personality intervened during the sacking of Penpa. These important people have thus forfeited their moral right and responsibility to intervene at this stage.
Sangay crossed the line with his personal attacks and character assassination of Penpa and vindictively triying to ruin his political career. It is absolutely necessary for Penpa to not only respond to the 10-point allegations, but also publicize Sangay’s wrongdoings if there are any — not only for himself but for the greater good of our community.
This is an open appeal to Penpa Tsering la.
You must be preparing to answer the Kashag’s 10-point clarification. You of course have the right to do so. But you must put that off for some time and focus on two things – your own future and the sentiment of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. It’s alright not to think of CTA and Tibetan people for the moment. His Holiness already looked concerned. You have a golden opportunity here to change your image and future by coming forward to pacify the situation.
Normally NA rep secures the meeting of every incoming president of America with His Holiness. It was the ambassador’s key duty. Penpa Tsering failed to arrange a meeting between Donald Trump and Dalai Lama. That’s quite serious because it changes the destiny of Tibet.
PT just doesn’t get the American politics and mindset. He is quite a simple man born and Bree in shichak and never educated in the west.
With due respect to Ngodup la and in all fairness to Penpa la, I did not find NT to be anything exceptionally better or different than PT. Maybe he scores better as Sikyong Sangay’s man.
In his biography from the CTA website, I found that NT too was “never educated in the West”. It said, “Mr Ngodup Tsering was born on 1 July 1953. He is an alumnus of Punjab University, Chandigarh with a degree in Bachelor of Arts.” Hope this criteria of not being educated in the west do not hamper in his ability to arrange future meeting between His Holiness and Trump. Such meetings, however symbolic, are seemingly the deal-breaker in changing Tibet’s destiny.
While acknowledging his past good works in education, I congratulate the new Rep and wish him good luck. I also appreciate and sincerely thank Penpa la for being one of the finest and hardest-working NA Reps.
I don’t know why people draw parallels between Tibetan and western democracy. In the US, the UK, and India, ambassadors are appointed by the leaders and hold office as long as they enjoy the pleasure of their leaders, whether PM or President. This is not the case in Tibetan democracy, where Dhonchoe represent both CTA and His Holiness and follow a different procedure. Lobsang Sangay thinks changing title to President makes him equal to the US President or UK Prime Minister.
The historic protest is bad for Lobsang Sangay’s legacy, but a big movement in Tibetan democracy.
One thing was certainly historical and unprecedented in the world history. A head of government relieves the service of an ambassador and faces public demonstrations for it. In democratic countries like USA, UK and India, even if they replace an ambassador every day, nothing would happen. Do they have a different system of democracy? Or we are not following the same system?
You should know some real facts about that “Historic Protest Against CTA”. Security Department had the real number of protesters and it’s only 60. RTYC, which manages the basketball court, refused to let in the protesters. Security Department officers came into their help by break opening the gate. Despite their worldwide declaration to protest till 5:00 p.m., they were all gone before 2:30 p.m. Some representatives went up to the Cabinet Secretariat supposedly to submit a letter of memorandum. But surprisingly the letter was none other than a photocopy of article written by someone else. And most unfortunately it was NOT the first such protest against the Kashag or CTA. Where is Lobsang Wangyal’s truth and journalism?
I think it clearly shows that you are a strong supporter of LS, and I also assume that you are very close to LS personally. Neither CTA nor media disclosed the memorandum submitted by the protesters, and you confidently wrote that it was a photocopy of the article. Really? Don’t try to make people fool LS family or Pro supporters. No one denies that the Security Department broke the gate of the basketball ground. Are you afraid that today’s press conference by PT will make your friend LS black from the community? Don’t drag the name of His Holiness unnecessarily every time to play politics for personal gain. May truth prevail.
The other facts: Protesters said that 110 people took part in the protest including three from Nepal, three from Bylakuppe, one each from Delhi, Sikkim, and Dekyiling.
They had permission from the SP, but said they should coordinate with CTA. Desung asked them to use the basketball ground. This ground is managed by RTYC. When Desung asked for the key for the ground, they made some fuss saying permission should be sought three days in advance. The ground cannot be used for any other activities than sports. It was Desung Kalon who called the RTYC for key. When RTYC refused, Desung staff broke the lock.
They didn’t publicize any time frame like 9 to 5. They closed at 2:30 after they got what they wanted — media attention. And the message was passed on to Kashag anyway.
What the protesters submitted to the Kashag was indeed a photocopy of a few-page letter written by someone. The letter had details of how it’s wrong for Kashag to dismiss PT. The five members verbally mentioned to the Additional Secretary that they demand a probe committee to investigate by hearing both the sides to give a final judgment.
If it was not the first protest by exiled Tibetans against Kashag, then which was the first one? This protest too happened right in front of Kashag’s own nose. Lobsang Wangyal did candid reporting, unlike other Tibetan news outlets. Maybe truth was tasting sour for you this time.
My response to Lhundup, London
Hope you know the meaning of the word H I S T O R I C? You should have known by now, as it was reminded time and again with our Tibetan brothers and sisters exercising their democratic rights to protest, not to CTA or Ganden Photrang, but against Sangay, in Toronto, New York, Dharamsala, and Washington DC. This mass protest is historic. First time in Tibetan history.
When a person loses his moral foothold, he will lie. This best describes Sangay’s never-ending lies. He has run out of legal and logical points and is now pathetically calling PT an alcoholic. Remember? In the Clarification Sangay charged Penpa for under-performance for not submitting the customary report on Xi-Trump meet, giving the impression that he could have changed Tibet’s fate had he received the report. Firstly, Sangay doesn’t know the meaning of Customary. Secondly, what can a guy who cannot manage even a single Sino-Tibetan dialogue in the past six years do to make a difference in the Xi-Trump meet? This guy is just lying.
Lhundup, You’re right to bring in the self-immolation to diffuse the topic. Last time, when two Tibetans self-immolated in exile, Sangay danced to a Hindi song, “Behmaaniyon, behmaaniyon… corruption hi corruption…” Exile Tibetans couldn’t believe their ears when his favorite girl Dhadon Sharling described the self-immolators as mentally disturbed. Why not look for another hit song? After all, you people have no sense of shame or sympathy for our fellow brothers and sisters in Tibet but only know how to misuse power and abuse Tibetan democracy.
Sangay’s action is plain bullying and lying. Whether from China or Sangey, bullying is bullying is bullying, and lie is a lie. No two rules.
Dear PT la,
Thank you for your sincere hard work for our Tibetan cause for the past many years. We believe in your honesty and hard work. You spoke truth to power and always stood for common people. Truth always triumphs in the end and we believe truth is on your side. We are only sorry that you have to suffer for only doing your job well and speaking the truth.
Never loose heart and never give up!
A sad Tibetan
A bunch of losers will always protest, no matter what. When His Holiness tried to advice Shugden followers for the greater good, those people protest.
When Lobsang Sangay tried to install a more educated representative in DC for the greater goods of Tibetans, a similar group of people protest.
The common denominator is that the number is insignificant. A less than 100 people is nothing compared to the wishes of six million Tibetans. Shugden protestors and Pentse protestors are sailing in the same boat. Both are lethal toxins that tarnish the image of CTA and His Holiness.
Just as we boycott evil shugden protesters, we should also boycott those Pentse protestors. As a responsible member of a democracy, each one of us has the responsibility to stand up for justice, democracy, equality and greater good of the society. So, be pro-active and stand behind Kashag, and challenge the enemies and detractors of our democratic government.
Remember, if you remain neutral in the times of grave injustice, you are on the side of wrong-doers. Tibet needs you! Kashag needs you!
Have any of you seen Penpa Tsering’s behavior in DC
Tibet Office when the break-in protest happened?
He just stood there on the corner, and didn’t do anything to restrain the aggressive behavior exhibited by his friends. Yes, they are his friends from the same region. Pentse clearly wanted to cause a ruckus. Pathetic! A true diplomat worth his salt must have intervened to stop the abuse of our new representative.
Yes, some people are calling for an Independent Commission for Pentse’s case. But for what? 90% of the public are happy with Kashag’s 10-point clarification. In democracies, independent commission stuffs are used only in exceptional and rare cases, where a strong public demand exist. But here, there is no strong public demand. The majority in our democracy is happy with Kashag and Lobsang Sangay. If Kashag agrees to an establishment of an independent commission, then the majority will come out to protest against Penpa Tsering.
Who are those people protesting and whining? what percentage of the Tibetans do they comprise of? What do they want?
Those people are mostly Amdo and Utsang loyalist. At the outset, we saw a wechat group called ‘Utsang people’ led by Thinley Kelsang organizing the protest. Moreover, in Dhasa, 90% of the nearly 100 protesters are Amdowas. This is all about envy and regional sentiments. we should never, ever give in to such regressive forces that threatens to split our exile set-up apart.
I think Penpa Tsering should gracefully exit the hall of fame for the common good of unity. He wants unity. But unity can only be obtained if he urges his protests to stop this nonsense, and think of 6 million Tibetan brethrens in Tibet.
Sangye is Super hero, Dhardon is the Damsel in distress and Penpa is the Perpetrator. Hero rescues heroine from villain’s wrath. Perfect script.
This damsel Dhardon is chag-dhong (iron face) who would do and say anything to achieve her ambitions. With all the communal disharmony and distrust that she and her superhero Sangay created today, she still has the nerve to act and show her shameless face to the public as if she is returning from a hard-fought Tibetan freedom battle with China.
Acha Dhardon la, do some abc learning on morality, ethics, human values, compassion, concepts of shame and guilt and how to be a Tibetan before lecturing others on leadership and empowerment. Instead of breaking the glass ceilings by becoming first female Sikyong, this sly lady and her power-drunk king might end up breaking the very foundation of our exile unity and democracy.
Dhardon Sharling is the hero in this story. She is a rare breed combining beauty, brains, and boldness. She has my vote for 2021 Sikyong. Waiting for her to break the highest glass ceiling in Tibet’s history.
Dhardon Sharling will be remembered in Tibetan history as the Ani Nyemo of Gangki or Narad Muni who did what the Chinese government has not been able to do for the past 60 years, ie to disunite our community and create distrust. She has become a role model for lies, selfishness, shamelessness, and dirty politicking.
Beauty — only our blind Sikyong finds this social media star beautiful.
Brains — Leaves behind public trust to become Sikyong’s pet girl, and then creates this unprecedented problem in the community.
Boldness — only in publicly changing sides for one’s own benefit and being shameless about age controversy and now this Mamashri role.
Let alone Sikyong vote, I will be surprised if she even gets a chithue seat. Who will trust such an untrustworthy woman except for our Tibetan Donald Trump? Our Romeo and Juliet can live happily ever after somewhere in East Coast, he in Boston and she in Amherst.
Narayan! Narayan!
Gone Tsepak la,
Looks like you have a lot of jealousy for Dhardon Sharling, who is the most influential person in the Tibetan political world after Sikyong Lobsang Sangay. For the rest of us — her beauty, boldness and brains will make her the first female Sikyong in 2021, and Dr Lobsang Sangay will be remembered in history for empowering the first female Sikyong.
Indeed historic. Since Lobsang Sangay prides himself to be first on this and that, he can now add this protest to his firsts: First Tibetan protest against Sikyong.
I used to be a more Sikyong fan. However, the unfortunate and inconsiderate manner in which the sacking of PT was handled, initial evasive responses, flimsy official reasons given for termination, onslaught of personal attack on PT in the social media, downright shaming and naming of his frustrated supporters through every possible means, muffling of the cries for truth and transparency, alignment of support for both LS and PT based on regional divide and ideological differences and many others, makes me quite sympathetic to PT this time.
I am shocked to see some of our young inspiring leaders take sides on this issue so quickly and blatantly. Questions that continues to bother me are:
Is it fair? Is it just? Is it necessary?
PT is, after all, unceremoniously shown the door with his reputation thrown down the drain. He is not only a capable ex-speaker, a tough Sikyong candidate, but somebody’s husband, father, brother and son.
I wish LS and PT well in their works for Tibet and especially wish PT to rise from this crises as the classical phoenix. Be well and be very strong!
Amen!
I too support an Independent Inquiry Committee in India and an Investigating Committee in the US to verify truth from lies. Such independent committees should verify and also recommend action on the results from legal point of view and moral grounds. Only then the Tibetan public will know whether Sikyong and Kashag was right in firing PT or whether PT really deserve such firing.
Thanks to hordes of fundamentalist yahoos commanded by the disgraced Penpa Tsering, the issue has made its way into Dorjee Shugden website.
Those evil shugden people have painted a very terrible picture of the whole CTA, and made it look like North Korea or some other pathetic regime.
Why didn’t Penpa Tsering, even once, urged his supporters to stop protesting, and write appeal letters to CTA instead? This shows his ego is more important than the public good.
Lobsang Sangay should never budge from sacking Penpa Tsering. If he changes his decision, then no one will take him, or his successor, seriously.
Every time our Sikyong transfers, demotes, or fires a senior diplomat, a group of people will come and protest. The cycle will continue. No smart diplomat will easily give up because, he will think, ‘Well, Penpa Tsering was fired, but he got some people to protest, and Kashag had to change their decision. I will do the same here.’
So, this is a litmus test for Kashag and President to show the public that they are not a bunch of spineless dudes, but actually strong, legitimate dispensers of democracy and justice.
Kashag has to focus their time and energy on the self-immolation that happened on 27 Nov in Tibet, and organize protests against the Chinese government. No more statements should be released regarding Penpa Tsering’s case. That matter is now closed, and Kashag faces the incredible challenges of safeguarding the human rights of 6 million Tibetans in Tibet.
Sikyong Sangay has made the wrong judgment. He is forgetting that he is running an administration. I am neither a supporter of LS, nor of PT, but this decision and the reasons to kick out PT are all not sitting right in any sense. I feel that people asking the new US Rep Ngodup la to postpone taking over his new post is fair and sensible. Until after a decision by an independent investigation committee was made, I think Ngodup la should be called back to Dharamshala to continue as the Education Minister.
The protest in Washington DC on Tuesday is a sign of growing dissatisfaction of the people against LS and Kashag. I am certain that the protests will only grow. I am sure there will be a big one in NYC in December when Sikyong will be there. I am foreseeing an ugly scene that Sikyong will see right in front of his eyes in the streets of NYC. How shameful it would be? I am worried. Sikyong should be held responsible for all that unfolds, as he created this mess.
Lobsang Sangay has a good personality. No doubt. But that doesn’t makes him a man we want to lead us. He is a selfish man. He lacks the vision and the wisdom, and looks too much for fame. The decision to fire Penpa Tsering is but a reflection of his hollowness of maturity and his vanity. Unity was one of his mantras in his abominable speeches. What he does is the opposite.
The ten reasons he has given to suspend PT have made a mockery of his Harvard Doctorate degree. His walk on cloud nine after the Dalai Lama’s favourable remarks became a short affair with this PT sacking mess. He has the tendency to think that only he is the most clever and the rest are all fools. None of the ten points were strong enough to dismiss someone from his job, less even for a person of PT’s stature and the post he is serving.
People’s protests and the calls for an independent inquiry commission are valid and reasonable. We now should ask the American government to separately investigate the $1.5-million issue, as all the funds of the Tibet Fund is provided by the US government. It should be cleared in a manner that leaves no doubts to all parties concerned, and shouldn’t become a source of problem for Tibetans in the future. PT’s asking about the $1.5 million was helping LS clear this so that there’s no problem for him and Tibetans in the future.
Now let’s request the US government to set up an inquiry committee, and give a clear judgement. It will be all good, if there’s no problem like LS has been touting. If the committee finds LS to be doing the wrong thing, he should resign on moral grounds, and the Election of Commission of CTA should announce a fresh election.
Let’s have real democracy. Let’s seek justice. Let’s support the truth!
In the name of seeking and defending truth, I watched my brothers and sisters on social media, chat groups, and various platforms and community gatherings justify their point of view on the issue of $1.5-million loan/grant from Tibet Fund. The CTA and Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay la in particular elaborated on the nature of the loan.
It was extensively explained how the tax system works here in the United States. Some sounded like real tax professionals at work, while others sounded more sarcasm than value. I am shocked and dismayed how everyone missed doing their due diligence. In this era of digital information, everything is available out there on the WWW – World Wide Web. As the saying goes “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing, but it’s not one half so bad as a lot of ignorance.”
The elephant in the room is the $1.5-million in question. An amount that was loaned from Tibet Fund in 2014 to purchase an office building in Washington, DC, where the current Office of Tibet is located and functioning. Audited IRS tax statement from Tibet Fund for the years 2014, 2015 and 2016 clearly show $1.5 mil as “RECEIVABLES”, so I am assuming the problem arose when this same amount could not be found anywhere in the record books of OoT, DC.
As the great leader Dr. Martin Luther King stated “Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.” It is here or from here, that my brothers and sisters forgot to do their due diligence. One of the golden rules of accounting is: Debit The Receiver, Credit The Giver. In this case, debit the receiver being TIBETAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUND, INC, 1228 17th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036 established in the year 2000 in NY and credit the giver being TIBET FUND, 241 East 32nd Street, New York, NY 10016. If Tibet Fund gave or loaned money to Tibetan Community Development Fund, Inc., how in the world one can one find the said amount as payable in the account books of OoT. These are 2 separate entities in the eyes of IRS. The financial statements are available online as required by law for any non-profit entity in the United States.
Sore and unprincipled losers will never get satisfied with losing results but pretending otherwise. Talk about who is selfish, the loser and his supporters are not willing to accept the election consequences. It was made very clear during the election campaign: selfish Penpa Tsering la will not quit love of alcohol rther than to show respect to FIVE PRECEPTS OF BUDDHA’S TEACHING’ at this critical juncture of survival of Tibetan people and our precious Buddhist heritage.
FYI: HH the Dalai Lama is alive! Please do not pretend otherwise.
Ls= king louis XVI? French revolution?…mmmh
Breaking news:
Sikyong Lobsang Sangay fearing facing music, has canceled his much publicized Tibetan People’s Solidarity Movement gathering in front of UN.
Insiders are saying that after seeing his henchmen Ngodup Tsering fumbling in front of select group of protestors, Sangay who has people compose songs for him like Sangay is King has decided to cancel his NY visit. Report says that he is looking forward to spin the yarn with a press conference to say there are others involved in PT’s firing.
The Sikyong may be trying to deescalate the problem created by Penpa Tsering la and his supporters. Penpa Tsering la is using the same trick this time as he had used against late Kathak Lama with the help of unfaithful wife, we know what happened to the Lama’s family and business if one cares to know.
Who is playing the role of unfaithful wife this time? In my opinion, it is played in the beginning by U-Tsang hardliners politicians in Dharamsala. I am an U-tsang guy but ashamed of U-tsang association’s misuse of its numbers! The Sikyong is dealing with same unenviable situation as dealt by old Kathak lama betrayed by young unfaithful wife.
PT created this problem? Under which rock are you living? Or you seriously need to take your medicine.
PT created this problem with his incompetency or ill motives as outlined in Kashag’s 10 points. If I were in PT shoes, I would seek private audience with HH Dalai Lama and respect whatever confidential advice provided. HH the Dalai Lama is alive! Please don’t pretend living under 22nd century rock!
LS told his supporters like you that the Sun is moving and not the Earth and you all believed him. LS is an immature and innocent person who doesn’t have any qualities of a leader. You guys got carried away by his empty vessel that made loud sound. All he does is recite everything that he had memorized in college.
These people are just using their right to protest and voice their dissatisfaction. Nothing wrong with it. In fact, our democracy is finally beginning to grow! Also, thanks to Tibet Sun for independent reporting.
What is the role of Chitues specially standing committee in this situation? Can they interfere to calm down the current unwanted situation for the benefit of Tibetans and exile govt?
What is behind this $1.5 million loan/gift/purchase money for Office of Tibet building in Washington DC? Here lies the answer to PT’s firing. Since Auditor General office and Kashag knows about it, both of these two offices has the responsibility to make it clear to the public. Otherwise we may not know the culprit, who is or are trying to defraud CTA.
Another route is to take this U.S. courts then it would be too late for the conspirators. Hope we do not have to go this length.
There are 9 other points for the firing due to Penpa Tsering la’s incompetency or bad motivation, and the loan is our Tibetan refugee government was trying little accounting tricks to buy Office of Tibet building for the benefit of Tibetan causes. Also may be avoiding taxes and other difficulties in buying the house. No body is saying money or the building is missing! May be hidden agenda of Penpa Tsering la and his supporters may be problem finding suitable livelihood outside the refugee government for alcohol lover!
In my opinion: Tibet’s struggle for Independence or the Middle Way is useless or worthless, if we can not show minimum respect/gratitude to Lord Buddha teachings by trusting/supporting our leaders who follow the “FIVE Precepts of Buddhism”. Penpa Tsering la’s love of alcohol is showing disrespect to Buddha’s teachings. Penpa Tesring la always say he wants to follow HH the Dalai Lama’s advice and being the most honest Tibetan proud custodian of our Buddhist heritage, however, openly shows love of alcohol, contradiction of what he says.
The present problem started when Penpa Tsering la stood for Sikyong. Penpa Tsering la and his supporters are acting like sore irritated losers. Putting mask on when doing the protest seems like they are pretending or not so confident of what they are up to.
Is Penpa Tsering la not able to find livelihood outside the Tibetan government? A personal problem pretending to be Tibetan national problem?
We lost our independence because of our stupidity and not following the 5 precepts of Buddhism. I didn’t want the alcohol lover to be the political boss of HH the Dalai lama in his old age. THE TRUTH ALONE TRIUMPHS!
Penpa Tsering has started this protest by saying: “I hope there won’t be any social riots as a result of my dismissal. I appeal for unity,” on the night of 7th November during an interview. Meaning? He indirectly asks his loyalists like Thinley Kelsang and Mila Rangzen to start riots against Kashag.
We should know this. Penpa Tsering is a manipulative schemer, and all his Amdo followers are no better.
Very TRUE. Fully agreed. This Mila Rangzen seem to make Chinese work easier and wants to create chaos within the Tibetans. It is the duty of every Tibetan to fail such people.
Protesting is a right in a democracy, but gatecrashing into a formal handover ceremony in Washington DC is unlawful. Such protest takes place if there is a public meeting and not a closed-door meeting. Have these people seen such protests in the US? Learn to use your democratic rights.
Originally Ngodup la was proposed as the representative to the America, but his name was withdrawn in favor of Mr Penpa Tsering. Did he or any of his supporters raise any question? He accepted the decision gentlemanly. Representatives are not a post under the Public Service Commission so such appointees work at the pleasure of the Kashag.
Please let’s stop making a mountain out of a molehill and let’s not lose our collective focus.
United we stand. Divided we fall.
Bhod Gyalyong.
These morons are protesting to our Sikyong/Kashag/CTA for which they alleged not being tanparency/truthful and sacking Penpa Tsering.
Penpa Tsering is not more important than Sikyong/kashag/CTA and who is Penpa Tsering any way?
Sikyong and Kashag/CTA has not committed any heinous crime against humanity. These morons have status/free life as Tibetan and democratic system under the wing of Kashag/CTA.
CCP of china have driven them out of their country and made them second class citizen among people of world, in other words has become subhuman as a result of CCP occupation of our Tibet and and killed more than 1 million Tibetans those who are left behind in Tibet. Why can’t these morons go and demand transparency and truthful from Chinese regime.
Already lots has been said and discussed by many people till date. Nothing tangible has come out to address this ongoing deadlock and disgraceful situation. As a Tibetan, I feel sad and frustrated having to experience or see such shameful incident today. Need of the hour is not this kind of useless charges and countercharges against our own people when hostile elements within and outside our community is out there to destroy us with their all might.
After more than five decades of exile, sadly we have not been able to produce a leadership that commands genuine respect and love of Tibetan people. There was little ray of hope when LS came to political scene but that too short lived due to internal squabbles and jealousies.
No matter, what we say or do today, there is nobody in exile who can live to the expectation of His Holiness the Dalai lama and Tibetan people. Time is running out and we can’t afford to keep this issue lingering for another unforeseeable future. I appeal for national unity and wise voice to come out to resolve this political duel between two LS and PT.
All our energy and resources should be used to safeguard Tibet and Tibetans and both sides must exercise full restraint to keep situation under control. Please don’t do this for the sake of His Holiness and our cause.
Nima Sangpo :
Are you sleep talking, when you imply that this Tibetan Harvey Weinstein aka Ngodup Tsering is better than PT?
[Comment edited to remove personal attack. — Web admin]
There should be more protests against Lobsang Sangay and his sycophantic Kashag members until they come to their knees for lying outright to the Tibetan public on PT matter. How Lobsang Sangay was autocratic and devious is proved by the fact of resignations of two of the Kalons: Dhongchung Ngodup and Dekyi Choyang some years ago; who came to know Lobsang Sangay’s true color when they were his Kalons. The tell tale signs were there already.
If Lobsang Sangay has any principle or morality, it would be good for Tibet and Tibetans to resign his post immediately. Indeed it is first time in exile Tibetan history that large number of Tibetans are protesting against Lobsang Sangay and Kashag for justice.
I personally don’t see monkeys. I see democracy in action. People taking their right and duty seriously. CTA had its chance. It’s time Tibetan people learn to ask questions rather than glorifying one person.
Note: power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Unless another power checks it. In my view that’s what is happening.
As for China i think its historic as they see us rising from our old mindset.
Still sticking to my point. Knowledge is power. And we demand for the knowledge of the truth behind PT and LS. Who is telling the truth.
I am a Tibetan and I have the right to know.
Nima Sangpo:
Are you sleeping talking, when you imply that this Tibetan Harvey Weinstein aka Ngodup Tsering is better than PT?
[Comment edited to remove personal attack. — Web admin]
Kashag went around extolling the wonders of democracy. I thought that Tibetan nomads enjoyed real democracy but obsequious Tibetans said Tibetans did not know how democracy worked because it was a present “surey”.
Well this is how democracy works and Americans are enjoying the result.
Many decades ago it was felt that Tibetan officials did not experience the life of ordinary Tibetans so HH the Dalai Lama established Chithue. Most of the officials in Dharamshala and Tibetans who went West were Utsang and Gelug and HH elevated Juchen Thupten to redress the imbalance.
CTA needs to substantiate it’s shoddy 10points but at the same time not be punked by people who come long distances as being ordinary Tibetan people without special agenda.
A band of demonstrators at the basketball ground are 500 monkeys led by a blind monkey leader heading for a suicidal mission. They have not dissect and digest “who is Penpa Tsering” even after 23 years of his service to the CTA. Like Dogyal followers, these people could be an organized another party paid by our enemy. Dr. Lobsang Sangay saw the need of replacement of better and smarter person that can be beneficial to the Tibetans in exile. There are many younger generation who are open and better educated and these younger ones need opportunity to serve our community.
A corrupted political system can only produce corrupted politicians. Lobsang Sangay and his corrupted administration are merely the symptoms of the illness that is deeply rooted in the government structure of Tibetans in exile. If this non-democratic political system in Dharamsala is not corrected, then there will be more corrupted politicians like Lobsang Sangay who are fully capable to damage, even destroy the Tibetan Government in Exile.
Tibetans in exile must reform their political system, otherwise, they will not be able to fulfill their goals forever.
go to your construction job buddy before you get fired! Poor Guy wasting $$$$ remember your poor parents in india waiting for your $$ to eat food.
Someone called Sonam Dolma below:
What you called “Just some odd-pale looking, confused 80 people” are our parents who built and sustained our struggle so far on whose pedestal LS is reigning. Don’t you ever abuse our parents, you ungrateful b…..
Also don’t abuse honest reporter. Many of us know when your so-called “journalist with academic expertise and background. Not college drop outs finding it as an easy job.” – some one who sings praises like Sangay is the king. My a..!
It’s good to see that we Tibetans are using our democracy rights for first time in 60 years. I admired the government staff who was interviewed by press regarding today’s protest for truth and justice. Lobsang Sangay should learn from him about how to give press reply. He genuinely said what the fact is rather than putting everyone in doubt and disunity. I would say the more people should join this protest or else Lobsang Sangay will do nothing.
We all heard him on my occasion and interviewed that Kashag will never tolerate anyone who disrespects or defames His Holiness the Dalai Lama. But look at what he and his Kashag did so far about hundreds of people who defame and disrespect His Holiness on social media on the recent topic of Buddha birthplace. I personally felt so sad when people are using such an abusive words and photo against his holiness.So I am asking LOBSANG SANGAY where are you? Come out and do press release , live face time and explain those uneducated Nepali. I saw you go to Nepali party and speak Nepali but now it’s time to speak Nepali and stop them to defame our only king His Holiness. Or maybe you enjoy seeing and hearing when some one defames and disrespects His Holiness. Wake up wake up Lobsang Sangay wake up.
Dawa
The current Kashag led by Lobsang Sangay has failed us miserably. The only solution for this problem is to request His Holiness to retain the supreme authority until the regionalism and favoritism within our Tibetan society settles down. Letting Lobsang Sangay continue to rule the CTA for next three years will be a disaster beyond mending. In order to save Tibet, Lobsang Sangay needs to step down immediately for the good of the country and himself too, otherwise we will see more such dramas in the next three years. If Lobsang Sangay honestly wishes His Holiness to live for 113 years, he needs to step down. Problem resolved.
Tibet Sun needs to learn some journalistic skills. Just some odd-pale looking, confused 80 people staging a sit-in is not ‘historic’.
Its time Tibetan media is handled….by journalist with academic expertise and background. Not college drop outs finding it as an easy job.
I think the job of any media is to tell people the truth without any discrimination. I therefore think no one should criticize for reporting any news media for reporting good or bad, that is called press freedom. To flourish a vibrant democracy, it is essential to have a free press.
Only in communist countries like China and North Korea, media are controlled and intimidated. We have a democratic system of governance and our Tibetan media including Tibet Sun is doing the best they can. We should applaud their courageous and honest reporting.
Journalism is all about relaying an information of an event as truthfully and factually as possible through different mediums like written, audio, visual, etc. Lobsang Wangyal’s work perfectly fits this definition and even exemplifies it.
Lobsang Wangyal taught the people what the fourth pillar stands for in a democratic system. He did not sell himself in exchange for a 5-50 Dharamsala CTA-paid free holiday package.
Historic protest indeed!
Our Tibetan freedom struggle against Communist China is based on truth and justice. When there is lack of moral integrity and transparency in our elected leadership, Tibetans have the right to know and hold them accountable. There is no two ways to measure truth and justice. It is what it is.