Do you remember Tibet and the recent riots against Chinese oppression? Do you remember all the media coverage and the protests around the world? Do you remember the throngs of angry protesters shouting, "Free Tibet!" while the Olympic torch made it's world tour? Do you recall the angry calls to boycott the Olympics?

Well the Tibetan rioters have been rounded up and jailed. The media has lost interest, the Olympic torch marched through Tibet under tight security and media control on it's way to the top of Everest. World leaders are planning on being at the opening ceremonies, and the television stations are starting to run ads to pump up interest in the Olympics. So China will get their chance to show off to the world and Tibet will be quietly shoved to the back of the world's stage.

Our governments will not boycott because they do not want to be denied access to Chinese markets. And make no mistake, the Chinese will take revenge on any government that tries to embarrass them. But maybe there are things that we could do. We can turn our televisions off and not watch the Olympics. For many people that will be hard. We want to watch the athletes, people want to cheer for their country. We enjoy the competition and marvel at the skill. But if you believe that Tibet is being oppressed, and it is, and if you believe something should be done, then you can do your small part. At the very least, we can shut our T.V.s off during the opening ceremonies when China is on display. We could also turn our T.V.s off when they are showing Chinese athletes.

Such a protest is not going to save the world. And it will not get the Chinese to free Tibet. But maybe if people don't forget, maybe if we continue to voice our displeasure at the Chinese takeover of Tibet, maybe somehow, someway Tibetans can gain a small measure of independence and prevent their culture from being destroyed.

 - Thomas Paine 2

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