On the heels of the Olympic torch run in San Francisco, the Dalai Lama arrived in Seattle for a series of events known as the “Seeds of Compassion” conference. This is ostensibly a non-political conference focusing on how to make society more compassionate, especially for children.
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On April 12, the Dalai Lama gave a speech to about 50,000 people at Qwest Arena in Seattle. The event featured popular musician Dave Matthews and other local cultural performers. Event tickets were given away to many organizations, and it was heavily promoted on the media.
Members of the Seattle PSL branch went to Qwest Arena and distributed the PSL’s Statement Opposing the Anti-China Campaign, and also PSLweb.org cards with a picture of the Dalai Lama shaking hands with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and President George W. Bush, two of his imperialist backers. The card featured the slogan “Say NO to the US-CIA campaign against China.”
A group of at least 12 members of the Chinese community had signs and their own fliers supporting the Beijing Olympics and providing a more balanced view of the recent events in Tibet. These Chinese students and workers invited the PSL to participate in a demonstration on April 14 at the University of Washington, where the Dalai Lama is to receive an honorary degree.
A few people were hostile—especially some members of the Tibetan community—one of whom tried to provoke a fight with the Chinese youths. The defenders of China closed ranks and the Tibetan’s friends pulled him away.
The response to the leaflets from the seemingly liberal, progressive crowd was mostly neutral to friendly. Some were openly appreciative of the PSL’s intervention, but the government and media continue working around the clock to inoculate the public against any expression of solidarity with the Chinese government and people. All progressives and revolutionaries must soundly reject Washington’s latest imperialist drive.
