226: flame of hope for Tibet

I was fortunate to witness the 'freedom torch' on its path around the world today, as it passed through Boston, where I happened to be this weekend. The freedom torch is a kind of alternative Olympic torch, and the purpose of its journey is to highlight the human rights situation in Tibet and to enhance related advocacy. As today's linked article from Tibetan news site Phayul.com reports, torch bearers and Tibetan diaspora in the US are urging President Bush not to attend the Olympics opening ceremony unless progress is made in talks between the Dalai Lama and the Chinese government. They are also keen to prevent the Olympic torch from passing through Tibet. The article reports that the freedom torch will now travel to Denver, Monument, and on to Colorado Springs - the US Olympic committee headquarters, apparently. It's a vibrant symbol of hope. And it's a story the world is increasingly paying attention to. Let's hope the US Olympic committee is too.

--------

Phayul.com is a great site if you want to find out more about Tibet. You can also learn more about the freedom torch at http://www.tibetanfreedomtorch.org/