Tibet
The commentary about Tibet makes an important point (“End the Fairy-Tale Reporting of Tibet,” Aug. 23). It seems that the hard-core non-Tibetan “free Tibet” folks, who will accept nothing short of complete autonomy for Tibet, live their own comfortable lives while expecting Tibetans to keep their lives on hold until a revolution against China is mounted and won.
Life is too short for such a rigid and unrealistic stance, which actually tends to deprive Tibetans (both inside and outside of Tibet) of their freedom to pursue happiness. The Dalai Lama is now advocating a “middle way,” self-government for Tibetans within the People’s Republic of China. This is not in any way selling out; it’s just seeking a workable solution to a difficult situation--the same sort of workable solution that is now fomenting peace in Northern Ireland and Palestine.
ERIK SHAPIRO
Tucson
* Although I could not agree more with Pamela Logan’s call for open journalism in Tibet, I did find her overall tone rather Pollyannaish. One specific point in which she errs concerns the teaching of Tibetan language. Yes, it is taught in the primary and middle schools and in Tibet University and the teacher training schools--as a language--but the primary language of instruction from first grade in township schools and third grade in rural schools is Mandarin--not Tibetan. This is based on firsthand, unbiased observations and discussions with school and university administrators.
EDWARD J. KORMONDY
Los Angeles
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