I have to take a moment  to express my disappointment and dismay at the amazing hush involving the Dalai Lama's visit last week with President Obama. It shames me that, according to NBC news, this noble human rights champion was asked to leave the White House through the servants' entrance. You can video of his exit on youtube.

The White House issued this single statement on the meeting:

The President met this morning at the White House with His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama.  The President stated his strong support for the preservation of Tibet’s unique religious, cultural and linguistic identity and the protection of human rights for Tibetans in the People’s Republic of China. The President commended the Dalai Lama’s “Middle Way” approach, his commitment to nonviolence and his pursuit of dialogue with the Chinese government.  The President stressed that he has consistently encouraged both sides to engage in direct dialogue to resolve differences and was pleased to hear about the recent resumption of talks.  The President and the Dalai Lama agreed on the importance of a positive and cooperative relationship between the United States and China.”

Unfortunately, the actions of the White House can speak more loudly than their words, and somehow this statement seems rather hollow after viewing the video of the Dalai Lama walking past the trash on his way out. I can't help but feel that the White House statement is just more talk that won't be followed up with action

The Dalai Lama's response to the situation affirms that President Obama's praise for his “Middle Way approach, his commitment to nonviolence and his pursuit of dialogue with the Chinese government," was 100% accurate:

Beverly Hills, California, USA, 20 February 2010 (By Gillian Flaccus, The Associated Press) - Just days after meeting with President Barack Obama, the Dalai Lama said Saturday that he was not offended by the low-key reception he received and understands that the president must be practical despite his stated commitment to championing human rights worldwide.

Tibet's exiled spiritual leader told The Associated Press that he recognizes Obama must juggle his desire to support the Dalai Lama's push for greater Tibetan autonomy with his concerns about angering China, a growing U.S. economic rival and hoped-for partner. "No disappointment. The last six decades my heart hardened. I do not consider important political gestures. I don't care. The important is meet face-to-face," said the Dalai Lama, who was sometimes assisted by a translator.

As always, I am grateful to the Dalai Lama for his constant commitment to peace, his invaluable teachings on compassion for all, and his ever-shining example for maintaining an enlightened view in the face of diversity.

As just an ordinary being struggling to exist in a country whose leaders increasingly discard the values of freedom for all on which this nation was built, in attempts to gain favor from those who we are monetarily indebted to, I am saddened, disturbed, and  (unfortunately) increasingly convinced that the corruption and incompetence of our leadership cannot be resolved.

Keeping Karmic Time by Dubh of Hardluck Studios

"a reminder to keep vigilant watch of the mind in each passing moment"

proceeds from sale of painting donated to Katog Choling