The Dalai Lama applauds President Obama's use of cooperation, outreach, and dialogue

Following a visit by President Obama's emissary Valerie Jarrett and State Dept. Under Secretary Maria Otero on Monday, the Dalai Lama applauded the president's use of cooperation, outreach, and dialogue. He encouraged him to continue to approach today's issues in that manner. He also expressed his appreciation for the president's concern for Tibetan issues, as well as his hopefulness that the conflict between Tibet and China will improve during President Obama's term.

Ms. Jarrett met with the Dalai Lama to brief him on our administration's intent regarding the struggle between China and Tibet. President Obama will be visiting China in mid-November. Please see http://www.angelfire.com/ca/pumpkingurl/ for a history of the conflict between Tibet and China.

The Dalai Lama travels extensively to teach compassion, forgiveness, kindness, and humanity. He also speaks about what he calls "universal responsibility"; which means having compassion for those who suffer on a global level and being willing to contribute to their relief. He is loved by many and highly respected for his principles.

President Obama is constantly ridiculed for his humanitarian approach. Conservatives keep pushing the panic button saying that we just can't operate that way. Fear of impending doom is being promoted and the seeds are planted and growing. People have a tendency to cling to the familiar; even if it is harmful. The tactics of those who oppose are working.

Fighting the president's every move is counterproductive if you want to change the long standing problems that we have in this country. The nation's problems have continued to grow as we have stubbornly continued to do the same things the same way. Nothing is going to change now, if we don't. It's time to accept and embrace change, starting with supporting a different kind of president with a different way of accomplishing goals.

Perhaps we should listen to the Dalai Lama; and to President Obama. Perhaps it is time to institute true universal responsibility and start treating all other human beings as our brothers and sisters and be willing to work together for the benefit of everyone.

Perhaps we should also begin to view and appreciate President Obama's efforts the way the Dalai Lama does and allow ourselves to have some of the same hope he expresses. He just might be right.

For more information on the meeting on the 14th please see: http://www.dalailama.com/news.432.htm