Standing Rock Feb 21, 2017- What Today Means

After months of protest and after an incredible amount of injustice towards Native American sisters and brothers, the government has officially declared it will cut off access to the main resistance camp at Standing Rock, Oceti Sakowin, shutting it down, and most likely forcing its inhabitants out.

They are peacefully protesting. They are conducting behavior that is protected by the US constitution. So why are they being treated like criminals and terrorists?

I pray for the water protectors. They are taking on the most difficult battle of all Americans, because they are fighting the Unstoppable Empire, the very beast itself.

What has really changed? This is how they have been treated for many decades. Centuries. Nothing has changed between the relationship of the American government and the original Americans, except in all the ways the American government has deceived its people.

This is what occurs when profits are put before people. When oil flowing through pipes is more important than the lives of people.

This is not an overreaction. This is a very real fight for survival. Their water is now in more danger than ever before. Just like our grandmother Earth.

Pray for Standing Rock.

 

For Those Interested In Visiting Tibet

Visiting Tibet

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Controversy over tourism:
One of the most controversial places in the world to visit may be worth the extra trouble for tourists- Tibet has been labeled one of the worst places to live in the world for repression of political and civil rights by Freedom House (https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2014/tibet#.VVE_ZBaBG2Q), but its culture and its people direly need the help of the rest of the world if the turmoil there is to ever cease.

Entering Tibet
Getting into Tibet is a challenge because visitors must pass through Chinese officials and comply with Chinese policies. Tourists also have to obtain a visa through China.
Tibet is a region in China but it is, from a legal standpoint, a completely independent state. (http://freetibet.org/about/legal-status-tibet).

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) however, claims Tibet has been an integral part of China for many centuries. The political relationship between Tibet and China has garnered international speculation for many years, starting in 1950 with the Chinese occupation of the area and the exile of the 14th Dalai Lama in 1959.

The question is; who is in the right? Does Tibet have the right to demand the removal of Chinese forces, or is the PRC allowed to occupy Tibet on the means that Tibet has been a part of China for many years? These are the questions both the Tibetan government and the Chinese government disagree over. For tourists, however, they have the luxury of enjoying the people and culture without repercussion.

Why you should visit despite of political turmoil in the region

People have been fighting for both sides for years and the outcome is still uncertain. The pros of visiting, however, may outweigh the risk:
1. Visiting Tibet allows Tibetans to connect to the outside world- the people of Tibet are isolated from western society, and when people visit, more people can become informed about the tragic situation for the Tibetan people.
2. If people decide to visit Tibet, and they plan correctly, they can benefit the Tibetan people. By supporting Tibetan-owned and ran businesses we can help keep the Tibetan culture prosper.
3. From the Potala Palace in Lhasa to the Himalayas that make Tibet’s southern border, the landscapes and architecture of Tibet will leave a lasting impression.

Why I want to Visit
Not only is Tibet a beautiful country teeming with culture, it is also a focal point for human rights awareness, oppression and totalitarianism worldwide. Tibet is a beautiful region and by visiting we can help ensure that the Tibetan people and their culture can be celebrated for years to come.

Links to information on Tibet:
http://freetibet.org
https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2014/tibet#.VVE_ZBaBG2Q