i dont think that the Dalai Lama represents the majority of working class and peasant Tibetans to any degree. Tibet is a part of China and has been for centuries, and the majority of people there consider themselve Chinese.

SF, what makes you think that?

Classic case of follow the leader!!! This has happenned so many times, will continue to happen again. Ahoy matee's Politic's the name.

Just what I was thinking. Maybe he's referring to the 7 million or so Chinese who have been resettled in Tibet.

Did this discussion not start out as "how can SA be so stchupid"

Cos that's what i was thinking at the exact moment when i heard of this .....stchupidness!!! Good Grief?!

Anyways, far be it for me to defend this country of mine that does things to completely embarrass itself, but i do believe that SA is one day destined for greatness. What kind of a patriot would i be if i didnt. However, denying one of the greatest spiritual leaders of all time access to the country, it may just take them a little while longer.

I mean, the soccer world cup may very well be one of the biggest, bestest, greatest sporting events of all time and i get the fact about not wanting to take the focus off that, but seriously i think SA needs the guidance just a tad more than the world cup.

Give a man a fish and he'll eat for a day, but teach a man to fish and he'll eat for ever...world cup fever but only lasts a couple of years before and after the event but guidance to do and teach and live properly, is what it will take to make this country great beyond greatness.