04.18.08
Ultimate insult to the left: would Tibet have been better off in British empire?
Comment from left on Tibet.
Thanks for the feedback, but, speaking from the left, what is the connection of China with the left at this point?
Let me suggest the ultimate insult/slap in the face to the left: Tibet might have fared better under the British empire system (cf. The Youngsblood expedition period….). They would probably have emerged relatively intact, with their independence, and without the attempt to destroy Buddhism.
Speaking from the left that’s a ‘helluva’ statement. And I hold no brief whatever for the British empire, of course, save that, if we look at India, the British, at least, whatever their other depradations, didn’t try to exterminate Indian religion.
The destruction of Tibetan Buddhism will end up as still another black mark on the left, and perhaps the final nail in its coffin.
Whatever the case, we have to move on and reinvent what we mean by the left.