I returned safely from China and am posting a video of the action that I smuggled out
NEWS UPDATE 8/10/08 - I was arrested in Beijing for a non-violent action in support of human rights in Tibet, in cooperation with students for free tibet . Video footage secretly recorded and smuggled out:my motivation for this action:
I have always been very interested in international issues and pay very close attention to the world affairs. I feel like all humanity shares the responsibility to take care of each other. As an American I feel like I was born into a position of privilege and with that comes certain responsibilities. If we all collectively refused to accept atrocities being carried out by our governments then we would be able to stop them. It is only when we sit by passively that these things can go on. Its never too late to get involved.
This is my chance to make a difference and I'm going to take it. We cannot allow the Chinese government to use the Olympics as a platform to promote themselves as a free and democratic society while they simultaneously violently suppress Tibetans and deny them of there basic human rights.
I was taught by my parents that I should do my best to live my life consciously and follow the path of my heart- even if it's the most difficult.
I chose to become involved in this action in China because I am a citizen of the world. As such I feel like I bare certain responsibilities to my global community. In our increasingly globalized world it is more important than ever that we do not sit by passively while ethnic groups and cultures are abused by other groups. Humans should learn from our previous mistakes.
It wasn't even 200 years ago when some of my ancestors were spreading across the great plains of America. In the process they conquered and wiped out some of my other ancestors- the Native Americans who had been living here for thousands of years in harmony with the earth.
If we could go back and do something to stop that would we? Wouldn't we do anything in our power?
Like the Native Americans were in the 1800s- now the Tibetans are being systematically cleansed, subjugated and controlled by a more powerful and dominant government and its military. This is happening now- here- today- and for the most part right under the noses of the international community.
Today China is using the Olympics as a political tool to introduce itself to the world as a real player on the international scene. Meanwhile national boundaries and identities are being used to cloak the issue in a guise of China's national sovereignty.
This site highlights experiences Tirian and others have had as they traveled around the world- exploring, searching, learning and generally trying to lend a helping hand wherever they could. Many articles focus on the tsunami that happened while he was in Thailand in 2004 and the relief work he did in the affected communities for the following year.
Two boys just days after the tsunami seem to be in good spirit. Baan Naam Kem, Phang Nga Province, Southern Thailand. January 11, 2005
If you have any questions or comments please contact me .
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"Motorcycles and cars were speeding down the road, skidding to a stop and picking people up, only to speed south towards the hill. Shop owners were frantically closing their doors and rounding up their families. Cell phones were given to anyone who needed one, to call whoever they needed. This is the new tsunami warning system. 
"The waiting and uncertainty of whether or not we?d be able to perform the tasks without throwing up, fainting, or becoming too disturbed to continue wore heavy on us. Some would continue talking to fill the space and attention prior to going in while others became very contemplative and serious."