When Richard Gere started advocating vocally on behalf of Tibet’s independence, many people dismissed Gere as just another flighty celebrity who would move on to a new “cause” in short time. More than twenty years later, Gere is still a vocal advocate, and his activism is taken seriously by Washington power players.
Gere was in Washington on Monday to lobby Congress for increased support for Tibet. He gave several interviews to various media outlets, but I found this AFP interview the most interesting. Gere, a practicing Buddhist, says that President Obama’s election should be an inspiration to all oppressed people around the world, and that America should be focusing more energy and resources on Tibet and China to bring about a peaceful solution. The AFP has more:
Actor-activist Richard Gere voiced hope on Monday that China could one day have a Tibetan leader much as the United States now has a black president, but said it was crucial to be firm with Beijing.
Gere, a Buddhist, was in Washington to lobby Congress to support Tibet on the eve of the 50th anniversary of China’s crushing of an uprising in which spiritual leader Dalai Lama escaped to India. China has poured troops into Tibet for the sensitive anniversary but Gere said the election of US President Barack Obama should serve as an inspiration for historically oppressed people.
“Thirty years, 20 years ago, who would have thought there could be a black president of the United States? Things change rapidly — and it’s usually in crisis and tragedy that things change the most,” Gere told AFP.
“I can see a time when there may well be a Tibetan-Chinese prime minister or president or whatever form of government there is then. But the words have to be spoken,” he said.
The Dalai Lama says he wants greater freedoms for Tibetans under Chinese rule. Beijing brands him a separatist and criticizes any overseas recognition of the Nobel Peace laureate. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton last month said human rights concerns would not impede US-China cooperation on fighting the economic crisis and other concerns — remarks that alarmed rights activists.
Gere said on hearing Clinton, “my first thought was to those incredibly courageous human rights, civil rights and constitutional rights Chinese who count on the acknowledgement of the world as a leverage point.”
But Gere, a supporter of Obama and Clinton’s Democratic Party, said he believed Clinton “just misspoke and then has not figured out how to fix it. I hope that’s the case because it’s out of character for her also. It’s not the kind of woman or politician she is.”
Tibet’s government says that more than 87,000 people died in China’s crackdown of the uprising between March and October of 1959 alone. Human rights groups say hundreds more died or remain unaccounted for as Beijing put down another round of protests a year ago on the anniversary of the Dalai Lama’s flight.
Secretary of State Clinton’s remarks about China haven’t been given the attention they deserve, and it’s good that Gere talks about it openly. Secretary Clinton basically said that the Chinese-American economic relationship superceded any other disagreements our two countries might have. Gere’s point is subtle, and I think he chided Secretary Clinton in a very classy, diplomatic way. The discussion of human rights should be part of the larger discussion with China, the end.
Richard Gere is shown with Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi at a press conference in DC yesterday. Thanks to WENN
Gere = meh
Gere + puts his money and his time and the whole of his image behind a cause he truly believes in = Bravo!
Why the fuck doesn’t the old fart just move to tibet…
I understand that it is horrible and something needs to be done. But why do celebrities constantly want to help other countries especially when the U.S. is in such a horrendous economic state? I think we need to focus more of our attention on all of the americans who are losing their jobs. Mr. Gere, these are the people that won’t be able to go see your movies because they don’t have a paycheck.
I say, help the United States first. We need to get our country back on track. Then we can look at other countries and see what we can do to help.
Crystal: I couldn’t have said it better. I understand and feel terrible for people who are suffering. But there are priorities that America needs to address first before we worry about Tibet or darfur. Our own people are starving and homeless and they should be taken care of before we send money (that we do not have) to other countries for aid.
America needs to put itself first and take care of its own for a change.
Crystal and cakes: BRAVO 😀 Domestic problems COME FIRST. Ya hear that Clooney and Gere?
While I agree that the Chinese oppression is wrong, I have to wonder if he realizes what the Tibetans want: a theocracy. When people hear about an oppressed country looking for independence, they automatically assume they want to set up a democratic government. In this case, they are dead wrong.
Chrystal: Because in Tibet, women are raped with long wooden sticks by the Chinese authorities to make sure they never bear children again. Because in Tibet the possession of a picture of the Dalai Lama will get you arrested and tortured. That’s why.
While I agree that people have to look after their own first, I strongly recommend to start fighting against incredible cruelties like that immediately because you never know when such behaviour might concern YOU – and that day you will be very thankful for people to raise their voices for you.
‘America’ the government puts itself first and Americans can go fly a kite as far as it’s concerned.
I do share the sentiments of a few posters and have been ‘fried’ for it but I still say “think globally, act locally.”
Make something right at home rather that sitting around being outraged over something that’s happening abroad. I’m not saying don’t care, but be realistic about it.
We have the immediate tools and opportunity to make a positive change in our own backyards. Change has to come from within and that includes our own governments and societies before we can extend that influence effectively.
Anyway, good for Gere. He’s been at this for quite a while now.