Abbey-Roads2

The Dalai Lama and Tibet - the mouse that roared…

Hopefully, the increasing protests and demonstrations being staged in city after city throughout the world, against Chinese oppression of Tibet, conducted while the Olympic torch is passed along on the way to Beijing, will be effective in foisting a truly international boycott of the 2008 Games.  (I know, that appears unlikely considering the investment behind the Games.)

The protests have rightly come about as a result of China’s most recent oppression of Tibetan appeals for independence. Nevertheless, many other factions throughout the world have long been pleading for a boycott of the Games because of the numerous other human rights abuses perpetrated by the Chinese government.

Repressive Regime 

That said, it isn’t just about Tibet - although thank God Tibet has captured the world’s attention - but it is about the long-time persecution of Christians, particularly Catholics, as well.  It isn’t just about the oppresion of the Tibetan people, but about the massive displacement of persons the Olympic Games have forced upon Chinese citizens; the destruction of entire neighborhoods in order to build luxurious housing for Olympic visitors.

The list of human rights abuses perpetrated by the Chinese regime is a long one, which includes the inhumane treatment of human guinea pigs and unwilling organ donors, as well as the live skinning of animals for the fur industry.  Add to that the vast counterfeit market of product ranging from designer goods to pirated DVD’s.  And do not forget what I call their “covert war” upon the West, the production of tainted and poisonous products ranging from pharmaceuticals and food, to children’s toys.

Sacrifice is called for.  

I pray the various protests and calls for a boycott of the Games may escalate and be taken seriously.  I pray national leaders will respond positively in defense of human rights and that a boycott will be observed by the participating nations and peoples of the world.  Perhaps we in the West need to sacrifice the temporary prosperity and entertainment the Games engender for the well being and independence of the Tibetan people, as well as the millions who continue to suffer within China.

Links:

Paris Daily Photo - Paris protests.

Paris Olympic Torch Relay Is Cut Short

Protestors Scale Golden Gate Bridge

[Photo:  By Eric at Paris Daily Photo]

Good News!  The internet - blogs included - is meant for evangelization, don’t you agree?

Phoenix, Apr 7, 2008 / 10:28 am (CNA).- In less than three weeks, 3,000 Catholics returned to the Church in the Diocese of Phoenix due to the effort of a new lay apostolate, CatholicsComeHome.org.  The program consists of a website and commercials aired on local television that effectively portray the truth and goodness of the Catholic Church.

In an interview with CNA, Catholics Come Home, Inc. founder and president, Tom Peterson explained that the ads are designed to take people to the website, CatholicsComeHome.org, where they can find answers to questions about Church teachings, and also to put them into contact with their local parish to be led home, back to the Catholic Church.

The first commercial, “Epic” portrays the history, beauty, and spirituality of the Church that Jesus started 2,000 years ago.  Peterson mentioned that “many people don’t realize the history of the Church.  They don’t realize that Peter – the Apostle from the Bible – was the first Pope.  They don’t realize the vast accomplishments that the Church has made over the centuries.”

“Epic” also effectively represents the universality of the Church.  The clip shows a Mexican fiesta, an African Mass, a Tongan baptism, aid workers serving in a Vietnamese jungle, among other scenes.

The reaction to the video has been overwhelmingly positive.  Viewers commented, “After seeing ‘Epic’, it made me proud to be Catholic.”  Priests have noted that the video made them feel “re-invigorated about their vocation.”  The video also has touched former Catholics who have said that the video showed the truth about the Church – “truth that they haven’t seen in decades.” - Read more.

Links:

Catholics Come Home.org

God bless Lee - he got me back in - I had been using the wrong password when the trouble started - which is why I couldn’t access the dashboard.  Doh!