For the People, Bye the People - Sept-1988
Although the Strasbourge statement still remains the most important event in recent Tibetan history, we’ll have to let it simmer for a while, pending adefinitive response from Peking. Meanwhile back at the ranch, we had our first real election in six years. The election of the Assembly of Tibetan People’s Deputies may not be an earth shattering event at the moment. However, if the Stragbourge statement, or a variation of it, ever becomes a practical reality, then the Tibetan parliament will have a major role to play in shaping the destiny of the country.
Whatever course our foreign relations may take, the Dalai Lama has reaffirmed his faith in democracy as the system of running our internal affairs. Unfortunately, the majority of Tibetans still do not have a clue as to exactly what democracy means and what their MPs are supposed to do. Most those who have so far been elected—one way or another—to this august post are no exceptions. In general, they tend to view their elevation as a stepping stone to higher reaches. After five years in this cushy job, with free accommodation and reasonably good salaries and other perquisites, they can be certain of being reelected for at least one more term. Their visibility—notwithstanding their inactivity—makes the ordinary people think they are important and thus gives them a distinct advantage over obscure newcomers. Once out of office, if they wish, tey can be certain of a government post of at least the deputy secretary level. Regular government officials have to slog for years without approaching anywhere near that rank—unless they get a helping hand from someone above.
To secure their position, the deputies had decided right from the beginning that their election be subject to sealed approval from the Dalai Lama. This makes them invulnerable to any serious criticism because, as they lose no time pointing out, this would be tantamount to doubting the Dalai Lama’s trust.
That is why most Tibetan MPs, when dealing with the people they are supposed to represent, are officious, pompous and high-handed. Instead of challenging the government on important national issues, they spend their time discussing trivial matters such as discrepancies of a few rupees in this account or the stylistic shortcomings of that report. In their meetings, the length and volume of speeches count for more than substance.
If the new Assembly does nothing more than come to a proper understanding of its role in society and educates the people accordingly, it will have done more than all it’s predecessors put together.
Although the Strasbourge statement still remains the most important event in recent Tibetan history, we’ll have to let it simmer for a while, pending adefinitive response from Peking. Meanwhile back at the ranch, we had our first real election in six years. The election of the Assembly of Tibetan People’s Deputies may not be an earth shattering event at the moment. However, if the Stragbourge statement, or a variation of it, ever becomes a practical reality, then the Tibetan parliament will have a major role to play in shaping the destiny of the country.
Whatever course our foreign relations may take, the Dalai Lama has reaffirmed his faith in democracy as the system of running our internal affairs. Unfortunately, the majority of Tibetans still do not have a clue as to exactly what democracy means and what their MPs are supposed to do. Most those who have so far been elected—one way or another—to this august post are no exceptions. In general, they tend to view their elevation as a stepping stone to higher reaches. After five years in this cushy job, with free accommodation and reasonably good salaries and other perquisites, they can be certain of being reelected for at least one more term. Their visibility—notwithstanding their inactivity—makes the ordinary people think they are important and thus gives them a distinct advantage over obscure newcomers. Once out of office, if they wish, tey can be certain of a government post of at least the deputy secretary level. Regular government officials have to slog for years without approaching anywhere near that rank—unless they get a helping hand from someone above.
To secure their position, the deputies had decided right from the beginning that their election be subject to sealed approval from the Dalai Lama. This makes them invulnerable to any serious criticism because, as they lose no time pointing out, this would be tantamount to doubting the Dalai Lama’s trust.
That is why most Tibetan MPs, when dealing with the people they are supposed to represent, are officious, pompous and high-handed. Instead of challenging the government on important national issues, they spend their time discussing trivial matters such as discrepancies of a few rupees in this account or the stylistic shortcomings of that report. In their meetings, the length and volume of speeches count for more than substance.
If the new Assembly does nothing more than come to a proper understanding of its role in society and educates the people accordingly, it will have done more than all it’s predecessors put together.
posted by editorla at
9:27 PM
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