The Dalai Lama and Nancy Pelosi

First off, I am glad to see the Dalai Lama honored in Washington yesterday. I don't know that he has contributed to the U.S. such that he deserves a medal of honor. But simply the fact of both the president and the speaker of the house appearing on stage (together!) and with him speaks volumes. Among other things, it communicates to the world--and to Communist China in particular--that we support efforts of freedom around the world. And it demonstrates that at least sometimes we can show that support for freedom without starting another war.

At the same time, I almost swallowed my teeth when I listened to Nancy Pelosi's comments. Fortunately, I was sitting down. Unfortunately, I was eating dinner. Fortunately, in my shock I did not lose any of the dinner. Unfortunately, I suffered a bit of a coughing spell trying to absorb the absurdity of Pelosi's statement.

"What did she say that caused such a reaction?" you ask.

I'm glad you asked that: After praising what a wonderful man he is, etc., blah, blah, she added at the end (of the portion I heard) that "he is a champion of religious freedom."

How can I express my reaction?

BALONEY!!!!!!!! HOGWASH!!!!!!!

He champions religious freedom for his Tibetan Buddhism. But take just a glimpse of Tibet's attitude toward any other religious practice in their country. Not an option. Oh, if you are of another religion and you come there to visit, you are welcome to spend your money there. But as a former governor of my state said, "Come to visit; but then go home." Don't even think of living in Tibet and practicing another religion.

Sooooooooo, wonderful man? I have no reason to doubt that. "His holiness"? I don't call anyone by that title except .... well, I don't call anyone that. (I call God "Holy, Holy, Holy.") Incarnation of god? Not as I understand the words.

And "champion of religious freedom"? Not in this lifetime at least.

What do you think?