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June 2
Take a nap
Today was a day off from walking and programs, the biggest task of Friday, June 2, was a four-way radio interview.
One critical objective of the walk is to share our progress with individuals around the world. Most importantly, we want the Tibetans especially living in Tibet and also in-exile to know what we are doing and how we have been received.
Since the beginning of the walk, our Tibetan walkers have been fortunate to be interviewed on the following radio stations which broadcast daily into, for instance, Tibet, India, and Nepal: Radio Free Asia-Tibetan Service, Voice of America-Tibetan Service, and Voice of Tibet.
Today, two representatives from each leg of the walk took part in a very exciting and informative panel discussion with Radio Free Asia. Representing the San Francisco to Los Angeles North leg of the walk were Venerable Yishe Togden (President, Gu Chu-Sum; Former Political Prisoners) and Ani Pachen Dolma (Tibetıs Warrior Nun who spent 21 years as a political prisoner), while Pema Lhundup (General Secretary, Tibetan Youth Congress) and Namgyal Shallung represented the San Diego to Los Angeles South leg of the walk.
During this interview, each interviewee was on a separate phone. Members of the North leg spoke from their lodging at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Lompoc, while members of the South leg spoke from their housing at the Church for Religious Science in Encintias.
During the interview, the four walkers were asked: why they were walking, what their views were concerning resolving the Tibetan situation, and whether their solutions were realistic and achievable. All four indicated that Tibet must be independent and that Tibetans and non-Tibetans should work harder to achieve this goal.
Yishe ended the discussion with the statement that it was irrelevant to debate the reality of achieving independence. He went on to say that Tibetans must rule Tibet.
Our second biggest task of the day was to move to The Lompoc United Methodist Church. They gave us a great space that was about like a motel with a kitchenette. Everything was in one big room, which suited us just fine.
After moving we all climbed in the van and headed off to find some nearby hot springs. A few people got in and enjoyed, but the clothing of choice for the springs was a "birth day suit." So, after eating lunch, we drove back to town.
Most everyone took an extra-long afternoon nap (some of us worked on the website).
A whole bunch of people showed up that evening. Larry Gerstein, ITIM president, came back from the San Diego walk. Josh, a friend that we met in Palo Alto, came to walk for the weekend. Ani Kelsang was off in San Luis Obispo with a friend for the night and returned in time for dinner. And, Kathy and Janelle, who were also in SLO, returned. We also enjoyed another thukpa dinner that evening–always a delight.
We watched a movie that night. It was basically a relaxing and quiet day off.
International
Tibet Independence Movement
PO Box 592 Fishers, Indiana 46038-0592 United States
e-mail: rangzen@aol.com
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