” Well firstly I’m not seeking independence. I’m not seeking complete separation from China. Tibet’s a landlocked country – materially backward. Of course spiritually very rich – I think very rich – but spirituality alone cannot fill our stomachs. So we need money. We need more material development. For that reason if we remain within the Peoples Republic of China, providing the Chinese government treat us or respect us, respect our culture, respect our own basic right, then as far as material development is concerned we might get greater benefit if we remain in the Peoples Republic of China”
-Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama. World in Focus. Australian Broadcasting Corporation Television. 5/22/02
Remember this quote next time someone who is not Tibetan uses the Dalai Lama’s image to tell Tibetans what they want.