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October 22, 2007
Bush Honors Buddhist
Topics: Current EventsLast week a "born-again" President stated that all religions pray to the same God. This week in front of the United States House of Congress, Tibetan monks were chanting to the gods and a "man of peace" (HT: Understand the Times):
President Bush and the leaders of Congress put aside their differences Wednesday to bestow the nation's highest civilian honor upon the Dalai Lama, calling the exiled Tibetan religious leader a "warrior for peace."Is it possible to honor the Dalai Lama without endorsing the belief system he represents? I don't think so and neither do the politicians who capitalized on the occasion to get in front of the camera:The Dalai Lama said he was "deeply touched" by his receipt of the Congressional Gold Medal, which he received in an ornate ceremony under the U.S. Capitol dome — but not before having a hearty laugh over his inability to speak perfect English.
"It is a great honor for me to receive the Congressional Gold Medal. This ... will bring tremendous joy and encouragement to the Tibetan people, for whom I have a special responsibility," the Dalai Lama said, reading from his prepared remarks
"It is a rare privilege to share this stage and this day with His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama. He is a one-man warrior for peace. He is a one-man warrior for spirituality," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid sad."The efforts of this blessed man are not limited to Tibet. His wisdom and his compassion transcend international boundaries," said Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla.
"At a moment in world history when nothing is as short as a supply as moral authority, this humble Buddhist monk has an inexhaustible supply," Rep. Tom Lantos, D-Calif., said.
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Posted by calvin at October 22, 2007 09:43 PM
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