Thursday, March 17, 2011

China Stamps Out Flaming Monks

Literally.

A Buddhist monk in China is reported to have set himself on fire to protest the Chinese occupation of Tibet. Chinese soldiers are then reported to have beaten and kicked him.

First, let us say that if the Vatican has some trouble managing its image, China has even more. Seriously, people, hire a PR firm. Or, better yet, stop doing bad things.

Second, let us point out the obvious: this is how real oppression works. It not only provokes people to take terrible actions, it then -- and gratuitously -- punishes them for it. The guy was already burning himself alive, for crying out loud. What possible purpose could a sound beating have served?

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