Didnt know where else I could post this bit of info. I have already contacted google regarding the same.

Supremus, I see no problem in celebrities airing their opinions. I just hope they understand that their opinions will be more widely scrutinized than for example, mine and they should be willing to explain themselves when questioned.

Thejesh, thanks for digging up his feed.

Ashutosh, by trying to stifle minor protests and being overly paranoid, China has only succeeded in encouraging and spreading these protests to places other than Tibet.

He’s a brilliant actor - it would be nice if he followed Shah Rukh’s footsteps and be just good what he does. I dont know why he’s trying to potray himself as new age shabana azmi!

Nitin, excuse my limited writing abilities. I meant, in India at least dissent is a viable option whereas in China it means imprisonment or even death; something that many individuals are unwilling to risk. I agree that in violating the basic assumption of human rights China is in many ways a worse offender compared to other nations (Saudi Arabia & North Korea excluded).

Bloghopper, come on! It sounds all sunny and cheerful to cite that cliche but Olympics have always been about showcasing the host’s capabilities for organizing the Games and letting them flaunt their stuff in front of billions. China clearly doesn’t want their blatant human rights violation overshadowing their party. They have the muscle to suppress honest opinions by governments but what does an individual living in another country have to fear? Let Aamir say I don’t think the Tibet issue is that big a deal to me and so I rather have the opportunity to carry the torch. I would at least credit him for being honest rather than dishing out cliches. Remember he has always claimed to be a thinking actor and an individual with politically-incorrect opinions.

Also, I might be appearing to pick nits here, but to capture the fundamental difference the phrasing is important.

at least the Indian government allows dissent

That’s not accurate. The Indian constitution allows dissent. The Indian government, normatively, can’t do anything to supress this right. The right to dissent is not a privilege granted by the government, but a right granted to every citizen as fundamental. That’s the real difference.

Of course, governments have played hokey with these norms too often for our liking. But that’s nothing compared to China.

But what worries me, and the most telling part of Raman’s criticism, was the publicity machinery of China, and how this would be drummed up — whether he was bearing it for Coca Cola or no Coca Cola. Which is why Bhutia must be commended for seeing through this. Not to mention, he is a Buddhist.

Oh, and Aamir’s blog needs better work.