As eyes turn towards New York and Pittsburgh, and the forthcoming protests against the presence of Hu Jintao, anyone supportive of the Tibetan people’s resistance inside Tibet will surely anticipate solidarity with the political objectives of Tibetans in their struggle for independence. Some however appear less certain, including rather suprisingly the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress of New York and New Jersey (RTYCNYNJ). When an appeal was made (via Facebook) to that chapter, requesting that the slogan of independence for Tibet be given central and prominent exposure, they offered a lukewarm response, excusing their lack of support for such a demand by claiming that other messages needed to feature at the G20.
“Thanks for your input. We are all on the same page but honestly there is more than that we need to let the leaders present at the summit know”
Indeed, there may well be valid subjects that merit some exposure, however what about showing some solidarity with their sisters and brothers inside Tibet who, unlike RTYCNYNJ, have no reservation in proclaiming Tibetan independence. Perhaps that organisation is suffering from a similar malady that afflicts the Tibetan Government in Exile, in thinking that any actions which upset, what have proved singularly failed negotiations with communist China, should be avoided? Nothing quite angers Beijing as intensely as the concept or advocacy of self-determination and independence for Tibet, surely a prima facie case for making sure that banners and placards carry that message proudly in NYC and Pittsburgh? Are we witnessing here once more the censorial hands of Dharamsala, ensuring that Tibetans comply with its demands to dilute protests in support of the effort to negotiate?
If so it is a shameful action, and RTYCNYNJ should reconsider such a position with all urgency and restore Rangzen as the main objective on public display during the G20. According to a statement placed on their Facebook page RTYCNYNJ asserts:
Digital Activism Im Support Of Tibetan Independence 
Am I missing something? I read all their postings on Facebook – I subscribe to their emails. TYC’s position is unchanged in terms of standing up firm for Tibet’s Independence. As a member chapter RTYC NY/NJ has no authority nor any leeway to veer away from the organization’s objective. That is understood in the Tibetan community and those closely associated with TYC in general. That said RTYC – NY/NJ and for that matter any other RTYC chapter can send out any messages how ever it sees fit. Goal doesn’t change no matter how creative message they put out in Facebook, twitter etc. That said I am not so sure what the author’s motive is in this article than to create a rift.
Kalsang, you are talking about an exchange which began betwen our colleagues at our Facebook page and RTYCNy&nj. I am the Editor here at the Blog. What happened was that Tibettruth sent a message to RTYCNy&nj via Facebook, enquiring if they would be featuring banners which stated ‘Independence for Tibet’. Naturally many people would have expected RTYC to have said loudly and clearly that they would certainly be displaying that message. However,as you can see from this post, their reply was not exactly emphatic, indeed it seemed to be an excuse that suggested that independence for Tibet was not that important and there were others message to be featured. Our volunteers at our Facebook site then wrote back to RTYCNy&nj and asked them to confirm that they will be taking a banner which says ‘Independence for Tibet’ to the G20 Pittsburgh/NYC demonstrations. That question has been put to them now on three seperate occasions and so far we have not had a straight answer! So what do you think? Interestingly if you visit the RTYCNy&nj website and look at the photo gallery see if you can find a single banner or placard that says ‘Independence for Tibet’.
Meanwhile one message @ G20 Independence for Tibet
Well u guys doing a good job. But have chosen to ignore the facts. RTYC NY&NJ had a huge banner for independence in Pittsburgh. RTYC NY&NJ has always been in the forefront for the strugle for Tibetan independence and has done all in their capacity. I have personally witnessed the 160 days they protested last year and so many other protests they organised while u were comfortably sitting in your office, so get your facts straight lo. Check their website http://www.rtycnynj.com and see their events page. They do a lot of good work and if u cant appreciate it dont go on spreading false rumor or what u might think. FREE TIbet, I love Tibet and support RTYC NY&NJ
Tsewang, thanks for your comments. Please understand that the topic you are referring to was an exchange which began (prior to the Pittsburgh event) between colleagues at our Facebook page and RTYCNy&nj. I am the Editor here at the Blog. What happened was that Tibettruth sent a message to RTYCNy&nj via Facebook, enquiring if they would be featuring (at last year’s G20 protest) banners which stated ‘Independence for Tibet’. Naturally many people would have expected RTYC to have said loudly and clearly that they would certainly be displaying that message. However,as you can see below their reply was not exactly emphatic, indeed it seemed to be an excuse that suggested that independence for Tibet was not that important and there were other messages to be featured.
“Thanks for your input. We are all on the same page but honestly there is more than that we need to let the leaders present at the summit know” (RTYC NY&NJ Facebook Page September 14 @ 17:18 http://www.facebook.com/bod.rangzen#/profile.php?id=548534807)
Understand too, that before it was decided to feature this matter here on Tibettruth, volunteers at our Bod Rangzen Facebook site wrote back to RTYCNy&nj and asked them to confirm if they would be taking a banner which stated ‘Independence for Tibet’ to the G20 Pittsburgh/NYC demonstrations. That question was put to them on three occasions and they appeared unable or unwilling to provide a straight answer!
On this basis it was difficult to conclude that they were at all committed on that day (that is the context of the post, it is specific, not generalized) to ensuring Rangzen was given prominence, and one of the functions of Tibettruth is to promote and support the message of Tibet’s rightful independence.