To worldwide dismay, but not surprise, the Communist government in China has engaged in another bloody crackdown on the nation of Tibet. The local Tibetan community held a candlelight vigil on March 19th, 2008 at Westlake Mall in Seattle.

Across the street at the same time was a left-wing protest against the Iraq War, as well as the usual laundry list of grievances. It was angry, loud, crude and whiny. The complete opposite of the many people who came out and stood in the rain to show their support for their friends and relatives in Tibet.

The people in Tibet are not allowed to display their flag. The Tibetan flag was being worn here as a show of support. Across the street the U.S. flag, when it was present, was being denigrated.

The sign this woman was holding got my attention. It is common at left-wing protests to encounter signs calling for the release of political prisoners. But the difference between what she is talking about and what the typical left-wing protester means is stark. Tibet sees true political oppression, not something out of the fevered imaginations of Bush Derangement Syndrome sufferers, or members of convicted criminal fan clubs.

A few more pictures are in the full gallery here.

There is local newspaper coverage here.