Stop the Voice of Americas Tibetan Language Radio

In the FY2013 budget proposal, the Broadcasting Board of Governors plans on eliminating the Voice of Americas Tibetan language radio to Tibet. Tibetan People are Burning This comes at a period when Tibet is literally burning. More than 26 Tibetans, mostly young monks and nuns have self-immolated to draw attention to despairing situation in Tibet. Chinas crackdowns on the Tibetan people are at its harshest, conducting beatings and detentions and inflict painful and humiliating re-education programs at Tibetan religious institutions. Wrong Political Message to China Cutting this lifeline for Tibetans in their hour of need sends a wrong message to China. Eliminating VOA Tibetan radio indicates that America is overlooking Chinas abuse on the Tibetan people. And to the Tibetan people, it will be a heartbreaking blow from a nation that Tibetans love, respect, and consider a friend. VOA Tibetan Radio - A Unique Source of Information for Tibetans A recent NPR report on the Tibetan self-immolations in Tibet said, The monks listen secretly to Voice of Americas Tibetan service news every night, despite feeling almost physical pain at the bleak news. Ever since 1991, when the Voice of America was mandated by an act of Congress to start its Tibetan language service, it has been the only international broadcast into Tibet that provides world news, US news, the activities and efforts of the Dalai Lama, information and analysis on the workings of the free world to Tibet. And still today, VOA Tibetan radio is still the only news source one that gives comprehensive news to the Tibetan people. Shortwave Radio- A Powerful Medium in Tibet Shortwave radio remains a cheap, easily concealed, and thus the safest mode of getting news and information in Tibet. Radio signals are jammed by the Chinese in town centers, but in the rural areas where the vast majority of Tibetans live, Voice of Americas radio is loud and clear. The Dalai Lama said that Voice of America Tibetan radio is vital medicine for Tibetans, and the Tibetan people consider it as one of the most valuable and priceless gifts from the people and government of the United States to them. Save VOATibetan radio on behalf of the millions of Tibetans living under extreme oppression, and the American people who have supported the plight of the Tibetans for over 50 years.