Congressional Gold Medal awarded to Dalai Lama - Lone Voice of Opposition...
Today, the Dalai Lama was awarded a congressional gold medal from the United States. But before the House of Representatives approved the $30,000 funding for the award on September 13th, Representative Ron Paul (R-TX), known as Dr. No for his typical opposition to government spending programs that he does see authorized by the Constitution, had this to say as the lone voice opposing the measure:
Mr. PAUL: Mr. Speaker, with great sadness I must rise to oppose this measure granting a congressional gold medal to the 14th Dalai Lama. While I greatly admire and respect His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and fully recognize his tremendous status both as a Buddhist leader and international advocate for peace, I must object to the manner in which this body chooses to honor him.
I wonder if my colleagues see the irony in honoring a devout Buddhist monk with a material gift of gold. The Buddhist tradition, of course, eschews worldly possessions in favor of purity of thought and action. Buddhism urges its practitioners to alleviate the suffering of others whenever possible. I’m sure His Holiness the Dalai Lama would rather see $30,000 spent to help those less fortunate, rather than for a feel-good congressional gesture.
We cannot forget that Congress has no authority under the Constitution to spend taxpayer money on medals and awards, no matter how richly deserved. And I reiterate my offer of $100 from my own pocket to pay for this medal–if members wish to honor the Dalai Lama, all we need to do is pay for it ourselves. If all 435 of us contribute, the cost will be roughly $70 each. So while a gold medal sounds like a great idea, it becomes a bit strange when we see the actual cost involved.
*Originally posted Oct.17 on RonPaulNation:
http://www.ronpaulnation.com/?p=244
Gold MUST be good
As much as I admire their contributions, I must object to this needless spending. Whatever happened to plaques? Or certificates?
But, of course, we understand the value of gold. We want our gold back.
Read this:
U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess (my rep in Texas) is proud to announce that H.R. 1154, the bill to designate a Congressional Gold Medal for the famed Houston heart surgeon Dr. Michael DeBakey, was passed in both the House and Senate. Rep. Burgess was an original sponsor of this bill and worked hard to lock-down co-sponsorships from members of the U.S. House of Representatives to ensure the bill’s passage. The Congressional Gold Medal is the nation's highest and most distinguished civilian award. Congressional legislation is required to make the medal, and needs at least two-thirds of the House of Representatives to sponsor the legislation and 67 Senators. Once the legislation is past, the Congress commissions the U.S Mint to design and create the medal.
During the 109th session of Congress, Rep. Burgess introduced H.R. 4902, the Byron Nelson Congressional Gold Medal Act, which was signed into law by President Bush on October 16, 2006.
Congressman Burgess’ Floor Statement on Dr. DeBakey Congressional Gold Medal.
$30,000?
Seriously, is this medal worth $30,000? Just how big is this thing? I realize there's cost involved in making it, but come on!
"One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors."
- Plato
"One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors."
- Plato
This isn't the first time
This isn't the first time Ron Paul has done this. Watch this video.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=VXRnM55o6Ew
I'm a Tibetan Buddhist and agree with Dr Paul
To a buddhist this would be a meaningless gift. However, a buddhist would never turn away a gift as it represents a friendly gesture. However, to do so hurting our laws is to taint the gift. There would be a silly vanity karma associated with it. There is suffering in this country and all over the world where this money could make a difference. I'm sure His Holiness would be delighted if Congress honored him this way and if that donation came from their own pockets as Dr Paul suggested.
"You take the blue pill and the story ends. You wake in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill and you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit-hole goes. -- all I am offering is the truth, nothing more."
Wow!
Dr. Paul has hit the nail on the head again. I don't think I know of any other person who thinks and acts with such logic.
A few days ago, in an article from the Seoul Times, Joshua Snyder said Dr. Paul merits the honorific title of TZU, meaning "master" and said he would gain approval from Confucius. I thought Mr. Snyder went overboard in his praise. But now, I think maybe I'm the one not giving Dr. Paul enough credit.
..
He really is the only sane and principled person in congress.
btw i'm a buddhist.
Dali Lama
Personally I am bothered that the Dali Lama would be so grateful in recieving this medal from GW Bush. Bush was just as much an agressor as China was. I like and respect the Dali Lama very much, I have a couple of his books. But to be up hugging and playing kissy face with Bush and Pelosi sends a mixed message. It bothered me seeing both of them on the same stage. This was not a smart move on the part of the Dali Lama and was ONLY an exploitive photo op for GW.
Perhaps the hug prevented WWIII :)
A regular Lama has such an intense energy about them. They can transform your mood completely and make you feel light and happy almost immediately. I can't imagine being the focus of the Dalai Lama even for a few seconds. His Holiness knows what he's doing, trust him.
"You take the blue pill and the story ends. You wake in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill and you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit-hole goes. -- all I am offering is the truth, nothing more."
It's called being Gracious
I wasn't aware that it was habit for the Dali Lama to tell people where to stick it.
He could have...
He could have graciously declined. I like his promotion of peace. He's also a bit overrated IMHO. I mean, he's just another human like the rest of us, subject to error and weakness. Gandhi was better. LOL
Man. I'm probably gonna get alotta flak for saying that. Oh well.
You twist my words
You twist my words, grasshopper.