Re: Protests pose crucial test on eve of Hu's second term as president, March 15.

I concur with Richard Spencer's well-written article. The timing for the Tibetan uprising coinciding with the China's National Congress meeting is quite a feat in itself. Under the spotlight, Communist China has shown us once again, what a ruthless dictatorship it runs.

Using force seems to be the order of the day to handle and mishandle protests such as the one by the monks and supporters of a Free Tibet in Lhasa. It's like a chronic pattern that never seems to go away.

Would somebody tell Chinese President Hu Jintao, that it would probably be easier to improve human rights in China and Tibet at this point instead of wasting all this time and energy in denial and continuing to keep on with oppression of the people.

Meanwhile, what if the International Olympic Committee suddenly reacts to this human rights violation ahead of the Olympics, like they should; it could cost China the games. And there's always economic sanctions but I won't hold my breath.

Until then, I tip my hat to those brave men and women. Let's keep the pressure on.

Marie Beaulieu,
Victoria