ABOUT THE BOOK
fjrigjwwe9r0pp_Books:Description
The Western world has been trying to “free Tibet” for
the last 30 years. It hasn`t gone well. China remains predictably intractable
towards any Western admonitions, and repression inside of Tibet has now
increased to the point where Tibetans are lighting themselves on fire in
desperate, fatal protest.
Arrogance has led the West to believe that its
perspectives on democracy and Tibet will eventually lead to Tibetan freedom;
yet, after three decades, the accumulated mass of governmental edicts,
congressional legislative initiatives and verbal challenges to China has led to
nothing more than a worsening of the Tibetan condition.
No one personified this arrogance more than Jim Rinaldi
as he concocted wild and dangerous schemes to assist Tibetans as they traveled
through Nepal on their way to India. For 20 years, operating on nothing
more than a full belief in his American exceptionalism, Rinaldi worked with
Tibet charities; helped Tibetans fleeing over Himalayan passes; and eventually
saw his efforts dissolve into nothing more than a series of brand-enhancing
exercises for the American Tibet lobby.
Saviors and Fools is ultimately the story of Rinaldi
coming to terms with the realization that America and the West do not appear to
have a clue on how to help Tibet. From his unique insider`s perch, Rinaldi levels
his fire on the mistakes, hubris, opportunism and imperious political posturing
that has now brought any hope for effective Tibetan advocacy by the West to a
standstill. The West blew it, and Rinaldi moves forward by arguing that
it`s now time for America and the West to get out of the way and let India take
the leadership role.
Saviors and Fools is a humorous, challenging and
insightful memoir that should compel all of us to step back and re-think how we
approach not only Tibetans, but human rights issues in general. It begins
a conversation that is long overdue.
ABOUT Author
fjrigjwwe9r0pp_Books:aboutAuthor
James
Rinaldi is the current Director of Himalayan Aid. He has been
working with Tibetans and Nepalis for over 20 years, and still maintains an
active role in ongoing field projects. He currently divides his time
between India, Nepal and his home in the United States.