<< The difference is that the U.S. left reflexively supports "self-determination" for Timor, but when the words 'independence for Tibet' scrolls over the screen it causes everyone's computers to instantly reboot. >>
i think the original question about tibet (from doug?) raised exactly the opposite point. u.s. liberals, hollywood-types in particular, have rallied to the tibet cause because of some perceived mystical specialness of tibet and of the dali lama. where was/is the cavalcade of concerts/movies/benefits to aid east timor? so it's not the reflexive support of self-determination for timor but rather the unreflective romantic rallying to the cry for 'independence for Tibet' << that causes everyone's computers to instantly reboot. >>