Both the right and the left give the Dalai Lama and Tibetan Buddhism a pass. He is the anointed representative of non-violence, and (in my opinion) a very poor choice. He is not too anti-viloence for the right and too pro-war for the left. A perfect contradiction that lets the issue of non-violence be forgotten.
A real advocate and activist for non-violence is ignored -- Thich Nhat Hanh (see urls below). Way to radical for the right (besides he is from Vietnam -- how could someone whose country was bombed and who was driven into exile still advocate for peace. Where is his desire for revenge? What about an eye for an eye? Proabaly gay too.) and too religious for some on the left who want no one associated with religion. So the issue of non-violence gets ignored again which is what too many want.
Brian Dauth Queer Buddhist Activist
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week703/feature.html
http://www.wagingpeace.org/articles/02.11/1113hanah_terror.htm