Showing support for Dalai Lama
Posted at 5:28 AM (PDT) on Monday, March 30, 2009

Los Angeles Times
March 27, 2009

It seems nobody dislikes the Dalai Lama, except maybe the Chinese government and members of the California Legislature, which recently declined to pass a resolution in support of Tibetan rights.

Bad move, particularly if you're a lawmaker who hopes to raise money in Hollywood. A letter, written by Archbishop Desmond Tutu stating strong support for the Dalai Lama's cause, is attracting more high-voltage stars than the next "Ocean's" remake.

Among those signing the letter supporting the Lama and his Tibetan monks are: George Clooney, Samuel L. Jackson, Harrison Ford, Christy Turlington, Naomi Campbell, Paul Haggis, Ashley Judd, Gillian Anderson, Peter Gabriel, Maria Bello, Richard Gere, Anne Archer and Hans Zimmer. (Thecommunity.com, which is sponsoring the effort, has the letter and a complete list of its celebrity signatories on its website.)

"The Tibetan religion and culture is really hanging on the edge of a cliff right now," said human rights activist Mary Wald, head of thecommunity.com. "They need people like the celebrities who are on this letter to speak up and say we value the Dalai Lama and this incredible culture."

Most of the high-wattage involvement started with celebrities e-mailing one another, Wald said.

By the way, you don't have to be a star to sign the letter, now endorsed by more than 4,500 people. Anyone, even California state legislators are welcome to join.