World Tibet Network News Friday, April 24, 1998

(BADGER HERALD) April 22 1998

By Alison Heiny

In addition to his visit to the Kohl Center, the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, Tenzin Gyatso, will address the Wisconsin State Assembly on the issue of conflict resolution May 13.

"He can certainly give us tips and insights on how Democrats and Republicans can get along" said state Rep. Rosemary Potter, D-Milwaukee. "It is important that we learn to work together more effectively and create good, fair public policy for the State and for citizens of Wisconsin."

According to Steve Bass, communication director for Assembly Speaker Scott Jensen, R-Waukesha the Assembly has a strong tradition dating back to the turn of the century of bringing respected leaders to talk about their areas of expertise.

"A Legislature ought to be free market place of ideas," Bass said. "The more people we get in, the more ideas we can hear, the more we can learn the better public servants it's going to make us."

As a Noble Peace Prize winner, peace advocate, respected speaker and ecologist, the Dalai Lama most glorified for establishing a Tibetan Government In Exile.

Although the speech is not open to the public, Mary Beth George a staff member in Potter's, said the speech will be broadcast over the Internet on the State of Wisconsin Legislative hom page.

At the event, Capitol Police and University Police will be working with the Sergeant At Arms office to ensure tight security for the Dalai Lama's visit, George said.

"Lots of preparations have been made for extra protection and to control H.H. movement throughout the building" she said.

Dave Blaska, deputy press secretary for Gov. Tommy Thompson said the Governor is honored and excited to have " a man of peace" speak at the Capitol.

State rep. Spencer Black, D- Madison, said he is also anticipating the visit. Because the Dalai Lama has led a courageous and non-violence effort to free his people from Chinese oppression, Black said it is a great way for lawmakers and Wisconsin to honor the leader.

"He is one of the most respected men on this planet and he is sure to receive a warm welcome here," Black said.

Others topics for the Dalai Lama speech aside from the conflict resolution are not yet known. Although Bass presumes the Dalai Lama will be speaking on his peace-making approaches, he said the remarks do not have to be cleared with state officials in advance.

"He will be saying what is in his heart, not necessarily what everyone wants to hear," Bass said.

In addition, Bass said while many people are excited for the Dalai Lama visit, everyone may not want to hear what he wishes to express.

"some people will find it stimulating, some will find offensive and some unmoved either way," he said. "but that is just the nature of ideas."

George also said the Dalai Lama's message matches that of Tibetan communities around the world.

"This is a good opportunity for lawmakers to in contact with the Tibetan ideas in order to communicate and get messages across to one another," George said.

According to Penny Paster of the Deer Park Buddhist Center, there are 240

Tibetans in Madison who supports his visit.

"Because Madison is home to a significant number of Tibetan population, many

people, including myself, have come to know and respect them," Black said.

Potter along with Sherab P, a Madison area Tibetan who works for the Capitol, is responsible for bringing the leader to the Assembly chambers. After Potter sent an invitation to the Dalai Lama, she said she was very excited that he decided to speak.

Baas also said he thinks "it will be a great opportunity to listen to an international figure who commands great respect wherever he goes."

P.S. For more info on the time and URL address of the Wisconsin State Legislature please do check the WTA web page http://www.geocities.com/tokyo/3528