I appreciate this article. Americans do need to question the U.S.'s relationship with China more deeply.  

I am upset about China being the second highest holder of U.S. foreign debt. Holding a country's debt is the most effective way to control its actions. Hell, the only reason half this country hasn't rebelled is because we know that all presidential terms must come to  an end.
The Chinese and Tibetans do not have that to look forward to.  

And public opinion surprisingly does matter to dictatorships...the ego is such a twisted thing.  But it only goes so far.  Thomas is right in advising individuals to think globally when they shop locally. The movement of money speaks louder than words. Hopefully, Americans will demand a more ethical and restrained economic and foreign policy from their representatives in the years to come.