Barred the option of active resistance, he chose the only resistance left to him — obstruction. He placed himself in a position of grave immediate danger (the tanks could have had standing orders to run over anyone who hindered them), and took an action that he had to have known would likely result in his arrest and execution by the state.

It is my opinion that to describe that man’s actions on that day as failure are a discredit to his courage and convictions. He may not have lit the fuse of revolution, but his image may yet wind up on a flag upon which is printed, “Don’t tread on me.”

I do see your point. The people of China must resist, as a group, if they want freedom from that regime. I just don’t see their failure to do so as an indication of that man’s actions being any less courageous or honorable.

The party made a point of tracking him down because of that picture.

Can Tibet free itself- or will they withdraw willingly- without overthrowing the ChiCom regime itself? Maybe, if they decide after some number-crunching that there’s not enough return for the hassle of cleaning protestor off their tank treads.