&gt; Justifying a tyrannical government by virtue of the previous government having been a tyranny too doesn&#x27;t persuade anyone.<p>It doesn&#x27;t persuade <i>you</i>. Those of us who&#x27;ve been watching various forms of autocracy spring up and get overthrown throughout history appreciate progress where we can get it.<p>The situation in Tibet has a historical precedent. Hebrews living under Roman rule in the kingdom of Judea. Both were theocratic countries whose populations were really, <i>really</i> invested in traditional rule. Both had constant foreign interference from bigger and more powerful states. One had their entire population massacred and their places of worship burned to the ground.<p>The Romans were pragmatic and tolerated the eccentricities of the Judeans for hundreds of years, happy to take tribute and let them live the way they want to live. But the Judeans wanted more, and declared independence from Rome.<p>It&#x27;s tough as an imperial administrator to know where to draw the line. By historical standards, the CCP is remarkably patient with its wayward sons.