04-11-2008, 02:15 PM | #31 | |
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We should be asking why China got the games in the first place. But the fact is they were awarded them and boycotting the games punishes our athletes more than it punishes China. I don't like athletes being used as political pawns especially when it is athletes who only get a chance to accomplish their goal once every four years. For most of them, a boycott will mean a lifetime of work wasted to make a political point. Most won't make it back in 4 years. |
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04-11-2008, 02:19 PM | #32 | |
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Sorry for th e tpyos. |
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04-11-2008, 02:24 PM | #33 | |
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I'm supposed to weigh an athlete's feelings against murder, torture, imprisonment, communism, totalitarianism, fascism. They say "sports transcends politics." But what that means is money (sports) trumps human rights (politics). God, I hate the idea of being more concerned about selfish athletes than people who are dying under oppression. |
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04-11-2008, 02:25 PM | #34 |
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Another point: how do you ever put pressure on a country when you always accede to their demands?
Make some demands and say "if you dont' take these steps, we can't in good conscience play games in your country and pretend these things aren't going on and don't matter and are less important than sports." |
04-11-2008, 02:28 PM | #35 | |
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This is from the Olympics' organization's website.
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04-11-2008, 02:33 PM | #36 | |
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"... the arc of the universe is long but it bends toward justice." Martin Luther King, Jr. |
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04-11-2008, 02:35 PM | #37 | |
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I think China is going to regret ever having invited the world to visit. They are unprepared for the scrutiny they are about to receive worldwide. They will try to control that scrutiny by limiting reporters' access to certain areas, but then the reporters will report that their access has been limited. Inevitably, several will gain access to areas they are not supposed to see and will broadcast to the world. What will China do when Tibetan monks or members of Falun Gong fill Tiananmen Square in protest? Will China let them protest in front of live video cameras, or will they arrest them? What if Falun Gong members then light themselves on fire in front of the world? What happens when a prominent Chinese citizen is interviewed and stands up to his government? This is going to get wildly out of control for China, and their reaction may dictate their future. That said, I am more torn on the idea of boycotting the Olympics. I think it is better that the US attend, despite the human rights issues in China. The US presence simply adds to the magnifying glass China will be under. It enhances the media presence and US interest in the games. Furthermore, China is on the path to becoming a superpower. They will get there with or without our say so. I find it critical to befriend them now, and be a helping hand that guides them in the right direction. Alienation comes at a heavy price, too heavy. Certainly that doesn't mean ignoring what China is doing and has done, but a boycott is a heavy hammer that may smash our relations into pieces that can't be put back together. As for the president attending, I think he should be bringing pressure to bear on the Chinese to address Tibet and human rights issues right now. China is desperate for good media, and they must know that if Tibet isn't addressed now, the scrutiny is only going to grow. They could respond to Bush's non-public requests. If they don't, Bush will be in a tough spot, and I am not convinced on the merits of attending the opening ceremonies v boycotting them just yet. |
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04-11-2008, 02:37 PM | #38 | |
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04-11-2008, 02:37 PM | #39 |
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If I boycott MikeWaters, will that result in him not trolling anymore?
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04-11-2008, 02:38 PM | #40 | |
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