Over the past several weeks we have seen peaceful (and not so peaceful) protests regarding the Beijing Olympics. We, as Americans, have the right to protest, although I believe that a peaceful protest is more dignified and potent than attacking runners who carry the Olympic torch. They are, after all, engrossed in the Spirit of the Olympics. When we attack an innocent person, we ourselves are no less tactless that the ones we are protesting, right?
I have read many articles that call for an all-out boycott of the Olympics, circa 1980 in Moscow. I believe that there is validity to this argument, we (the worlds most powerful) should make a PEACEFUL stand for the world’s weaker (Tibet and China’s oppressed). After all, our current governmental regime’s mantra is “liberating the world from tyranny”. America has taken such an aggressive stance in the Middle East, why not make a statement without armies and with a simple action…..Boycott.
Believe me I understand the dilemma here, a complete boycott would deprive some of the world’s top athletes the chance to compete on a global stage; but a partial boycott (say boycotting the opening ceremonies) would send a subtle yet unmistakable message to the world that we hear, we understand and we will not ignore. Critics will claim that it would be the world that might need to Boycott the U.S. for our action or (mis) actions in the Middle East, to those folks I say “It’s always helpful to learn from your mistakes because then your mistakes seem worthwhile.”-Garry Marshal
I have always been a huge fan of the Olympics. I remember watching Carl Lewis and Michael Johnson break into super-sonic speed around the track. Greg Louganis coming back and winning gold after cracking his head in the diving platform and The Dream Team’s dominance over the world in 1992. I’ve never missed an opportunity to watch the Olympics, but this year I will Boycott. I will not watch any coverage of the Olympics. It sucks, but I think it’s the right thing for me to do. Will it make a difference? Maybe only to me.
To be honest I’ve never followed the plight of the Tibetan or Chinese people, but I feel like protesting (or Boycotting) the Olympics will bring to light the situation to educate people like me on the travesties that are occurring in China.
I hoped, although it was an empty hope, that our government would take a compassionate stance and stick up for the “little guy”, but needless to say our “leadership” has disappointed me. I really don’t think our President gets it. I read an interview that states he considers the Olympics only to be a sporting event….Really? Mr. President ever heard of Jesse Owens, Tommie Smith or John Carlos?
The Olympics are only a “sporting event” where the entire world is watching and what we do (or don’t) speaks volumes to our character as a nation.
As the counter in the upper right-hand corner counts…6729 hours left
