Boycott Beijing
I do not consider myself a true champion of social justice or of human rights, for that matter. However, I do have a pretty firm sense of what is right and what is wrong.
Having the Olympics in China’s oppressive police state is wrong, and in light of the decision to allow China to host the 2008 summer games, I will be boycotting the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Most of you are probably thinking, who cares? Honestly, none of you should on account of me.
What you should care about are the thousands upon thousands currently held as political and/or religious prisoners. You should care about the thousands of babies that have been aborted in order for families to adhere to the one child per family dictate pressed upon the Chinese people by the Communist government.
Now, many sports enthusiasts will claim that the Olympic Games are more important than any political differences we may have with China, and the Olympics have a unique ability to be inclusive to all countries regardless of policy. Those making such claims are quite naïf in their logic.
The keyword in all of this is ‘GAMES.’ The indignities suffered by the Chinese people are much more important than Joe Six Pack’s ability to sit in his recliner every four years to watch the international athletic competitions.
Ironically, if the games are so inclusive, why is the Iraqi national team being barred from competition over what seems to be a clerical error? It is quite understandable there might be some confusion over paperwork in a country facing some of the issues Iraq currently faces.
Have we become so self-absorbed that entertainment supersedes grave injustices toward humanity committed by tyrannical governments on its own citizens?
I certainly hope not. If it is beyond your ability to boycott the games, at least offer up a prayer for those suffering in China and other oppressive countries.
| 3.6 (1 person) |
August 10th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
I agree with your sentiment on this issue and the guts to tell the world about it. Human Rights violation is a no-no even on a communist state like China after all communism speaks of the welfare of all the people… collective welfare of the people. It is indeed rightful to support worthy causes and make it heard through the games for if not the Olympics would indeed be what it seems to be the arena of Gladiators being fed into the lion’s den.
August 12th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
I’ll offer up my prayers for America and its deluded citizens, that would rather scorn other countries than fix their own nation. You fail to mention the illegal invasion of a sovereign nation (Iraq), lies to the world (WMDs in Iraq), imprisonment of foreign nationals without due process or trail (Gitmo), degradation and abuse (Abu Ghraib).
What makes the USA any better? Believing the media? There are two sides, you present one. Where is your information on China from? Fox News?
While I respect your stand perhaps everyone should look at making their own nation beyond reproach before exclaiming their world views.
August 13th, 2008 at 8:16 am
To compare the systematic control of an oppressive Communist regime to the the USA is beyond deluded.
Have you ever heard of Tienam Square?
The only hope for good out of the Olympics in China is, that along with the continued exposure to and the growth of Capitalism, the Chinese people, like the former peoples dominated by the Soviets, will eventually be able to break the bonds of tyranny.