There are more than a few people with the perception and opinion of; "I am not distancing myself from the world's problems or ignore the plight of Tibet and it's people. I like sports and I love the Olympics. Therefore, simply saying that this is purely about sports, not politics, so we shouldn't make it about politics."
This is one of the most non-thought out/backwards views, people could take. Wanting to enjoy a "Sporting Event" and not see politics, is understandable. However, when the politics are, some of the most heinous, on record, not just about "Monks/Tibetans," but also about: Taiwan's fight with China's rule over them in trade, politics, and overall living, Christians being thrown to the lions/in jail (almost like "Daniel Days"). Plus, countless of things and maybe backlashes, China's buying of almost all natural resources possible (worldwide), polluting the earth in ways the US could only hope to (joke), the fact that the COMMUNIST CHINA REGIME could tank the US dollar and economy, sides with RUSSIA blocking all UN substantial stuff, and is the biggest problem (even over middle east countries) in the future of America, over the next 20 years.
The athletes do not have to boycott and should not boycott the games, but they could where arm bands, "Maroon athletic jump suits & Uniforms" with RED, WHITE, & BLUE stripes down the side, or countless statements to the press after each win. HOWEVER, President Bush, even though he will be "talking to the Chinese under the table, in private," but there isn't any amount of talking that will achieve anything, with China. Which the rest of the world, seems to understand. France, Italy, Germany, England, Several African Nations, and other EU Nations are not sending their leaders/Presidents/Ministers, to the opening ceremonies, so Bush should not go either.
Whether anyone has seen, the Black Panther Fists on the podium, the boycott in ’80, or any other past Olympic political thing. Remember this, in 1972, Palestinians bombed and killed 11 Israeli Olympians (actually, just 200 yards away from Bruce Jenner, the USA Gold Medal Hero). Is that a big enough political statement? When is enough, enough? When does the American community and government stand up for the righteous? When does sports, idols, and other non-sequators take a back seat, to doing the right thing? We used to be, "The land of the free, home of the brave." When does the United States people, government and athletes look at those words, thru the correct lens? The US should be leading the world, in these events, not falling suit/not participating at all. Right?
I am not saying that the Olympic players should boycott, but make a statement with their uniforms, jump suits (during the opening ceremonies, being Maroon ’for the Tibetans’ with Red, White, & Blue Stripes), and using their mouths to speak up (to see if the Chinese will filter/surpress/or altogether censor, their words) after winning events, or any other time with the press.
What do you think about that?
