Re: The 2008 Olympics in Bejing - how do you feel?

We already know what happens when you protest in a Communistic country like China.

1. you get locked up in jail
2. you get exiled (Dhalai Lama)
3. you get rolled over by a tank (Tiannamen Square)

I can understand why these Tibetans and their supporters are going to such extremes. It has been happening for 50+ years, ever since the Dhalai Lama was exiled. Now that the limelight is on China those demonstrators probably want to make use of this publicity.

I know it's not the right venue for this, but how else will the world know what's happening to these oppressed people?

Re: The 2008 Olympics in Bejing - how do you feel?

Re: The 2008 Olympics in Bejing - how do you feel?

from reports I've heard, many of the athletes are appalled and don't want to be a part of it.

So the athletes can take a stand too.

It's not fair to protest the Olympics but I do agree that there is no better world stage for the protest.

Re: The 2008 Olympics in Bejing - how do you feel?

Re: The 2008 Olympics in Bejing - how do you feel?

Posted by heidla

Posted by SweetestOfPeas

here's how I feel...

while I am repulsed by China's human right's record, the Olympics is NOT the appropriate forum to stage these protests. why do it now? b/c there is visibility. so IMO, the protestors are exploiting this. they can protest anytime they want to.

And re: Nancy Pelosi telling Bush to boycott the Olympics, I say that?s BS! It?s only punishing the athletes who deserve their moment in the spotlight every 4 years. It doesn?t punish China.

ITA!! I could even understand peaceful protests, but to actually attack the torch and the relay runners I find despicable!! Gandi people!!! Gandi!!!

Re: The 2008 Olympics in Bejing - how do you feel?

Athletes who qualify for the Olympics have the choice to boycott if they wish. I don't think they should be CALLED ON to boycott. I think that is just disgraceful.

The list of qualified athletes who are actually boycotting is currently very small and full of mostly veteran Olympians who are citing pollution more than human rights or Tibetan freedom.

It is also worth noting that not all US Olympic sports have finished their Olympic trials yet, including all 3 equestrian teams...

I probably do more regarding China issues than most people. While I respect that this has sparked discussion and awareness, I am saddened by the protests to the extent that they are targeting our athletes. The athletes aren't the problem and the extent of some of these protests (and the planned ones I've read about) are disgraceful. Get the word out, fine, but don't threaten our athletes or desecrate the Olympic torch. That does more to harm the cause than to further it. The protestors have a right to voice their opinions, but they should be mindful of the venue -- this can actually work to harm their cause and annoy people, rather than to educate and mobilize, which would be (or should be) their true goals.

The athletes personal decisions are their personal decisions -- but I don't believe they should be pressured into not participating in the Olympics. I will watch the Olympics as usual and will not hold it against ANY athlete for choosing to participate. I also won't hold it against any athlete if they choose not to participate. It should be the athlete's decision and no one else's. In the spirit of the games, I do hope most choose to participate (and I think most will). It's ultimately up to them. I will not, however, attribute any political sentiments to any athlete's choice to participate.

Re: The 2008 Olympics in Bejing - how do you feel?

Don't we owe China something like 3 trillion dollars? That's neither here nor there....but I don't think it's necessary to boycott.

Re: The 2008 Olympics in Bejing - how do you feel?

I read this article in the Village Voice this morning, and found this part very interesting:

Re: The 2008 Olympics in Bejing - how do you feel?

I am completely against the Olympics being in China.

I have done a few asylum cases for Tibetan refugees and it is terrible how these people are treated. My 18 year old client was detained, beaten and starved because he wouldn't tell his teacher that his dad gave him a picture of the Dalia Lama. After 3 days of torture, he confessed, and his dad was arrested and tortured for 6 months!!! he carried a sign for another protest, and had to leave the country because he would be arrested and tortured and probably killed.

So NO, I don't think that the Olympics which I view as a pure competition of sports and humanity should be hosted by a country that routinely strips people of their rights, tortures them for having a religious belief and shows a complete lack of care for humanity.

Message edited 4/10/2008 9:54:40 AM.

Re: The 2008 Olympics in Bejing - how do you feel?

Posted by Kara

Re: the air pollution... I have been to China three times in my adult life, and my shortest trip was two weeks long. I have been to Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and throughout the countryside in China.

I do NOT dispute that China has horrible air pollution, but some of the personal reports I've read all over the internet are grossly exaggerated. (Sorry, but I have a very weak stomach and the air quality in China has never made me have to vomit, as I've been reading all over the internet...)

Again, I do not dispute the pollution (and it's bad). I also do not dispute that runners and some athletes may have issues competing there (though I honestly question if their fears are exaggerated or not -- I don't know. I'm just not sure). I do, however, think some of the issues being reported are blown out of proportion or exaggerated. (Clearly, I'm NOT talking about China's human rights abuses.)

I actually share the disgust over China's human rights abuses, and I have seen them first hand on multiple occasions. I do NOT, however, believe boycotting the Olympics is the answer. Inappropriate forum, IMHO. I hope it does bring attention to the issues in that portion of the world. I do not, however, think we should be calling for our athletes to boycott the Olympics. Just my opnion - clearly many others disagree. I personally think that the Olympics should be a time when we celebrate our athletes and their accomplishments, not a time when we air our issues with politics. Hopefully this will continue to spark intelligent, informed debate all over the world -- but hopefully it will no detract from the accomplishments of our athletes and the intended spirit of the games.

Re: the infrastructure issues... I need to read more about this, as I haven't read a whole lot. The infrastructure in rural China is weak in general, but in the cities is okay... I hope they are able to provide for the Olympics without negatively impacting their already struggling people.

Re: The 2008 Olympics in Bejing - how do you feel?

In short: I do not find fault with the Tibetans for trying to put their plight out into the limelight...50+ years of oppression is a little difficult to just let slide. I think that the athletes should participate in the Games. I also think that any athletes who wish to express their feeling about political situations can do it best by using the Olympics as a platform. It would not be the first time. Yes, the world will be watching. Any athletes who wish to do this better be ready for reprisals from IOC and/or Chinese officials.

China will do their thing no matter what and try to whitewash anything which they feel is in contrast with their views.

Re: The 2008 Olympics in Bejing - how do you feel?

FWIW, the Dali Llama supports the Olympics in Beijing: Link.

Re: The 2008 Olympics in Bejing - how do you feel?

Posted by baghag

I read this article in the Village Voice this morning, and found this part very interesting:

Michele Bernier-Toth, an official with the Bureau of Consular Affairs, warned that Americans attending the Olympics in China can expect their conversations and telephones to be monitored, and their rooms searched without their knowledge.

I wonder how early the surveillance will start? Dh and I will be in Beijing a few weeks before the Olympics.

Message edited 4/10/2008 11:59:20 AM.