2008 Beijing Olympics

[Revan/anakinjmt]

I think we all know the Olympic torch is currently going around the world in preparation for the Olympics in Beijing a few months from now. But, the torch this year is not being welcomed by a lot of people. Protesters have gathered wherever the torch shows up to protest China's oppression of Tibet. The torch has been snuffed out several times and trips in Paris and San Francisco have been cut short.

As the Olympics get closer, we can talk about events and competitors, but personally, what I'm interested right now is your thoughts. Would you be right out there with the protesters, if you could? Do you think (for Americans) we should boycott the Olympics, and for you Canadians, do you think your country should boycott them? The fact is, China has been severely harsh with Tibet since they conquered it in the mid-twentieth century. Human rights activists now see the Olympics being held in Beijing as China trying to tell the world they are peaceful, and they are using the opportunity of the torch relay to bring attention to the fact that they're not. What they do to the people of Tibet is outright horrible. Do you think the U.S./Canada should boycott the Olympics in protest of the violence in Tibet?

As for me, would I be out there with the protesters if I could? Absolutely. Do I think the U.S. should boycott the Olympics? Honestly, I don't know. I'd love for our country to be represented there, but if boycotting them either frees Tibet or makes life easier for them, then I'd be all for that. But, boycotting may not do any good at all.

[that_lufis]

I'm going to use this to set a personal goal. I, personally, am not going to buy any product manufactured by a company that supports the Olympics for the duration of the Olympics. That means nothing manufactured by anyone on this page.

On top of that, I won't be watching anything on the network broadcasting the Olympics in America, NBC, for the duration of the games.

I challenge everyone who wishes to boycott the Olympics to do the same. Don't by Coke or Kodak film. Americans, don't watch NBC; Canadians, keep your dials off of CBC and TSN (ou RDS, si vous parlez français). Let your actions, or lack thereof, speak volumes your words cannot.

[Homestarguy]

I have no problem with the protesting of China's government and treatment of Tibet, as I agree that it is outright awful what China is doing to those people.
But to go so far as to endanger the playing of the Olympics, which is the world's most sacred and gloried sporting event, by protesting the torch runners and snuffing the flame, is outright absurd. Does China deserve to host the Olympics at this time? Probably not, but I think for this year, we just have to wait it out, enjoy the games, and pray and pray that China does act, as this needs to be resolved, as it not only embarassing them, but the world as well.

[that_lufis]

I'll agree there, snuffing the torch is pretty low.

[potthole]

The Olympics are about sport.  And only sport.  Keep the political crap out of it, save it for the political arena.

I'll be watching the events whenever possible, and will be proud to cheer for the USA.

[Revan/anakinjmt]

The Olympics are about sport.  And only sport.  Keep the political crap out of it, save it for the political arena.

I politely disagree. The Olympics stand for harmony among nations of Earth. For peace between all nations. During the Olympics, the only fighting that goes on is athletically.

And the Chinese hosting the games is basically them saying they are a peaceful nation, when the truth is, they're not. Tibet is just the latest example of it. For China to claim that they are worthy of hosting the Olympics, a symbol of peace and equality among nations, when they suppress Tibet and do horrible things to its people, to me that's like a slap in the face of everything the Olympics stand for. They're not just about sport, but about nations coming together peacefully for something.

I'm not saying that we shouldn't cheer the U.S. (or Canadians shouldn't cheer Canada). But I don't think we can ignore what China is doing in Tibet and how that goes against everything the Olympics stand for. I think politics DO play into this, only it's not liberal vs. conservative, Democrat vs. Republican, red states vs. blue states, but about an oppressive country oppressing another country and claiming to be a peaceful nation. China is trying to show it's a "free country" but Tibet clearly proves it's not. The Dali Lama has been in exile since I believe the 70s, possibly earlier. He can't go back to Tibet because of the Chinese. That's not the mark of a free country to me.

[potthole]

I politely disagree. The Olympics stand for harmony among nations of Earth. For peace between all nations. During the Olympics, the only fighting that goes on is athletically.

And the Chinese hosting the games is basically them saying they are a peaceful nation, when the truth is, they're not. Tibet is just the latest example of it. For China to claim that they are worthy of hosting the Olympics, a symbol of peace and equality among nations, when they suppress Tibet and do horrible things to its people, to me that's like a slap in the face of everything the Olympics stand for. They're not just about sport, but about nations coming together peacefully for something.

I'm not saying that we shouldn't cheer the U.S. (or Canadians shouldn't cheer Canada). But I don't think we can ignore what China is doing in Tibet and how that goes against everything the Olympics stand for. I think politics DO play into this, only it's not liberal vs. conservative, Democrat vs. Republican, red states vs. blue states, but about an oppressive country oppressing another country and claiming to be a peaceful nation. China is trying to show it's a "free country" but Tibet clearly proves it's not. The Dali Lama has been in exile since I believe the 70s, possibly earlier. He can't go back to Tibet because of the Chinese. That's not the mark of a free country to me.

Yes, the Olympics want to promote peace, but you even said it in your response... "the fighting that goes on is athletically."

If you're going to get after somebody about lying about China's image, the blame falls more on the IOC.  Yes, China might have lied about things they'd do or change, but it's the International Olympic Committee that awarded them the games.  If China was lying, the IOC bought those lies hook, line, sinker.

[stinkoman k]

Would there be protesters if the U.S. were holding the Olympics? We're not exactly the most peaceful nation either...

[Homestarguy]

Would there be protesters if the U.S. were holding the Olympics? We're not exactly the most peaceful nation either...

Maybe some, but I wouldn't image that many. The United States' reputation as a peaceful nation is very high actually. Sure, a lot of countries don't like us, but we haven't had (recent) history of significant breaches in human rights or something of that nature that China has been rightly accused of doing.

[FreeViarga3524]

Best opening ceremonies ever?

[Alexisonfire]

I am proud to say that i haven't watched a single piece of coverage on the olympics.

Although I did hear that we beat Argentina. In Soccer.

Our women's team is actually really good, but still. Argentina.

[Revan/anakinjmt]

Yes, the Olympics want to promote peace, but you even said it in your response... "the fighting that goes on is athletically."

If you're going to get after somebody about lying about China's image, the blame falls more on the IOC.  Yes, China might have lied about things they'd do or change, but it's the International Olympic Committee that awarded them the games.  If China was lying, the IOC bought those lies hook, line, sinker.

Very late response, but I didn't notice the second part. You make a very good point about the IOC. Especially considering how most of Iraq's athletes were banned because the government messed with the Iraqi Olympic Committee. They shouldn't have done that, and the IOC were right in the initial ban. I wish they had let those that aren't coming come even though the deadline passed, but those are the rules. So, apparently, the IOC cares if you mess with the Olympic Committee, but not if you oppress an entire nation.

As for opening ceremonies, I DVR'd them but only saw about a minute, right before it actually started. I did see Bush at the stadium. I will watch only to support our players. Certainly not because it's NBC (this combined with their blatent bias for Obama sickens me, but that's a different matter entirely).

[Nicolas Sarkozy]

I am only watching the Olympics to support China.

[potthole]

I am proud to say that i haven't watched a single piece of coverage on the olympics.

Although I did hear that we beat Argentina. In Soccer.

Our women's team is actually really good, but still. Argentina.

Now, are you not watching because of protest of China?  Because if so, I sure hope you're not using any other Chinese goods.

I loved the Opening Ceremony.  Usually I quit watching, or fall asleep, before the Parade of Nations even begins.  This time, I was glued to the set.  It was amazing.

[Alexisonfire]

Now, are you not watching because of protest of China?  Because if so, I sure hope you're not using any other Chinese goods.

I am. I'm not.

As much as I hate to make the games political, I just can't bring myself to support it. I just feel guilty if I try to.

I loved the Opening Ceremony.  Usually I quit watching, or fall asleep, before the Parade of Nations even begins.  This time, I was glued to the set.  It was amazing.

From what I have heard and read in the paper, it was quite the display. And I have my doubts that Vancouver will be up to matching it in two years. As much as I love having the games in my home country, I have sincere doubts we will be up to the challenge of hosting the Olympics with any sort of extravagance.