Political Punch

The Athletes have a tough decision to make and the country needs to support them. The Athletes (coaches, trainers, etc) should go. I was moved by the comment from a past olympian - the IOC needs to be responsible for how the host country implements the 'contract' within that host country. Don't forget that Austrialia cleaned up Sidney by busing many aborginals out of the city. Don't go haywire on me - I know it is not the same as what is occuring in China. It is just another example of how the IOC needs to look past awarding the contract to the host city.

The US Government officals should just stay home. Going to the Olympics just to boycot the opening ceremonies does not make sense. The rest of the world should stay home!!

The worst that can happen if spectators and vendors from all over the world don't attend the games is media coverage. The coverage of the Athletes peacfully protesting and the slacking revenue numbers should speak for them selves. Try not buying products from China - especially during the games!!

I have always looked forward to the opening ceremony of the Olympic games but this time I will not watch the games on TV.I feel that this is an appropriate time to voice our disapproval of China's thug tactics.I disagree with those who say nothing will help the plight of the Tibetans. China is watching everything that is going on and they realize the world will not tolerate their behavior.People,have some conviction and DO something even if it is just to turn the channel during the opening ceremony!You will have an impact. You can change things. Don't let the Chinese scare you. yes, we owe them money but they need us as a market for their products.If the free world doesn't buy their products they are left sitting on a pile of shoddy poisoned goods with a ruined economy.Think! Do you tell your children they must suffer the neighborhood bully because it would do no good to ask him to stop? Or do you say don't allow him play until he learns to play well with others? Folks, it is just a bigger sand box with the same rules,

It's pointless to boycott the chinese olympics. They still get tons of our cash from us buying everything from them. Sports is just a game, money is where the power is. If we really opposed china, we wouldn't trade with them....and that would ruin us.

As a member of the Australian Olympic Swim team 1964 I expect the IOC to ensure China adheres to its promises of 2001 (prior to being awarded the Olympics) to improve Human Rights. The IOC has a responsibility to ensure the Olympic Charter and the Code of Ethics are respected by the host nation, to enable the true Spitit of the Olympics to be upheld, for the athletes and for all humanity. This responsibility is not political, it is their duty of care towards the Olympic Charter.
A recent comment by the Vice President of the IOC says it all "they, (the IOC) will investigate the Tibet incident and maybe, they should not have given the games to a communist dictatorship."
Everyone needs to be aware of the attrocities the CCP has carried out on its citizens, 330,000 people evicted from their homes,mostly without compensation to make way for a few weeks of elete sport.
When I read the words the "Sanctity of life and respect for Human Dignity over rides any sporting event, I knew in my heart this included the Olympics.

The 1980 boycott of Moscow Olympics was a first step towards the end of Soviet Union. In fact the Soviet Union ceased to exist only 9 years later - in 1989.

Let's hope the Beijing Olympics are as successful as Moscow Olympics were. Chinese will be much better off without human rights violations and One Party State.

After the news tonight I was sick to see all of the people who china kicked out of there homes and made homeless just for the
games to be played there. Just to build places to house the visitors and the athletes. This is wrong and should not go unpunished. We the US should boycott the games and not compete or even watch the games and I think all of the news media should not even film or show or report the games. Furthermore I think the President should stop trade with this country and or state publicly that they will not support the games. Also if the people who chose this country new about this they should be publicly flogged and kicked out of the group that chooses who is to host the games. If they did not know than they need to change the way they pick them and do more investigation on the country and the locations they plan to use so this dosen't happen again.
Join me and do not support the games and write to whoever you need to write to include the papers and the media and try to stop the reporting of the games.
And do not buy any products from china.

Just keep talking folks. The more we ask questions about the Chinese Communists the more their bloody history is revealed.

No we can't. They'll ask for all the money we've borrowed, which we can't pay ASAP. If they do that, more homes and jobs would be lost. Our currency would be worthless and the war in Iraq would end due to lack of funds.

Some Chinese actually hope that the West boycott the game and open the second cold war between the east and the west as Russian has stated that it support China on Tibet. If the west announce the boycott, immediately, all of collaboration on Unclear weapon control, Islam terrorist, Global Climate Change will collapse. China will announce that they will divide Tibet to several small provinces and openly encourage and organize immigration of non-Tibetan Chinese into Tibet with economic package and military support. So please boycott, China has plenty of coal to burn to let the earth cover with 3% CO2.

I agree that denying athletes the chance to compete would be cruel. I certainly wouldn't advocate that our country impose an official boycott. But I believe that a consumer boycott is entirely appropriate. Many people will not be attending the games or even watching them on television. Why give the Chinese government the opportunity to showcase the country when it has failed to honor its promise to improve its human rights record? In fact, the abuses have increased in the run-up to the games. On August 25, it will be business as usual in China. This tiny window of opportunity is our only chance to speak out and be heard.

The Olypics are sports,not politics.Did the US go to Germany when Hitler was in power? yes;
Why change policy now? It does no good.

All non violent means to bring a dramatic and much awaited change should be Welcome. 90% of the actual people of the world would not care if the Olympics were not held but if there is any long history of injustice to some, it is injustice to all. As we mark Martin Luther King's 40th death anniversary, let that be the guiding principle and let freedom ring.

I think boycotting opening ceremony is not a bad idea.

A boycott will be counter productive.
It will harden China' stance.

Beside Olympics is a sport event.

@ Bernd

Maybe she should get lobbyists like Obama and say she doesn't have any over and over until she has her supporters brainwashed (like he does) and we are convinced she doesn't have lobbyists.

What does this tell us about anything really? This however, today's news, tells me a LOT about one of the cadidates left in this race:

"Hillary Rodham Clinton’s cash-strapped presidential campaign has been putting off paying hundreds of bills for months — freeing up cash for critical media buys, but also earning the campaign a reputation as something of a deadbeat in some small business circles.

A pair of Ohio companies owed more than $25,000 by Clinton for staging events for her campaign are warning others in the tight-knit event production community — and anyone else who will listen — to get their cash upfront when doing business with her. Her campaign, say representatives of the two companies, has stopped returning phone calls and e-mails seeking payment of outstanding invoices. One even got no response from a certified letter."

The single big scandal is that it's the totally corrupt regime of China that is hosting these Olympics.

China is the biggest danger in this century, to ANY other country in the world. Look at the development of China's military spending.

They are so dangerous that the world allows them to organize the Olympic games; that I think is the bottom line here.

TO Rose, I disagree with your point. If China is going to take that extreme action for Olympics boycott then it just proves that China is a rogue nation.

We need ask some fundamental question:Why did riots happened on the First place? Why Dalai Lama cannot stay in Tibet? Why is big country like China is so adamant on small country like Tibet? Today, riots symbolize the way China handles and supress the issue.

America uses China's product in their day to day life. China has more to loose than America. China can no longer stay isolated. This is a integrated global economy. China should stop their imperial expansion and should start working with their global partners.

As a responsible growing nation China should show that they have good policy towards Tibet. I think no one is asking anything more.

HI, ALL,

So called Boycott will only hurt US, not China. TO Boycott is to oppose all Chinese people as Rice said. China's nationaism will drive all American (or any country)'s businesses out of China, not buy US products and services, if US (any contry)will boycott... Chinese poeple are standing firmly in CHinese government side.

HUman Right is not equal to RIOT !!!
Oppose media bias !!!

America should boycott the Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony and not the Olympics. This is an opportunity for America to create a positive image globally. America did not tolerate Saddam Hussien's Human right violation and now they should they tolerate in China. It is matter for principle.

We continually tout the Olympics as being this non-political, non- govermental event that is about the athletes. Then countries attempt using it as a political pawn.

If there are issues surrounding the host country, those are determined years and in advance and should be addressed at that time --- years in advance. Shame on anyone attempting to use the Olympics as their political platform. It is the athletes who suffer, the ones who spends years of their lives trainsing for an event just to have a government take it away.

Issues with China are more far reaching than this event. But the bottom line is it is not our, not any other country's duty to tell China what to do and how to govern. It is the responsibility of the Chinese people to accept or unite and change. If someone wants to boycott these events then let the individuals not attend.

The significant financial benefit to China is the people not the athletes who attend the events. Do you think the average Chinese citizens has expendible funds for this type of entertainment? Let the athletes compete but let the people stay away -- if they are so opposed and want to make a political statement.

In what position is Bush's or McCain's USA to take ANY moral stand in the world. An administration that supports torture and runs Guantanamo Bay has lost every right to defend human rights and the rule of law.

That's why we need Obama.

An American boycott of China?

It is thanks to China's loans that the USA isn't bankrupt yet.

There's a Republican economy for you!

Let's not blame Americans for the corrupt government of America. It is not our falut that we are now looked down upon and can't "throw stones". We the people did not willingly chose corrupt and inept politicains to lead us who are skewed by the extra money they can raise and the perks they can get by being in office. We were out of touch with who these people Really are. Most Americans want to BOYCOTT the Olympics - the politicians do not. America's standing in the world is now up to the people of America - not the greedy politicans who think they are holier than the American Joe. WE are America - not them! Boycott China and we will retake our standing in the world. This is precisley why we need a REAL change in Washington and a leader and voice for the people of America! Obama 08!

We should boycott product MADE IN CHINA until they are both safer and China gives Tibetans' their human rights.

I am a College student in China,i feel it is no need to boycott.China's economy of display will sent china into a real hell.Anyway,it is better than a hell on earth.

A good book by Ethan Gutmann, "Losing the New China, A Story of American Commerce, Desire and Betrayal", tells some true and disturbing facts about American network companies wrong doings overseas and China's human rights problems.

It amazes me that many posters seem to think that America holds some lofty place above other countries and that we should dictate those countries policies. The last seven years has firmly demonstrated the US needs to better it's own actions before it condemns others.

For once I concur unequivocally with The Commander Guy. We should never drop U.S. leadership on human rights issues.

there is no need to boycott the olympics. it would be highly hypocritical for the US especially because we would never accept the boycott of the atlanta games, salt lake games, etc, even though we deserve it a lot more than China. I do not agree with what is going on in Tibet...but i would still support games in the US even though our government has wrongly killed millions of people over the years

Should we? Yes. Will we? Never, for a couple of important reasons. First and foremost, we need China's markets, capital, and cheap goods too much. Second, George Bush is anything but a man of principle, like Jimmy Carter who boycotted the Moscow Olympics (and drew a lot of flak for it). I haven't heard him say a word about Tibet, and I expect I won't.

Most Chinese like what their government is doing mostly or the direction they're going, so should you respect their will and choice?

Ask your Chinese friends/coworkers on Monday!

It's your right to choose your government or to decide whether to boycott or not.

Any chance you'd respect our right?

"But instead Bush can give a speech on human rights."

Ehhh... well... that would like Robert Mugabe giving a speech on economy I'm afraid.

At this stage a boycott should be not a public but a diplomatic threat IMO. Angela Merkel btw already announced that she will not attend the opening ceremony.

No Boycott.

But instead Bush can give a speech on human rights.

Honestly, China is holding the games just to gain prestige in the world. It wants to show the world a beautiful picture through the Opening Ceremonies with world leaders lined up next to them If World Leaders stand side by side with Chinese Leaders celebrating China at the Opening Ceremonies then it is the same as giving them a stamp of approval for what's going on inside Tibet. Let the games continue but the party and the gala celebrations cannot be allowed. How can you sit and smile in approval with someone you just saw committing grave killings of innocent human beings. I cannot fanthom seeing President Bush sitting next to China's Premier laughing and smiling knowing that the most horrible and unthinkable things are going on in Tibet at that very moment.

The 1980 boycott was to show our support of the "freedom fighters" in Afghanistan (who were being funded by the CIA to cause trouble for the USSR). The world was definitely changed by our actions, just not the way we in our shortsightedness assumed it would be.

But the Tibetans have just grievances, like the Hutus did in Rwanda, right? Manipulation of Tibetan nationalist sentiments couldn't possibly lead to bad unintended consequences --could it?

NO boycott. Engagement is the best path to progress.

Smartprimate,

As to where Russia is now?

They are sitting on seas of oil, have a surplus of money, buliding alliances around the world (even with nemesis China), and are rebuiding their military capability,

Maybe we need another Olympics and have others boycott it, if that is the result you are referring to.

US slaughter thousands more in Iraq. So, should China boycott US over Iraq and the hundreds of thousands we slaughter and maimed UNPROVOKED?

boycott? no, but give all Americans attending the Olympics armbands or banners saying "Free Tibet" and record the Chinese
violence against American citizens.

Let the athletes compete... but politicians should stay home and tourists should likewise be discouraged. Peaceful competition and gamesmanship should be emphasized, but not support for the government of China. A boycott may do nothing immediately, but then again it does show China that we will not turn a blind eye.

Yes, the 1980 boycott showed no immediate effect... but where is the Soviet Union now. There may be no clear correlation between 1980 and 2008 but boycotting now could start the notion of global resistance... like not buying Chinese made products. The Chinese may heed that.

A boycott of the games is so unfair to the athletes. Not sure if the U.S officials boycott of the opening ceremony would do any good. How about not awarding countries with a dismal human rights record the consideration of hosting the olympics in the first place? There were plenty of other cities that wanted to host. Or does the IOC have no spine?

Boycotting such is a very good question.
Feel it is a multi-layered dilemna Who do we benefit or punish whichever way we go?

We certainly punish our dedicated, hard working athletes. We punish our pride, or atleast leave it in doubt as to what we could have shown to the world re our abilities.

Would we really punish China at all? With or without us the dollars, euros, etc. will still flow into China, and our absense would possibly allow them to seem better than they are re athletic prowess, without Americans as a counter-point. Tough Choice!

On a less comtemplative note and with a bit of a grin and a "wink", I suggest that by the time the Olmpics get here, some of us will already be too
busy "boycotting "the DNC to take on boycotting China also.

No. Send the athletes. We should stop American businesses from supporting it. It is one thing to bring home medals in a fair competition. It is another to take home profits from a regime that holds Tibet as an unwilling prisoner.

Tibet is NOT part of China.

Unfortunately I think sport needs to be separate from politics - even this - because it is only the athletes who suffer.

I'd have absolutely no problem with an individual athlete's decision to boycot, or with a government's decision to not attend opening ceremononies, but for an entire national team to refuse punishes unfairly, many athletes.

I'm currently in Manchester, Great Britain for the Cycling Track World Championships and I've seen closehand the dedication that athletes make. It should be up to the individual athlete.

sure, let's boycott. jimmy carter's boycott of russia in 1980 had SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much impact. changed the world...NOT.
what a joke.