Should the U.S. Boycott the Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony?

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.