libertarian0507

As some on this forum may know, I highly disagree with China`s actions towards Tibet. However, I have to say that I agree with this stance. My reasons are that the Olympics are a time when nations put aside disagreements, and rally around something we can all relate to and enjoy. It is a symbol of understanding each other on a human level, and to be able for only a short time every four years to make a point to appreciate the brotherhood of all humanity world wide. You can debate political differences online, or in courtrooms, or in governments and voter`s booths, but at the Olympics, it is good to remind ourselves that many in this world simply want peace. And I believe the Olympics to be a symbol of the hope that one day, we might all learn to just get along with each other. It may sound naieve, but then I was always a sucker for optimism

ladyt28

Oh yeah, let's tick off China and then watch them call in all of the National debt we let them buy - Brilliant!!

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It is dangerous to be right when the government is wrong.

Voltaire

colourislast

What if we had boycotted the Olympics in 1936? Would that have given Hitler pause? Would that have made more countries from around the world focus a little more on what was going on in Germany, not distracted by the show that was being put on? Jesse Owens would not have been able to show Hitler himself that "Aryans" were superior in all ways, but maybe England and France would have been a little more diligent in enforcing the Treaty of Versailles.

Running and jumping -vs- Human rights? Do you really have to ponder that?

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I am more concerned with the intellectual environment

'Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who do not.'

~ Thomas Jefferson

64,999,987 firearms owners killed no one yesterday.

GlobalSmiles

Again, China cannot just call in the return on the investments they've made in the US. It just doesn't work that way.

bryand78

the olympics, wherever it may be held, should be honored. if i have the spare budget, why not? but, being a simple shop owner, i'd rather watch it in the tube (and if ever there are bloopers like gymnasts falling over or something, thank God for youtube ^_^)

RevKev

I might watch a bit, and I'm not likely to purchase the kind of goods that will be advertised during the games, anyway.

My quiet protest involves avoiding Walmart (because lots of crap there is made in China) and otherwise avoiding purchasing Chinese products. I know it won't make a difference because most people could care less and they'll buy whatever's cheap, anyway, but at least I feel like I'm not actively supporting their economy and thus their government.

I thought about boycotting U.S. goods, too, because of the questionable behavior of the Bush administration, but that just seems absurd.

It's all kind of absurd, isn't it?

I think I'm having a bit of an existential meltdown today. Pardon me.

manialf

If you award the Games to China 2001 you can't decide in 2008 that you'll boycott them. That's just stupid..

4eyedbuzzard

The Olympics is just more entertainment. If the Olympics vanished tomorrow nothing would change in the world. It's meaningless in the scope of things. I appreciate the effort made by the athletes, but largely it's no longer an amateur game. Most of the athletes who are contenders to win are mostly pros, even if their means of income and support look legit. You can't afford to train at the level necessary to win and truly be an amateur.

obamaforchange08

The olympics are about freedom and unity. HMmmmmmm....... China is communist and enslaves there kids. Hmmmmmmmmm.....

manialf

They are more about peace, peaceful competition and mutual understanding.