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

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

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?

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

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 ^_^)