I really do like Kay's suggestions much better than an overall boycott. A broad Western boycott just means more medals for China, and is pretty unlikely to change anything within China. It's also pretty unfair to Canadian athletes, many of whom don't have anything as prestigious as a Stanley Cup to aspire to - except Olympic gold.
Posted at 2008-03-19 09:46:08 [PermaLink]I should say I like Kay and Derb's suggestions better.
Posted at 2008-03-19 10:42:49 [PermaLink]I feel bad for the athletes caught up in this. Most of them just want to compete. It isn't their fault that the IOC sold out the last remaining shred of the Olympic's soul to placate a brutal regime like China.
The opening ceremonies should certainly be the target of any action by all those who have a conscience. As it stands now, the Chinese are gearing up for the huge pageant of the greatness of China. Why should millions of people around the world have to put up with such a travesty? Let our politicians, leaders and luminaries stay home from the opening ceremony. Let the athletes stay away from the stadium until they have to compete. And let the rest of us turn off the T.V., refusing to be dazzled by the Emperor's New Clothes. Low T.V ratings may yet have the most impact on letting the IOC and sponsors know that they made a big mistake this round.
I don't think a boycott is very likely from any major players. Maybe some smaller European countries would consider it, but it won't have much effect. Nobody wants to crew their own athletes out of an opportunity.
Someone should organize a pool of cash for the first medal winner who whips out a "Free Tibet", Falun Gong, or Darfur sign on the podium.