President Bush has pledged to attend the Beijing Olympics, stating that to boycott would be an "affront to the Chinese people." French president Nicolas Sarkozy has also decided to attend the opening ceremony, having stating earlier that it depended on China's handling of the Tibetan situation.
This brings up a huge question: are the Olympic Games an opportunity to air grievances between nations? Do they supply the leverage governments are looking for to punish another country or at least make a political point?
Take our poll and post a comment!
This brings up a huge question: are the Olympic Games an opportunity to air grievances between nations? Do they supply the leverage governments are looking for to punish another country or at least make a political point?
Take our poll and post a comment!
3 comments:
This is a golden opportunity for the free world to embrace a nation and its culture (even in its disgraceful practices). You can't clean the fish until you catch it. Great question Dave!
I don't know if political points work. For the most part, if it's America making the point, the rest of the world seems to write us off. Or at least, have it explained away by media.
In any case, I think it's a good idea to bring the world focus to China. For in this light, a country is forced to put on a good show. I have been disturbed by some of the reports coming out of Beijing, like ceasing automoblile transportation in order to improve the air quality. I think it's a good idea to have this country under scrutiny-especially the government.
I don't believe that a boycott would be the way simply because..."when in doubt; blame America". I feel like this is a great opportunity for a little accountability. China will be very exposed for the next month or so, and this could be just what they need...some global attention in areas that they would just assume deny any wrong doings.
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