This morning I watched a story on the folks boycotting the Chinese Olympics. People have voiced tremendous outrage regarding China's "occupation" of Tibet. As a nation, China has its differences with many of us in the West. It is the last great communist nation and a super power. But China is also a sovereign nation and was chosen fairly as host of these games.
Nations, interest groups and world leaders are hopping on the bandwagon to protest the games and influence China to release it hold on Tibet. These groups have held the pre-game celebrations in their grip by disrupting violently the running of the celebrated Olympic torch.
What has long been a tradition of international cooperation, despite several differences, to promote healthy competition, rewarding hard work, and helping build infrastructure in host countries in being manipulated. Those who cause physical harm a threaten to disrupt and interfere in public celebrations are using terror as their tool: they are terrorists.
An effective way to protest Chinese policies is o boycott their products, to write your political representatives, and to petition their government. Holding others who simply want to enjoy this truly international celebration in fear.
It is amazing that certain people condemn folks who "judge others" are so adamant in something they oppose. But now is not that time. Now is a time for international cooperation and a little healthy rivalry. Now, let's celebrate! Let's enjoy! Lay down the gloves, stop bickering over political differences.
2 comments:
I agree, Mike. I don't think these protestors give a thought to all these athletes who have trained for years for this moment. As a parent of a Chinese daughter, I find it sad and hard to explain this all to her.
Me again.. I'm getting caught up on the blogs :) I agree as well. The whole point of the Olympics is to set the usual political bickering aside. It doesn't mean that there aren't important issues that the world should question, should take a look at... but there is a time for everything, and this is not it.
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