Olympics & China Options

[Alexander]

I just found myself speaking to Stargelman in the chat, and we were talking about the revival of the marijuana thread. And I remarked I was surprised there weren't any more threads popping up about politics and such. As always, Stargelman made an excellent remark "Start one!"


Why not.

Ok, I'm sure either all of you, or most of you have been following the recent events surrounding the upcoming Olympics. Just about every news site out there, newspapers, radio and tv has all had their say what they think should happen. What participating countries should do, what the Olympic committee should do etc.

I'm very interested to hear what you think should be done.


I'll start with myself.
Frankly, I don't think China should have been awarded the Olympics in the first place. I see it as some type of reward, the honor of being allowed to host the Olympics and all the benefits and such that brings with it. I'm very much against it being given to a country who violates human rights, and so much more, especially when it's done on the level on which China is doing it.

But that's in the past, China does have it. So now what? Well a boycott is one option obviously. It would send a very clear signal to China, especially in light of the recent events in Tibet and the way the protests have been put down. But perhaps the best way IMO that is, is by combining it with some basic demands. A demand for reforms both regarding Tibet and human rights and the likes with the consequence for non compliance being a boycott, either a total one or a partial one of the Olympics.

While I realize this would be quite a drastic measure, with many consequences, many of which likely can't be overseen on a short term basis, I also find myself leaning towards the saying "Drastic times call for drastic measures".

This might be the best chance the International community has in many years to really influence China, and if they pass up on it, I feel it was be a great shame and perhaps even an aid to injustice.
I'd like to quote my own signature for this "All that is needed for evil to triumph, is that 'good men' do nothing." While the quote deals with more total ideas then might be involved in this case, I do feel it accurately describes how I feel about it.


Well, that's my opinion, please, discuss, disagree, agree. I look forward to reading it

[Black Hand]

Its incredible how naiive folks are sometimes. China is Americas FRIEND. Very Good friends, as a matter of fact. So long as America benefits economically from a situation, we look the other way. America doesnt care about Human Rights, we've been violating them since 1776.

Of course we got that from the british, who were just in the middle of their human rights violations setting up cash crops in africa, indonesia, india, and china. Which of course uproots local crops, and the product of the cash crops benefits the occupier, not the occupee. In short, the West made all the third world countries.

So now we come to China. Do I think they have committed Human Rights Violations, sure. But they werent the first ones, and wont be the last. And for the rest of us to turn into johnny-come-latelys puffing up our moral chests and say: "He's Right! China, leave Tibet alone goddammit!" Is awfully hypocritical.

Besides, china has a population in excess of one billion, and the strongest economy in the world right now. Like it or not, they are the 800 pound gorilla, so other nations are going to tread lightly around them.

P.S. Sorry 'bout the necromancy on the Weed Legal thread.....

This post has been edited by Black Hand: Apr 16 2008, 07:40 PM