China's conduct in Darfur and Tibet are an afront to many in the world. Which world leaders will attend the Olympic Games and who will boycott the games? Photo Gunner Geir Petursson
Bush-whacked in Beijing, Olympic Games and protest
1968 Olympics Tommie Smith and John Carlos. Photo from Mckirsch flickr
“I’m going to the Olympics. I view the Olympics as a sporting event,” stated President George W. Bush last week in an interview with the BBC. In spite of protests by human rights groups and concerns raised about China’s international policies in Tibet and Darfur; Bush has decided to attend the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games next month in Beijing, China. Other leaders, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper will not to attend the Games; while French President Nicolas Sarkozy is considering not going to Beijing. (1) I believe that not attending the Games will not change Chinese policy it will send a strong message that the American people do not support the China’s aid to countries that abuse human rights in the Darfur nor their oppression of the people in Tibet. In spite of the effort the Chinese government has put into making the Games a first rate event, they do not deserve the attention and tacit approval of their behavior that world leaders bring when they attend the Games. After the way Bush failed to respond to the needs of our own people during the Katrina disaster it should not surprise me that he cares even less for Tibetans or the people of Darfur under the heel of China. Like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, I too believe that Bush’s presence at the Games gives respect to the Chinese government, a respect that China has not earned.
In 1980, then President Jimmy Carter called for a boycott of the Olympics in Moscow and did not permit U.S. athletes to participate because of the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan. While I believe Carter was right not to attend the games himself, he should have let our athletes compete in 1980 Olympics. Politicians should stick to politics and stay away from the Olympics when the host country’s political decisions violate human rights; athletes on the other hand should be free to compete or free not to compete if they feel so inclined given the behavior of the host country. Yes athletes represent their country, yet unlike a president or prime minister they are not the face of the country. Foreign athletes, unlike the Chinese athletes under the thumb of the Chinese government, when are interviewed or win metal this August will have an opportunity to voice and or show their disgust with the host countries’ behavior abroad. These medal winners might take a page from Tommie Smith and John Carlos’ silent protest at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City.
What impressed me about these two track stars was how they protested against the fact that the Civil Rights movement in the United States had failed to achieve equality for people of color; they did it silently and effectively on the medal stand. That combination of raising a clinched fist, no shoes, and a simple black scarf sent a powerful message about injustice in America at the time. As John Gettings explains:
Smith later told the media that he raised his right, black-glove-covered fist in the air to represent black power in America while Carlos’ left, black-covered fist represented unity in black America. Together they formed an arch of unity and power. The black scarf around Smith’s neck stood for black pride and their black socks (and no shoes) represented black poverty in racist America. (2)
Just because athletes attend the games does not mean they must remain silent. Certainly during television and podcast interviews athletes can voice their distaste over China’s ill behavior in Tibet and Africa. Or maybe take Smith and Carlos’ lead and creatively show their protest. I would love to see the forty-one year U.S. free-style swimmer Dara Torres win a medal this summer and on the medal stand drape a small flag of Tibet over her shoulder or an athlete from an African nation on the medal stand show their support for the people of Darfur.
George Bush defended his decision when he stated:
The Chinese people are watching very carefully about the decisions by world leaders and I happen to believe that not going to the opening ceremony for the games would be an affront to the Chinese people, which may make it more difficult to be able to speak frankly with the Chinese leadership. (3)
Actions speak louder than words Mr. President, if Katrina is any example I believe you will have little or nothing to say to your hosts in Beijing about their mis-behavior in the world. Again our President has failed to take the lead on behalf of people in need, now it is the hands of the athletes. Go Team USA and all Olympic athletes, let the games begin!
(1) “Bush defends decisions on North Korea, Olympics,” Tom Raum, Associated Press Writer, Yahoo News.
(2) “2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China - Civil Disobedience,” by John Gettings.
(3) “Bush defends decisions on North Korea, Olympics,” Tom Raum, Associated Press Writer, Yahoo News.
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11 Responses to “Bush-whacked in Beijing, Olympic Games and protest”
July 8th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
I think it’s a bit hypocritical of us to criticize China this heavily. Not that I condone their behavior, but as American’s we hardly have higher ground here. We have the highest encarceration rate in the world and we’ve backed multiple anti-communists who committed vast attrocities. For example, see our support of Suharto, Pinochet and Saddam Hussein. If you want to criticize China for sending aid to places like the Sudan, what about all the aid we sent to Iraq under Saddam Hussein? Iraq received the third most U.S. aid of any country in the world while Hussein was committing the crimes against humanity which we later put him to death for.
In my opinion this heavy criticism of China, while deserved, is at the same time rather misinformed. Pretty much everything we’re criticizing China for, the U.S. has a history of doing itself.
July 8th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Sorry about the typos. I think you all get the idea : )
July 8th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
I’m appalled that you would blame the President for any of this. The same people who thought that giving China would cause them to stop these atrocities are the same people that are now protesting and criticizing them. HELLO??? IS ANYONE IN THERE?!?!?
Many, like myself knew that giving the world’s biggest oppressor a platform and an economic boost was one of the worst ideas imaginable! Now you think the President of the United States is supposed to boycott the games? WOW!
The President has many failings and has also made mistakes, but after all of the facts about Katrina have come out, you still want to make the leap that it was HIS fault that New Orleans wasn’t prepared for that catastrophe when they knew that it was an issue in the late ’50’s! Do a little investigation and get your facts straight before jumping on the same tired bandwagon that we’ve endured for the past 8 years.
Same goes for you too Fully Manny! Jeeze!! Doesn’t anyone read a little history anymore? The U.S. support of Iraq was prior to the dictator pulling out his arsenal of mustard gas. After he did that, sanctions were put on him and we completely isolated him soon after. You want to have it both ways. You want to talk about U.S. support of Iraq, but you conveniently leave out the part that it’s because we were still working against the Soviets and the Iranians at the time. Unbelievable comment. If you’re only going to pay attention to headlines, you are dooming yourself to be an idiot forever. I guess you don’t like high gas prices either, but drilling or using nuclear power is out of the question too? Same kind of decision that the U.S. has been making for over 60 years now, and then you want to blame a guy that inherited it.
July 8th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
Rob, stop waiving your flag for a second, your arm must be killing you. Let’s review the facts.
1978 - Saddam vows to kill anyone who opposes him.
1982 - the Dujail Massacre (crime he was put to death for)
1983 - Barzani Executions
1986-1989 - Full out genocide of as many as 250,000
1990 - Iraq Invades Kuwait
1991 - First Sanctions - Desert Storm
Looks like you’re the one who could use a history book. We slapped sanctions on Saddam as soon as he commited crimes against humanity? That’s a REAL laugh.
You think fighting against the soviets justifies all the muderous dictators the U.S. has propped up? Read some history.
Saddam killed an estimated 1 million, most of that while he was an ally of the U.S (and before sanctions). Suharto who we propped up in Indonesia killed another 3/4 of a million. Pinochet tortured almost half a million and killed thousands. Seems like we’re supporting the same ideals we’re supposed to stand against. Not sure how propping up and backing genocidal dictators keeps the world safe for democracy. Honestly, could the results of what happened in this countries be any worse if the Soviets took them over?
July 9th, 2008 at 7:10 am
Manny - no worry about the typos, they are my middle name. My critique of China was just that - but I no way intended to write this as if we the USA had higher ground to stand on, from our history and this past, I just believe Bush should follow the lead of other G-8 leaders and not show up to the games. Rob - if I err on the side of looking at the Bush administration too critically you then may err by looking with rose colored glasses.
What I find interesting as the Games approach is after Carter and now Bush it becomes clearer to me that what leaders have less impact on the host country. What really might influence the host country will be the regular citizens and athletes; Chinese citizens boycotting or protesting in Beijing or the athletes themselves. The people, be they everyday citizens or athletes are the ones who need to take back leadership to solve our own countries problems and those of the world. Thanks guys for your insights - enjoy the Games in August.
July 9th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
That’s just the thing George. By Bush boycotting the games, I think that very clearly sends the message that he’s above the policies of China. Given all the things the U.S. has done in the past, and the fact that we currently have more people in prison than China does, even though China’s population is more than 1 million higher than ours, I don’t think we really have the right to criticize or boycott China.
July 9th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Fully Manny - Ummm, let’s see did you believe the genocide when Bush invaded Iraq or are you now pulling that out to make a point. Are you saying that you approve the U.S. mission in Iraq? Don’t be a hypocrite Manny, stay consistent if you intend to prove a point.
The point is, the sanctions were placed on Iraq AFTER the Kurdish and Iranian gassing. The U.S. acted in those sanctions which is why he became our enemy. Sure, the U.S. propped him up prior to that, but it was after he started using the mustard gas that the U.S. backed away from him. Manny, your dates are correct, but once again your facts are off.
Just so you know, I don’t agree with the U.S. befriending anyone in the way to where we are an ally to a non-democratic society. Just don’t go blaming the U.S. for everything bad or troubling in the world. To do that is ridiculous. What’s funny is that in a very strange way, you and I agree about this China thing. Unfortunately, I don’t remember the last time that a sitting president ordered his tank battalions to run over protesters on the street Manny. I also don’t remember when it was against the law to practice free religion. Don’t know what I’m talking about? Here’s your quote
Your words Manny…your words.
George - Rose colored glasses? Sure George, whatever you say. I guess anyone that isn’t on your bandwagon of blame has pulled out their glasses with the rose tint on it. Director of FEMA at the time of Katrina, who appointed him? Any guesses? That’s what they’d be coming from you…guesses. When was the original disaster report done on New Orleans? You don’t know, because you’d rather blame a guy that made the error of NOT acting soon enough AFTER the disaster than the people who SHOULD really be blamed. Who’s wearing the rose colored glasses George? Do some research if you want to be…Oh…you do want to be like most of the other mainstream idiot writers out there. Ok, go ahead.
July 10th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
Rob, I never changed what I said about Iraq. I said Saddam Hussein was propped up by the U.S. government and then receive large amounts of aid from us while he was comitting genocide. What’s it matter if he was using mustard gas to commit the genocide or if he killed hundreds of thousands of people with bullets? You’re making a pretty desperate attempt to blur the facts here.
You don’t think we’ve infringed on free religion before? You must not have ever read a histry book about our treatment of Native Americans. If you had you probably would have heard about the boarding schools where we not only outlawed their religions, but use of the language or traditional names. The children who didn’t obey were typically beaten. Or how about when we removed artifacts of any “Eastern” religions from the homes of Japanese families during WWII?
You really haven’t read much history, have you? I’m not sure if we’ve ever actually used tanks to run over our own civilians, but the U.S. government has shot down it’s own civilians just as China did in Tiananmen Square. Kent State probably rings a bell, but judging by your tone you’re probably ignorant of the many other ocassions such as the Ludlow Massacre or the original Columbine Massacre (1927). Or have you ever heard of the Bayview Masscre, Thibodaux Massacre or the Memorial Day Massacre? No? I didn’t think so. You’ve got a lot to learn.
Maybe if you put your flag down for a second you could actually pick up a history book. I get it, you like this country. I like this country too. But don’t let the love of your country completely blind you to reality. Either you don’t know U.S. history or you’re letting your bias towards the U.S. completely cloud your thoughts on the conduct of our country.
July 11th, 2008 at 11:18 am
Manny, Manny, Manny. Apples and oranges Manny. In each and every instance that you point out, not only did they happen nearly 100 years or more ago when civilization was much less civilized, but they are all cases of LOCAL governments causing atrocities. That is, besides the WWII reference of the removing of ‘Eastern’ religions from the homes of Japanese…they removed the Japanese too Manny.
You’re funny Manny. I can wave that flag around without using hands and reading my history just fine thank you. You see Manny, when the dictator of China orders Christians to be detained and executed or the killing of some reported 2,000-3,000 people in one fell swoop, there’s a big difference in the instances you point out. People can overthrow their government here Manny, but not in China. They don’t have elections there, just in case you didn’t know. Also, the bloodiest of all of the atrocities that you list is what? 20? Wow!!
I’m sure they were horrible events and I’m not trying to justify the ‘evil-doers’ in any way, but to liken that to what happens in China or anywhere else is ridiculous. You’d have to go back to the mid 1800’s to find an Indian massacre that would be more on the same level of what you’re trying to prove and even so, you are going back long before the present. Let’s talk the past 30 years Manny, how’s that? Otherwise I’m sure that the Mongolians, Romans, and Germans are bad…very bad people too. Give it a rest with your hate America crap dude. You love America? Then see it for what it really is, and not for how you want to distort it. Don’t ever try and trivialize what we have here by saying it’s the same in China. All that does is show your naivety and ignorance.
Lastly, just for you Manny, God Bless America!
July 11th, 2008 at 11:40 am
I am part of a campaign to not watch the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics if the Olympic Sponsors do not condemn China’s support of Sudan and Sudanese Oil. While there is no way to organize enough people in this last month before the Olympics (at the time of writing) to force the sponsors hand, we can at least hope to send a clear message. The sponsors of the games are not sponsors to support China or the Olympics as much as they are simply trying to get their name out. That is why I am part of this campaign, if this interests you check it out here: https://www.thepoint.com/campaigns/olympic-sponsor-speak-out-on-darfur if you would like to join With 2008 people we can at least mar that image and send the message that blindly supporting a country that funds a genocidal regime is not okay, and is not good for your corporate image.
July 12th, 2008 at 11:32 am
Thanks for the link and effort Andrew.
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