A Symbolic Boycott of the Olympics?
This might be an idea worth considering:
PARIS (AP) - Moves to punish China over its handling of violence in Tibet gained momentum Tuesday, with a novel suggestion for a mini-boycott of the Beijing Olympics by VIPs at the opening ceremony.
Such a protest by world leaders would be a huge slap in the face for China’s Communist leadership.
France’s outspoken foreign minister, former humanitarian campaigner Bernard Kouchner, said the idea “is interesting.”
Kouchner said he wants to discuss it with other foreign ministers from the 27-nation European Union next week. His comments opened a crack in what until now had been solid opposition to a full boycott, a stance that Kouchner said remains the official government position.
The idea of skipping the Aug. 8 opening ceremony “is less negative than a general boycott,” Kouchner said. “We are considering it.”
I would prefer an outright cancellation of the 2008 Olympics - China, under its corrupt and cruel communist leadership, is unworthy of the honor. Absent that, I would like to see us boycott the Olympics - but that is not likely to happen. So, a boycott of the opening ceremony might be the best we can get - and it would be a stinging slap in the face to China’s horrific, anti-human leadership.
12 comments March 19th, 2008
