I See An America

I suppose I shouldn't be too surprised at all the politicizing of this year's Olympics. It's a trend that started in the 80's with back-to-back boycotts of the games by the US and Russia--a real childish display of tit-for-tat if ever there was one. This time the politics has to do with the Chinese record on human rights issues. Now, I'll readily admit that I am no admirer of China's stance on personal freedoms and human rights. At the same time, this should be looked at as a Chinese problem, one that they will have to work out themselves.

Follow up:

What I don't agree with is the point of view that states China should not get to host the Olympics because of their record on human rights. The Olympics were conceived to bring the world together through sport and competition. Back in the day, wars were put on pause so the Olympics could be held. Nowadays, we've got protests along the path of the Olympic torch, we have commentary about the Great Wall of China being the largest symbol of human oppression ever built. I say they miss the point completely. Rather than condemn, or fluff our feather proclaiming how much better and more civilized we are as a country, why don't we lead by example. Use the stage that has been set in China to open the Chinese citizens' eyes, impress them, inform them, motivate them. Get the Olympics back to what it was, a common bond between men, women and countries. Use it correctly and it can change minds and even countries. Use it incorrectly like we are, and it's just another reality show, right down to the time delay.