I am not one to keep up on world news. As a matter of fact, I watch about 10 to 15 minutes of news a day and really the only thing I want to know about is the weather. When I watch the news I get angry and depressed. It seems to always be about death and destruction. Lately though I have been hearing about the Beijing Olympics and the Olympic torch. Not being the world knowledge person, I started asking friends what was going on with this. What I have been told is the crappy way Beijing treats their people. About the monks in Tibet and how there is no regulations to reduce pollution.
I have to say that it saddens me to hear and see little signs saying boycott the Beijing Olympics and Free Tibet. The Olympic games have nothing to do with what is happening in Beijing past or present. The Olympic games are for athletes in the prime of their lives who are lucky enough to be able to participate in the games. Who may never have this chance again.
I thought that the Olympics were supposed to bring the world together and it just seems like anymore it is another political forum for people to use to protest. Don't we have enough protesting and hate in this world?
If the reasons I have been told are the true reasons for protesting and boycotting, I have a news flash, we could have been doing that all along. One way is to stop buying items made in China. It is human nature when we go shopping to get the best price possible. And the best price possible most of the time is items made in China. Make your voice heard there. Stop buying products made in China and pay more.
I guess the world and people in general sadden me anymore. Everyone wants world peace, but really no one is taking strides to achieve this. Those who are the loudest about we need world peace are the first to scream, boycott, ban, etc.
These Olympics games have NOTHING to do with what China has done or is currently doing. Unfortunately, the Olympics are being used for all this bullshit that people are saying and doing when these same people could have been saying and doing way before the games and can continue to do so way after the games. How many people think we will be hearing anything about China after the games. I for one don't think much will be heard or said.
It is a shame that athletes are the ones who are made to suffer.
2 comments:
I couldn't agree more. The athletes will be the ones who suffer because of a poltical agenda.
Ralph
I agree about the products made in China or anywhere where workers are exploited. I have had this arguement with my neighbors for years now. They all complain about the little stores going under but they all flock to Wal-Mart. It's what makes me very frustrated with Americans - lazy and penny wise.
I have mixed feeling about the Olympics. I hate China having any positive international recognition in light of what is happening in Darfur. I suppose the athletes would suffer but their suffering is nothing compared to the suffering of helpless people every single day. I read that many of the athletes don't want to go to China.
Perhaps the Dalai Lama has the best answer - boycott the opening ceremony and then let the athletes compete.
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