The games are self-evidently political and always have been so, and if you think they aren't being used as propaganda by the Chinese government, or weren't so used by the Soviets or the NAZIS then you're seriously mistaken.
"Isn't FR enough for you to get your political fix without having to ruin the chance of a lifetime for our athletes. Are you really agreeing with Jimmy Carter. That was such a bonehead move then that devastated many dreams without accomplishing anything."
Actually I made no mention of the athletes, and did not suggest, as you contend, that they stay home. I suggested that it was regrettable that the President would be in attendance as it lends undeserved prestige and credibility. I would not want to prevent these athletes from their hard-earned opportunity to compete, and did not suggest so.
"They can wave proudly to our president - not as a political figure but as the representative of the greatest nation on earth that is not afraid to participate in the Olympics."
I find it amusing of course that your notion of waving in "pride" at the representative of the "greatest nation on earth" would somehow not have political significance.
"With your resolve of American Spirit we would still be under the rule of the British and have the cut-and-run reputation of the French."
"American spirit" and national reputations such as that you ascribe to France are of course overtly political in nature. Nevertheless, I personally don't see the connection between wartime resolve and the President sitting in the viewing box at an Olympics staged by a communist authoritarian state who we are beholden to with regards to monetary policy and with whom we share a massive trade imbalance. On the other hand it suggests a lack of political courage and a tacit acknowledgment that China is too powerful and too dangerous to offend.
"Stand proud. Do not be afraid." That of course was my point.
Perhaps he is there to lend deserved prestige & credibility to our athletes, and our country.
We should not hide from anything. Protesting is for losers.
I misunderstood your point. Thanks for the clarification.
I will still disagree. The leader of the free world should lead. He should stand like that young man in front of the tank in Tiananmen and proclaim, America does not dip its flag. It does not run. It does not hide. Our presidents stands for freedom and is strong to look the enemies of liberty right in the eye.
Our president should not cower and hide
It is no political, it is liberty.
You might have thought it your point. I see your view as cowardice. It is so perplexing to me how someone can see a confrontation, choose to stay home and watch it on TV and call that standing proud. I suppose we will not agree. I could never come to accept your view on this.