Posted on 03/21/2008 11:52:46 AM PDT by JZelle
President Bush has no choice but to cancel his trip to Beijing for the 2008 Olympics. No doubt, the president will resist this inevitability, as cancellation would sour U.S.-China relations. Mr. Bush cannot stand on Chinese soil without making a mockery of the freedom agenda. The repression in Tibet is just the latest evidence.
What began as a series of peaceful protests in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa on March 10 has devolved into a series of pitched street battles and house-to-house searches. Chinese troops have exacted retribution against ethnic Tibetans after the latter attacked shops and businesses owned or patronized by ethnic Chinese. Beijing has reacted in brutal disproportion. Tibetan authorities contend that the crackdown has cost scores of lives; Beijing has reported 16 deaths. It is impossible to know who is correct, as Beijing has imposed a new cloak of secrecy.
Reporters and editors of The Washington Times asked Christopher Hill, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, in a Tuesday editorial board meeting whether the violence jeopardizes Mr. Bush's visit. "I can't add to the president's words," he demurred.
One of the few foreign-policy bright spots of Jimmy Carter's presidency was the 1980 Moscow Olympics boycott. The Soviets invaded Afghanistan, refused to withdraw and ignored warnings of a boycott. The official announcement was handed down exactly 28 years ago on March 21, 1980. It was difficult for the athletes, but a fine moment for the Carter presidency.
The Bush administration tied itself in knots trying to rationalize Beijing's behavior. Just last week, the State Department upgraded China in its most recent Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. Beijing no longer stands among the world's most brutal human-rights abusers in Foggy Bottom's appraisal. So, China has left the company of North Korea, Cuba and Iran.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
So if we boycotted, who would join us? I’m hearing excuse after excuse as to why this is a bad place for the Olympics...polluted air, poisonous food, now ethnic cleansing. The Chicoms sure know how to throw a party.
Then again the Soviets didn't own $1 trillion of our treasuries.
China is just like any other fascist country.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
What if China, along with Russia, retaliates by boycotting us in the next Olympics? McDonald's would be so screwed!
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
BOYCOTT! BOYCOTT! BOYCOTT!
I don’t think the Olympic boycott was a “bright spot” in Carter’s presidency. It was less than a wrist slap and thus it made a mockery of US world influence.
We’d better be careful. They might send us poisoned toothpaste or something.
A boycott would likely be the end of the Olympics due to retaliation against any boycotting countries. Asian countries are already rushing to agree with China's contention that this is "merely an internal affair." The next couple of weeks will be interesting.
Just have the Olympics in Greece every time like it should be. Then we don’t have to worry about communist or fascist slave labor nations putting in bids.
I have no idea why ‘those’ idiots chose to have the olympics in China. What the heck were they thinking?
I remember reading an article from the mid-80’s, after the Soviet/East Bloc boycott of the LA Olympics, that proposed just that. I think it would be a good idea. Additionally, I have also read that hosting the Olympics is finacially a loser.
“I have no idea why ‘those’ idiots chose to have the olympics in China. What the heck were they thinking?”
My thoughts exactly!! “They” thought China would clean up their act (both literally and socially) in time for the Olympics. Boy, were they wrong!!
How long will the world kowtow to the ChiCom beast? Even Jimmie Carter had the cajones to boycott the Olympics over Russia’s invasion of Afghanistan. Are we truly that frightened?
Now that would be poetic justice. They spend a zillion dollars building and no one shows up. No Tourist Dollars.
But if they have half a brain they’ll just bill us anyhow and we’ll pay it.
Politics.
Of course.
"What the heck were they thinking?"
Probably something like: "Time for a far-eastern, anti-Christian, communist country to host."
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