I never said anything about this person not being allowed to carry the flag. I guess I just misunderstood your first post.
Equibrit-
And your point is?
That it is bad manners to draw attention to human rights violations? That we should be more polite and not offend anyone by noting their atrocities? :lol::lol::lol:
For the record:
I was against these Olympics being awarded to China because of my own personal belief and feelings. BUT I think it does a disservice to ALL of the athletes when ANYONE uses this platform to push their political aganda, personal beliefs etc. It is not in the spirit of the games and is disrespectful to the competing athletes. This is why am not unhappy or bent out of shape by the Chinese Government denying a visa to the skater.
Pot meet kettle!
Yes, you did misunderstand it. Amercians are free to do something like vote to have a Sudanese-refugee carry the American flag at the Olympic games because they have a right of freedom of expression and the US Government cannot censor it.
China, obviously, will do whatever it feels it can get away with, as usual. If the world press were not watching, the Sudanese and other American athletes’ lives or freedom would probably be in danger. Chinese “law” is quite arbitrary,governed by dictatorial power, and the “rights” of its people are not guaranteed.
[QUOTE=snoopy;3422066]
For the record:
I was against these Olympics being awarded to China because of my own personal belief and feelings. BUT I think it does a disservice to ALL of the athletes when ANYONE uses this platform to push their political aganda, personal beliefs etc. It is not in the spirit of the games and is disrespectful to the competing athletes. This is why am not unhappy or bent out of shape by the Chinese Government denying a visa to the skater.[/QUOTE]
Do you really think the skater was going to do anything to disrupt the games…he was going to support his friends he’s not stupid, ending up in a Chinese jail isn’t going to help Darfur, Tibet or the citizen’s of China.
Yes, I know. I think it’s great. It’s an honor to be chosen to carry the flag - no matter what the reasons. That guy went through hell and look what he’s accomplished! It’s wonderful.
My comment was not in reference to this man, nor to diminish anything he’s accomplished. It’s truly incredible; if anyone deserves that honor it’s someone who has struggled the way he has.
He’s lucky he wasn’t on the 1980 team - or he’d not be carrying any flag. I dislike the politics - the intentional disruption of sport. This individual was an excellent choice period. Politics aside. His story is one of triumph over adversity - perfectly in keeping with the tenets of sport.
Boycotting and protesting and the other attention getting stuff - leave it at home. The Games are here and they’ll be plenty of time for that after it’s over. The time for protest is over and what we’re doing may result in China having second thoughts about adopting a more liberal society.
Not at all…but;
Don’t do it when you are their guest.
Make sure that you are not commiting atrocities in you own back yard.
[QUOTE=ridgeback;3422087]
Do you really think the skater was going to do anything to disrupt the games…he was going to support his friends he’s not stupid, ending up in a Chinese jail isn’t going to help Darfur, Tibet or the citizen’s of China.[/QUOTE]
But can you be sure, or can the Chinese government be sure that he would not bring unwanted attention to the very issues he stands for? Now you are arguing for argument’s sake.
Let’s just all hold hands and sing kumbaya, shall we? :rolleyes:
You mean like Munich in 72? Oh - ok. Guess it’s ok to use the Games for political gains - but if you’re Jewish you might want to keep your head down.:no:
I think, as he himself said, that he knew he would be denied a visa. And that very denial brought publicity to his cause and to the Chinese dread of any attention to its human rights record.
I was thinking more Jesse Owen. You know–carrying a flag, not a machine gun.
That would be passive non-violent resistance. Not terrorism. Big difference!
[QUOTE=snoopy;3422102]
But can you be sure, or can the Chinese government be sure that he would not bring unwanted attention to the very issues he stands for? Now you are arguing for argument’s sake.[/QUOTE]
No I’m not sorry you feel that way… I just don’t agree with China and anything they do so I think it’s crazy they would not let him in…
[QUOTE=Eclectic Horseman;3422114]
I think, as he himself said, that he knew he would be denied a visa. And that very denial brought publicity to his cause and to the Chinese dread of any attention to its human rights record.[/QUOTE]
The list of stupid government just gets longer doesn’t it?
I don’t like seeing politics in sport, but the fact is, it’s here to stay.
I don’t like the idea of protesting or standing up in another country where one is visiting, especially one like China where it is very dangerous to do so and could affect innocent people very badly, but I respect a person for following and living what they believe in.
The term ‘ugly american’ didn’t originally apply to people protesting human rights violations in foreign countries, Equibrit.
It came about to describe people who go to other countries and loudly demand to be served first in a restaurant.
[QUOTE=ridgeback;3422125]
No I’m not sorry you feel that way… I just don’t agree with China and anything they do so I think it’s crazy they would not let him in…[/QUOTE]
Not crazy… just short sighted. And China and its policies do not lift my skirt either. All I am saying is that we cannot get too heated because they denied entry to an american…their country their rules…as much as we do not agree with them.
[QUOTE=snoopy;3422146]
Not crazy… just short sighted. And China and its policies do not lift my skirt either. All I am saying is that we cannot get too heated because they denied entry to an american…their country their rules…as much as we do not agree with them.[/QUOTE]
Oops I actually meant I am sorry you feel that way…
Would this be the same Jesse Owens who wasn’t allowed to live on campus at Ohio State because it was segregated?
[QUOTE=slc2;3422135]
It came about to describe people who go to other countries and loudly demand to be served first in a restaurant.[/QUOTE]
Is that a joke? Americans abroad are welcomed very warmly in every country I have visited. Infact I have never seen any bad behaviour in that regard.
