Spring Break
In wake of protest, Olympics should be separate from politics
Courtney Roberts
Issue date: 4/9/08 Section: OPINION
Apparently, everyone on the Olympic committee thought Beijing was a great place to host the 2008 summer Olympics. Despite its poor human rights policies and hazardous environmental conditions, China was the superlative choice of the moment for the international multi-sport competition.
So, why all the protests?
Yesterday, the Olympic torch arrived in San Francisco amid heavy security for the only North American stop on its global journey. While one runner carrying the torch had to drop out because of safety concerns, three people climbed the Golden Gate Bridge to tie the Tibetan flag and two banners to the bridge's cables. The banners read "One World One Dream. Free Tibet," and "Free Tibet 08."
This occurred right after the Olympic supervisors had to cancel the final leg of the Paris run Monday because demonstrators were scaling the Eiffel Tower to try and force security officials to snuff out the torch.
According to FOXNews.com, the torch's global journey was supposed to highlight China's growing economic and political power. But activists opposing China's human rights policies and a recent crackdown on Tibet have been protesting along the torch's 85,000-mile route since the start.
First off, my belief is that the Olympics should not be politicized in any way. When this happens, there is bound to be conflict and confusion.
I am ashamed at the actions of the American people in the respect that it is not the Olympic committee's fault that there is a Tibetan crisis. By trying to snuff out the torch and hanging banners in an attack against China, we are irrevocably disrespecting the sacred traditions of the Olympics and all that they stand for. Why attack something that has no influence in governmental foreign policy?
While people continue to protest, I assure you, the Chinese government will do nothing to stop the games. The Tibetan crisis is an entirely different matter unrelated to the actual games.
How can a government be so committed to an event that strives for peace and cooperation between countries when it is on the brink of neighboring warfare? In my opinion, China is lost in a cloud of oblivion ultimately unable to handle the self-inflicted international spotlight and unwarranted bad press. Therefore, it is toward China that we should direct our protests, not the Olympic games.
Courtney Roberts is a journalism and French junior from Richardson. She may be reached at car0208@unt.edu.
So, why all the protests?
Yesterday, the Olympic torch arrived in San Francisco amid heavy security for the only North American stop on its global journey. While one runner carrying the torch had to drop out because of safety concerns, three people climbed the Golden Gate Bridge to tie the Tibetan flag and two banners to the bridge's cables. The banners read "One World One Dream. Free Tibet," and "Free Tibet 08."
This occurred right after the Olympic supervisors had to cancel the final leg of the Paris run Monday because demonstrators were scaling the Eiffel Tower to try and force security officials to snuff out the torch.
According to FOXNews.com, the torch's global journey was supposed to highlight China's growing economic and political power. But activists opposing China's human rights policies and a recent crackdown on Tibet have been protesting along the torch's 85,000-mile route since the start.
First off, my belief is that the Olympics should not be politicized in any way. When this happens, there is bound to be conflict and confusion.
I am ashamed at the actions of the American people in the respect that it is not the Olympic committee's fault that there is a Tibetan crisis. By trying to snuff out the torch and hanging banners in an attack against China, we are irrevocably disrespecting the sacred traditions of the Olympics and all that they stand for. Why attack something that has no influence in governmental foreign policy?
While people continue to protest, I assure you, the Chinese government will do nothing to stop the games. The Tibetan crisis is an entirely different matter unrelated to the actual games.
How can a government be so committed to an event that strives for peace and cooperation between countries when it is on the brink of neighboring warfare? In my opinion, China is lost in a cloud of oblivion ultimately unable to handle the self-inflicted international spotlight and unwarranted bad press. Therefore, it is toward China that we should direct our protests, not the Olympic games.
Courtney Roberts is a journalism and French junior from Richardson. She may be reached at car0208@unt.edu.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
No Name
posted 4/10/08 @ 9:59 AM CST
Were you one of those kids that barely passed government in high school? Have you researched the history of the modern Olympic games? Guessing from your ill written article you probably haven't. (Continued…)
Mac
posted 4/10/08 @ 5:42 PM CST
"By trying to snuff out the torch and hanging banners in an attack against China, we are irrevocably disrespecting the sacred traditions of the Olympics and all that they stand for. (Continued…)
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