Are people jumping over sticks and running very fast really more important than a nations human rights?

Question

Misty Blue would you feel the same if it was a member of your family that was being tortured,forcibly steralised or executed.I'm very sorry that you don't approve of the way the question was worded.

Answer 1

Human rights would be like the cart and the people would be like the horse. Now I can see what you are saying. But I have a different view.

Answer 2

the Olympics even in ancient times was a way of putting political differences aside in the pursuit of sporting excellence

the Greeks were the founders of democracy

why are we not all able to recognise their wisdom in respect to sporting process and politics?

the human rights issue in china is hardly new but the time for protests was when they were applying to host the games now the athletes are prepared and ready to represent their countries (probably for the only time in their entire lives and sporting careers) it is harsh to suggest because of politics they should not compete

imagine if you had been in training your whole life for your one chance at Olympic glory?

well said misty blue

Answer 3

No they are not and the Olympics should have thought about human rights records before they awarded the Games to China - they should have allowed them to have the Games when they cleared up basic human rights abuses

Answer 4

Who says they have to be compared?  Are you saying that in order to have human rights one can't also jump over sticks and run very fast?

But maybe you're right.  We should cancel the olympics until China's human rights record improves.  I'll be the judge and tell everyone when we can have the olympics, under what conditions and where the will be held.  If anyone disagrees with me, then maybe we should just try to keep discord out of the olympics structure, and deal with other problems in a different format...

JMHO

Answer 5

and what about the cost to us in 2012 - how much money are we wasting

Answer 6

LOL that's a much better way of putting it in perspective!

Answer 7

Not a lot of money in human rights.

The Olympics on the other hand.................................

Answer 8

Of course they are. Dont be silly!

Dont u remember the Berlin Wall.

Answer 9

could not agree more.

They keep saying that the Olympics is not a political event and that we should support the atheletes but not the country.

Its rubbish - the IOD is so corrupt and clearly influenced by money to give the games to China.

We HAVE to get momentum to get a boycot of the games.

I for one want nothing to do with it!

Answer 10

The world is awash with human rights issues.Do we abandon the games altogether for lack of suitable venues?Why should athletes who spend every waking hour preparing for the biggest event in their lives have to forfeit all their hard work and a chance for recognition for the sake of an issue which should be adressed in a political arena?This is a sporting event and should remain a sporting event, not a political one.

Your question is way too simplistic,care to expand?

Edit:Why wait for the Olympics?These atrocities are not new and are these fairweather protestors.When the Olympics are over,is that it?We should all of us make it our duty to lobby our respective governments about human rights violations on a regular basis as a matter of course.What are you suggesting?You have not made that clear in your question.

How many people would give up everything that they have worked ceaselessly for over most of their youth and adult life to change things in Tibet.This is what is being asked of sportsmen and women.If America got the games would athletes again lose out because of Guantanamo Bay?What about Saudi Arabia etc etc.

So yes I would still feel the same.I'd be thinking 'How come the world just ignored us till now.It hasn't just recently happened.'

Answer 11

I do agree with you but it is a pity that the IOC did not consider China's behaviour before granting them the 2008 Olympics. They were probably reacting to the fact that China was emerging as an industrial giant and that they would have money for the whole project. I remember Tianamen (Sorry if it is spelt wrongly)Square and the appalling manner that the protesters were dealt with. In my opinion all fair minded people including the sportsman should make it clear that unless human rights were observed NOW then the games would be boycotted. Spectators should treat it in the same way. And as for allowing those Chinese heavies the right to police the movement of the flame through London alongside out own policemen, this was a badly thought out strategy. This probably inflamed the situation beyond a peaceful demonstration.

Answer 12

Honey, the day you can tell people how to be rational, make sound judgments and be civil to one another and expect no profit from it.....well, I'll be the first to sign up for whatever your promoting.