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Printer-Friendly ModeU.S. should boycott Olympic ceremonies
April 21, 2008 —
This April 21 marks the nineteenth anniversary of 100,000 students marching on Tiananmen Square to demonstrate for democratic reform in China's government. These peaceful protests were halted by infamous violent suppression less than two months after they began.
Two decades later oppression is still the norm for Chinese citizens and this "ally" of the United States has turned its sights on the people of Tibet. Recent accounts have placed the death toll in the region anywhere between two-dozen and 100. The exact number depends on which source -- Chinese officials, citizens of Tibet, or independent journalists -- you choose to believe.
China is a nation that trades guns for oil with the government of Sudan. The Chinese government blocks all attempts by the United Nations Security Council to end the genocide in Darfur. Lack of regard for workers' rights by Chinese industries and American business interests has led to intolerable conditions in Chinese factories as well as the loss of many U.S. jobs. Their blind disregard for the sanctity of human life has allowed for the creation of a "one-child" policy, which has resulted in the slaughter of an untold number of female babies by Chinese parents. Chinese factories poison our children with the exportation of lead-laced toys.
What is our response? How do we confront China's abuse and neglect of human rights? If these were the actions of a lesser nation, military intervention would be justified. Instead, our government grants China most favored nation trade status and the international community allows Beijing to host the 2008 Summer Olympics.
Officials of many foreign governments and international institutions are boycotting the opening ceremony of the games. Among those who will not be in attendance are German President Angela Merkel, English Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
President Bush has yet to make his position on any Olympic boycott known. He has stated that he will be attending the games because "they are a sporting event," however it is not clear if he will attend the opening ceremony. Based on the track record of this administration, I don't expect our president to do much of anything. That said, government inaction shouldn't prevent an individual response. There are many ways for us to lend our voice to the voiceless and unheard.
I encourage you to make the small investment in a piece of paper, envelope, stamp, and fifteen minutes of your time. Write a letter. Send it to your representative, senator, the president or head of the United States Olympic Committee. Addresses for these individuals can easily be found online. These people also maintain offices and have e-mail accounts; letters can also be sent electronically.
I think writing a letter or e-mail to the sponsors of the Olympics makes a stronger statement. Large corporations like Coca-Cola, McDonald's, UPS, Budweiser, and Visa fear the power we hold over them through the use of our pocketbooks.
The point I want to make clear is that we cannot stand idle and let China benefit without addressing its long history of atrocity. Together we can empower humanity with the words of the Olympic motto. The memory of those 100,000 students demands action.