The Olympics are no stranger to the world of politics. Olympic boycotts have happened before, and although some would say the spirit of the games should be kept separate from other affairs, there are many ways the Olympics can be used as a tool to spread a good message — particularly one that could put some heat on China to improve its poor standard of human rights.
Perhaps a boycott of this summer’s games in Beijing wouldn’t go very far toward reaching such a goal. Certainly, looking back on the boycott of the 1980 Olympics in Moscow, reasoning can be presented that American-led efforts did nothing to prevent the Soviet Union from continuing their invasion of Afghanistan which wrapped up in 1989.
Yet, our objectives in an Olympic boycott in 2008 would be much different than those the Carter administration had in 1980. With a large collation of nations throwing their support behind a boycott, Carter attempted to stop a war. Drastic actions were needed and Carter decided not only to boycott the Olympic ceremonies, but hold back all American athletes from competing in the games. Some other countries followed, preventing their own athletes from participating, but most found alternate solutions to an athletic boycott.
While there is no need to devastate the upcoming games in such a way, any boycott of the upcoming Beijing Olympics would be a show of support for the people being oppressed by the Chinese government — a small message to hold out hope.
Through a simple action such as having our head of state skip the Olympic ceremonies, all of the journalists in jail, all those who have been attacked in Tibet and an entire nation which has been blinded by censorship could take heart that world powers are intent on changing the rule of their oppressive government.
Boycotting would also send a strong message to the Chinese government that their domestic governance is far below international acceptance. Indeed, it would be downright disgraceful to honor the current Chinese regime — which provides financial support of militaristic elements in both Burma and Darfur — with President Bush’s presence at the opening and closing ceremonies.
Our commander in chief would not be alone in skipping the Olympic rites. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Prince Charles, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Czech President VÃ.áclav Klaus have all have found better ways to spend their time. French President Nicolas Sarkozy has threatened similar action if China does not deliver on its original promise to the International Olympics Committee to improve the human rights standard across the nation before the 29th Olympiad begin, a promise which got it the right to hold the Summer Olympics.
The Olympic torch is scheduled to bring the games into Beijing on August 8. It would be a fine a day as ever for our president to head down to his ranch in Crawford, invite those leaders of the world who are dedicated to improving the standard of human life, and watch the opening ceremony on NBC.