Make no bones about it the upcoming Olympic Games in Beijng is already a hot potato and those who think otherwise are just kidding themselves. What's meant to be a a quadriennial event to bring the nations of the world together for one being sporting extravaganza has become nothing more than a commercial venture where others can make a profit. Say nothing of which the International Olympic Committee by its own largesse bestows upon the host country its own seal of approval.
Police in Paris try to disarm a protester who was carrying a molotov cocktail with the intent of hurling the projectile at the bearer of the Olympic flame as it was being carried through the streets of the French capitol. picture courtesy of reuters/.........
And now that the event is being hosted in China others seek to make politcial gains and at the same time mounting criticism on the host country. From its treatment of dissidents within its own country to the civil unrest in Tibet . China has now become the whipping post for much of the world's apparent anger. Added to the fact that they're now seen as the primary enabler for the atrocities that are now taking place in Sudan and the region of Darfur in the western part of the country. It's felt that because China is the Sudan's number one trading partner internationally and the fact that it buys much of the oil produced by the country . Then it ought to be more politically enlightened and in part act with expediency in condemning the country for its atrocities.
President George W Bush seen here alongside Chinese President Hu Jintao. picture courtesy of chinadaily.com/cn/2006/.......
Sudanese President Omar Hassan al Bashir and much maligned leader of the oil rich country where to date there's an estimated 850,000 lives lost in the Darfur conflict with a further 2,500,000 displaced refugees within the country. picture courtesy of breakfornew.com/news/conflict/sudan/darfur ............
China may well be in the wrong politically but no more so than any of the other countries now crying foul. As they too have been enablers for much of the time that these events , protests and atrocities have gone on. And it certainly hasn't helped on the diplomatic front when we're unsure where this country (US ) actually stands. As much as the politicians decry China and its economic partner , Sudan we still need them. We export billions of dollars worth of goods to China each year. And in turn they reciprocate by exporting to us tenfold the amount . And one might add they also hold a great deal of US treasury bonds and other financial instruments as well as US holdings. In turn we also import from the Sudan though it could be deemed minimal amounts of oil. It's still a commodity that's needed to feed this country's ravenous appetite.
HouseMajority leader and Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Ca., ) picture courtesy of of msn.com/media/news/.....
Actress and activist Mia Farrow . Farrow is an outspoken activist for the rights of the Darfur refugees. A UN Goodwill Amabassador Farrow has spent much of her time and money aiding the people of the region. picture courtesy of imageseonline.com/images/miafarrow.....
And whilst our politicians decry the acts within the Sudan let's not fool ourselves here. The nation sees the African country as one of its primary allies on the war on terror in the region. But what goes without saying for all of the pious declarations from the State Department . How the hell can the adminisration excuse itself from any blame when they're also arming the the Sudanese government ? Something that members of Congress for all of their narrow mindedness ought to be looking into. And the inane rants of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D- Ca) at this juncture carries about as much weight or sympathy shown by her to the families of the loved ones lost in the present combatative stance being taken by the country.
Outside the main arena where the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics will be held in Beijing , China. picture courtesy of farm1.stat.flickr.com/beijingolympics......
And whilst the protests will continue right up until the beginning of the opening ceremony. One has but to ask what will this all achieve ? Certainly in the decade since the start of the crisis and genocide that took place in Darfur , much of the world stood idly by and did nothing about it. The same also can be said for what was even more heinous by way of the loss of lives that take place in the mass killings and genocide in Rwanda. Whilst all of this was happening the UN for its part tried in vain to seek some sort of a peaceful solution to the conflicts within the region. But those attempts were doomed for failure right from the start. It's appear that diplomacy when needed can be just as hard to strive for when seeking a long standing peace between warring factions.
A refugee camp in the Darfur region of Sudan. picture courtesy of images.google.com/darfurimages......
The International Olympic Committee for all of its own resolve has stood by impassioned not wanting to anger its host . And chairman Jacques Rogge himself has been less than forthcoming when having to deal with the issues as they've arisen. Much like his political counterparts he'd rather bore us with the platitudes of long winded speeches and state the goals of the Olympics and its idealism is to bring nations together where they can compete in the name true sportsmanship. At the same time bringing together cultures for a greater understanding for one another . Ideal and noble as it is it'll seem strange once the first events are under way . And we're seeing countries such as Taiwan , China , Sudan , Iraq and Afghanistan compete in this ideology that sport transcends all types of conflicts.
IOC Chairman Jacques Rogge picture courtesy of uksports.gov/ioc/jacquerogge ...
In the advent of the games starting and going ahead without any other major controversy. It's going to be hard to watch the events as they unfold knowing that to the outside world this is nothing more than window dresssing to a problem . That no one has any real idea how to resolve at all to everyone's satisfaction. Political protests whilst they have their place in society can only go so far in changing the atttitudes of men. And that only ever happens when they're liable to sit up take note and do the right thing. As it is now we're seeing very little by way of positive actions by either side . While what is going on is the wantoned destruction and the loss of innocent lives.
Troops in Lhasa the capitol of Tibet start to round up protesters after the rioting that took place. picture coutesy of stuff .co.nz/images/tibet/lhasa .......
This may well be something that those who consider the Olympics a social sporting event and extravaganza ought to think about as we near this event. In its scope it brings the world together quadriennially to be at play but at the same time once the event comes to an end. We just go back to what it appears best that we know how to do. And that's to seek conflict in the narrowest of margins to signify supremacy over one another. Those these aren't the goals of the Olympic movement . At this juncture however it might as well be. The athletes and countries competing are eager impose their authority in order to garner a victory. The loss of life during the spirit of competition is usually minimal.
Can you think of an Olympics that's been as tainted as this, which hasn't started.
It's good to see the protests IN China. No amount of repression will shut down the voices. Tanks have done it briefly.
What will athletes do during presentation ceremonies, turn thier backs on the host's reps?
slshusker
The Moscow Olympics for one and the '68 Olympics also but it wasn't widely reported. And for all of the pious outcry as to the freedoms being stifled. Explain to me how it is that idiots like Pelosi and Farrow can make such pronouncements and at the same time this country is enabling Sudan and Hassan al Bashir's repressive regime by buying its oil and selling it arms ?
Don't you for one think that it's reprehensible. Is there no common sense inside this administration at all ?
As for the civil unrest in Tibet it's a wake up call for Hu Jintao's government. And though in no way do I condone what they've done. In time they'll come to understand that " freedom trumps oppression and it'll be to the betterment of their society as a whole " . In time they'll come to learn this and so'll the rest of the world.
The protests show how shortsighted the IOC has been. They know that China has had major problems with human rights. And they still chose Beijing. The IOC has been the biggest enabler of the protests going on as we speak. And you're right; there are other issues that have been neglected that need attention as well. Great ideas throughout.
The rest of the world, our country included, has handled the Chinese very carefully. Our leaders have tried to bring them into the family of man one small step at a time. I think we all can see slow progress, but I have to wonder why they are so adament about their stance in Tibet. It certainly isn't a strategic piece of ground. I hope for the day when China throws off the Communist leadership and becomes a democracy.
Working together we can solve many of the world's problems. As it stands today, we usually stand and different sides of an argument...
BTW, we aren't the saints we'd like to think we are either.
Downs'
The only reason that China was chosen as the venue was from a financial standpoint. Other than Russia and the US there was no one else that merited a chance of getting the games. The UK has it in 2012,
and as it'll be in the land of my birth I may well return home to view some of the events and visit family as well.
But you're right the IOC has been the biggest enabler up to a point as they've stood idly by and failed to address any of the issues in question. But then there are those who take an opposing view on the matter.
Dwindy1
How can you honestly say that ? When you've got members of the State Dept saying one thing and on the other hand you've got members of Congress berating the Chinese government for their actions. When it comes to overall diplomacy this administration is about as adept as a three legged cat. It tends to fall and stumble all over the place like a newborn baby trying to take its first baby steps.
How do you explain our trade practices? If we were at odds with these people do you think our stores would be full of Chinese products while they openly steal our plans and designs not to mention our military secrets?
I don't like how the politicians have handled them. It's quite simply lip service and nothing substantial. What are we afraid of? They need us a lot more than we need them. We have evidently turned into what they called us many years ago, a paper tiger...
Do you not long for the day when the Communists in charge of China are no longer there? That is where we are as a people, hoping things will change and I wish it would happen sooner.
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Dwindy1
Trade practices ? Yes I forgot there aren't any subsidies here when it comes to what we pay farmers to grow or not grow. And the thought that they manipulate their currency. It's no different to specualation that goes on within the arbitrage offices of many heavily marketed Wall St firms.
The economists and Congress feed us with a lot of baloney without understanding the real issues behind the practices.
It'd help in the first place if they rescinded many of the tax breaks that allow many of the North American firms to move businesses abroad. But you won't hear that coming out of the mouths of anyone inside the administration . But they'd rather use public money to prop us some financial concerns after they've all but commited financial suicide.
Tell me something else we don't already know on the subject ?
Dwindy1
As for them needing us more than we need them ? Have you seen how much the US Treasury Bonds they own ? Never mind the fact that they've nowe got ever larger amounts of equity in some of this country's largest corporations. This country is so indebted to China that it'll take your great , great grandchildren to repay the whole friggin' debt. Nver mind the trade imbalance notwithstanding as we're in a mess there too.
I don't know where you're gleaning much of yor information from but I'd dare say that much of it is so out of date.
Over the years the various administrations have failed this country miserably on all fronts including commerce and diplomacy.
As far as the united nations ( a gutless worthless humanist organization hell bent on promoting a one world government for their own gain), I would imagine they are looking to the U.S. to send in our troops to restore peace. I hope we don't take the bait.
Over the last many years we have been in the forefront of battling foriegn adversaries to promote peace in those countries in upheaval. Never once have I seen the citizens of those countries organize a plan to rebel for their own democracy. They wait till we get involved with aid and supplies then spit on us and shoot at us.
Trillions of dollars went to those countries in aid and support and we got slaped in the face. Nope I think they should get off their butts and fight their own wars. I personally am tired of supporting the fight for every country not willing to fight their own war.
As far as the Olympics, it has turned into a political arena for any crack pot that has a statement to make or a plan of disruption for the Olympics. Peronally I would think we should just go and be as polite as possible considering and win as many gold medals as possible. It is not our fight. Stay out of the political part and win medals.
As far as Pelosi. Don't have a caption that would justify her radical views yet. Nothing was put into this blog but we need to watch her views as it will bankrupt our Social Security plan for Americans if she gets approval to provide social security for the illegal immigrants, aid for the world,and just stupid reamrks.
Tophatal you got to remember the NAFTA and free trade agreements allow
Who is going to buy their #### if we don't? Seems to me we have had a fairly peaceful existence over the years considering China. The Chinese government has slowly loosened their grip on their people and allowed some personal freedoms to exist which is huge compared to how it once was.
What do you propose as an alternative path? I assume you wish them to join the family don't you? How do you think that should occur? Enlighten me...
Allowed many American firms to move overseas for cheaper labor at the American workers expense. Thanks to the good ole Clinton administration as well as some Republicans that were bought off, the Tax payers paid the bill on that move.
I am sure the elected officials involved got quite a big kick back for their votes ratifying those bills.
American democracy and politics. It is not the best there is but it is a heck of a lot better that what else is out there. We as American citizens have to keep an eye on our elected officials and blast them out of the water when they are influenced with kick backs and under the table dealings detrimental to the American citizens.
photogr
Where is it written that the US has the divine right to intervene and deal with the internal strife of a country ?
As for the UN I couldn't not agree more. But tell me this what the hell are is the US suppose to do at this juncture ? You've got idiots within this administration and the government that have no understanding as to the outside world and its problems let alone the domestic strife herein. NAFTA for what its' worth embolden the countries that signed the agreement with the US a pass that no one would've envisioned. The diplomacy was bankrupt of ideas and common sense.
photogr
The movement of labor overseas has happpened uder both administrations. And why do you think that is ? If you've repetitive administrations at the behest of lobbyists acting on behalf of corporations rewriting the tax codes then that's what happens. The corporations are engratiated with the largesse of the government to do as they please . Does no one actually understand this or do they need for it to be carved for them in stone ?
It's plain to see that so many people don't understand what it is that their government is doing at this juncture .
Dwindy 1
The appropriate thing to do would be to negotiate agreements that have sound judgement to it . Rather than caving in to the desires of lobbyists as the administrations have done over the years. How the hell can you have outside sources dictating the foreign policy of a country such as the US ?
It's no longer the government pulling the strings as the marionette but the lobbyists on K Street in DC and farther afield . And that's where the real problem lies within this country.
Explain to me why again that the VP had to conduct a secret behind closed doors policy review with the energy companies . The country wasn't at war and there was no international crisis that precipitated it.
And by no means at all am I an avowed supporter of either of the two parties in question. I'm susp*icious of them both and their motives at all times.
Neither has any clues or solutions to the inherent problems that the country faces domestically as well as internationally. They're as equally inept as one another. And that's saying a lot.
That is why I said we as citizens need to keep an eye on the corrupted and easily bought politicians and make them accountable.
The special interest groups should be brought to light and expose their practices of corruption also.
You want to know the sad part? Many US citizens are too busy making a meager living or looking for a job to put a major interest on what is going on in Washington , D.C. behind closed doors. Others do not care.
Both parties are equally guilty of the current situations going on in the country today because of apathy from the voters.
Ed:
From 1776 to 1945 I would say a 7. From 1946 to the present a 4. This is based not on our fighting men and women but our politics. We went to war in Korea, Vietnam, and now Iraq with not a clear cut decisive plan to win or end the strife. Had we let the military run the wars, we would have been victorious. Sadly we let the politicians decide our actions. Remember Johnson calling strikes in Vietnam and there were not actual targets?
The olympics. It would be nice to enjoy watching the different countries playing in the games with out politics in the way.
I will now step down from my soapbox and return to the fantasy world of auto racing.
photogr
edclinch'
I take you both to be astute individuals. But explain to me this when ever has the US ever had a consistent and coherent foreign policy ? It'd appear never and I understand that we live in ever changing times. But the lack of foresight and intelligence coming out of successive adminstrations has been bewildering to say the least.
As to the Monroe Doctrine was that predicated on being an aggressor or a willing partner with others. Somewhere along the lines I think that sight was loss of that. And the US is now seen more as an aggressor than ever it was a willing partner in resolving problems.
It's been the clear ineptitude of successive administration that has led to many of the problems that the countryu faces at present. You've now got three candidates that between them have no real ideas and competency at all.
And as to the citizens who are out looking for work. Better that they're out there looking for work than committing crimes. As it is with the economic situation being so dire. We're now liable to see those statistics be on the increase.
Just updated my profile and pics on the celebrity and millionaire dating site "RichMatchMaking.com"
Yawn.... If he is so brave let him go over there and run by himself...
Born in the UK of Caribbean parentage and having lived in the US for the last 15 years. A keen martial artist (Black Belt 2nd degree in karate. I also practice savate , tae - kwondo ) College Grad BA's in Econ and Int' Fin. Served five years in the British military. I've gotten use to the American way of life and the language. The women on the other hand, that's something else ! Sports is my great passion along with music and the movies. However I feel that having resided here for all this time , I still somewhat miss the land of my birth. That being said I 'love this great country and all that it has afforded me' An avid Pats and Spurs' fan. Soccer Chelsea ,
tophatal..... ....
President George W Bush seen here alongside Chinese President Hu Jintao. picture courtesy of chinadaily.com/cn/2006/.......
HouseMajority leader and Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Ca., ) picture courtesy of of msn.com/media/news/.....
Actress and activist Mia Farrow . Farrow is an outspoken activist for the rights of the Darfur refugees. A UN Goodwill Amabassador Farrow has spent much of her time and money aiding the people of the region. picture courtesy of imageseonline.com/images/miafarrow.....
Outside the main arena where the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics will be held in Beijing , China. picture courtesy of farm1.stat.flickr.com/beijingolympics......
