"Clinton tells Bush to boycott Olympics ceremony"

[Prada]

I don't understand the reasoning behind politicizing the Olympics. There are diplomatic, economical and political channels that can be utilized.

http://rawstory.com/news/2008/Clinto...pics_0407.html

Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) is calling on President Bush to boycott this summer's Olympics opening ceremonies to protest China's abysmal human rights record, according to her campaign.

Clinton, who is running for the Democratic presidential nomination, released the following statement through her campaign Monday:

The violent clashes in Tibet and the failure of the Chinese government to use its full leverage with Sudan to stop the genocide in Darfur are opportunities for Presidential leadership. These events underscore why I believe the Bush administration has been wrong to downplay human rights in its policy towards China. At this time, and in light of recent events, I believe President Bush should not plan on attending the opening ceremonies in Beijing, absent major changes by the Chinese government.

I encourage the Chinese to take advantage of this moment as an opportunity to live up to universal human aspirations of respect for human rights and unity, ideals that the Olympic games have come to represent.

Americans will stand strong in support of freedom of religious and political expression and human rights. Americans will also stand strong and root for the success of American athletes who have worked hard and earned the right to compete in the Olympic Games of 2008.

Clinton's statement was released as protests halted the Olympic torch relay through Paris Monday.

Other world leaders already are planning an opening ceremony boycott, reports Politico's Ben Smith.

Leaders led by German chancellor Angela Merkel have made plans to boycott the opening ceremony to press China for its crackdown in Tibet.

A coalition of groups trying to end the Sudanese government's attacks on civilians in Darfur also called Friday on world leaders to boycott the opening ceremony to protest China's support for Sudan's government.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has also suggested boycotting the August 8 opening ceremony.

"How can world leaders watch the lighting of the Olympic torch – under the “one world, one dream” banner – without taking bolder action to extinguish the flames of violence still consuming the defenseless men, women and children of Darfur?" the groups said in a statement.

[Dangercat00]

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that I highly doubt the Olympics are going to be canceled.

[kfrost06]

Clinton is doing and saying anything to be in the headlines even trying to insert politics into the Olympics. If she really was upset about Tibet why wait till now? She could have voice her concern while in the Senate, called for boycotts of products from China, embargo them, renounced their use of children in sweat shops, their complete disregard for the environment but instead she uses the Oympics and the sudden bandwagon of free tibet misfits to get her name in the headlines, shame on her.

[kfrost06]

I really don't get this "put out the torch" thing going on??? Is putting out the torch or attacking the person carring it really going to do a damn thing for Tibet? yesterday they commandeered the bay bradge in San Fran, what for? Do something that will make a difference like stop buying products from China.

[Prada]

Certain groups are profiteering due to the coverage of the Olympics to push their own agendas. Some, I find, are escalating their tactics. I think its wrong to hold the Olympics hostage.

[thegodfather]

Why are they holding the Olympics in a country which is in the top 10 countries of the most human rights violations....

[thegodfather]

Why are they holding the Olympics in a country which is in the top 10 countries of the most human rights violations....

[Tock]

Why are they holding the Olympics in a country which is in the top 10 countries of the most human rights violations....

That's the IOC (International Olympic Committee) for you . . .
If it wasn't for them, AS would be legal.

[Dangercat00]

Why are they holding the Olympics in a country which is in the top 10 countries of the most human rights violations....

Because they are stupid. Thats really the only answer I can come up with.