tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20823480.post1160456934369627001..comments2023-11-02T06:51:05.652-04:00Comments on Meltwater. Torrents. Meanderings. Delta.: The Politicization of the Beijing OlympicsMatthew S. Urdanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15423237354496730048noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20823480.post-17204835529154499582008-04-29T03:10:00.000-04:002008-04-29T03:10:00.000-04:00I don't think there will be anyone boycotting the ...I don't think there will be anyone boycotting the games somehow. Nor should they. Doubt there will be any danger for spectators or athletes in China - they are going to be on their best behaviour. They are now opening up the internet a little more too. China is a world power and just has to learn how business is done in the west. It will the hard way until it is the super power. I think they will be the super power in the next 40 years. Chinese is now taught in schools in Australia and our Prime Minister speaks fluent Chinese. For a reason. I think there is some truth that we have to clean up our own backyards in the West before we can attack communist countries. You know I still cant figure out why George Bush and his cohorts are not charged with human rights crimes for the damage they have caused through their sheer deceit and greed. Hundreds of thousands of lives killed, maimed and tormented. The American economy is going to be in recession a long time and while that does good things for our dollar it also impacts negatively internationally. Unlike you, I also happen to think McCain and Obama coming into the top job will only result in the continuation of war for many, many years, for many different reasons. McCain has it in the bag though, unfortunately. I believe no-one is ready for a woman or a black President. In terms of the athletes being Ambassadors - I tend to think they should just stick to what they do best, the same as actors, unless they believe with all their heart and soul they can make a difference and have the qualities to do so. Sport and politics should not be confused. Your blog is great and very well written. Its a diverse and eclectic mix of subjects. You know what I think we should all be looking at human rights issues closer to home. The Indians and even black Americans in the US, Aborigines in Australia etc. Anyway, good post Matt.Lillyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14597193176450931002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20823480.post-20965768368466525742008-04-26T20:15:00.000-04:002008-04-26T20:15:00.000-04:00Wow, Matt that was a fantastic post - very well wr...Wow, Matt that was a fantastic post - very well written, insightful and, best of all, you make great sense. I know the athletes are at a loss as to what to do. If they get involved so many people will take it the wrong way and ostracize them, especially the media. And that could mean career suicide for them. On the other hand, athletes are human too and probably feel the same way we do but feel they cannot express themselves. They also risk being excluded from the olympics if they get involved in any political aspects because of Olympic rules and regulations against it.<BR/><BR/>It is sad that people choose such a grand event as the Olympics to further their political agendas, even if the agenda is a fair one. There is a time and place for such things, and disrupting the tradition-rich torch relay is not the right time or place. <BR/><BR/>I plan to stay on top of things, as I am sure you will, and if I need to repost something if things get out of hand I will. We should get as many people to "shout out" about this as possible. Maybe something for the May 15 "Bloggers Unite" posts. Also, you should pay a visit to my friend, Lilly's site fearlessandfabulous.blogspot.com because she just posted an article this past Thursday on the torch relay as it passed through her hometown of Canberra, Australia. She attended the relay and snapped some shots. Tell her the "Matt's" are ganging up on her. LOL<BR/><BR/>Again, great work and I'll be checking on you. Best wishes!Matthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00994185648078518634noreply@blogger.com