This post is my (side)take on China’s apparently dreadful record regrding their attitude to human rights generally and specifically my (perhaps forlorn) comment on what has allegedly been happening in Tibet. I haven’t posted here for months, but I’ve recently been inspired by the actions of the Chinese (and other) governments regarding internet censorship to take (what I have aways believed to be my basic) right to free speech and use the internet more regularly to express myself.
I call this my Rant LOG, but it’s really just my place to go to say how I feel and in future I intend to rant on topics that are humorous and friendly as well as take the chance to express my frustration with my fellow occupants of Planet Earth.
So…what has this to do with Beijing and specifically the Olympic games of 2008. Well I’m deeply concerned that our elected representatives are conforming to 2 basic principles.
1. That business reigns over human rights
2. That the Olympic Games are sacrosanct.
Firstly, China has become, in the last 20 years, one of the most poweful economies on the planet…ipso facto don’t expect your local MP/Senator/Governor etc to make too much noise when your economy is benefiting from Chinese trade.
Secondly, I sense there is a popular perception that the “Olympic Ideal” means that any negative attitude to the Olympic games is potentially a policy bereft of popular support. (especially in the UK where the next Olympics are due to take place in 2012…right Ken ?? ).
In the meantime peaceful people including monks are being systematically tortured and quite probably murdered by the Chinese government because they have the audacity to oppose the (illegal ?) occupation of Tibet by China.
To cut this sort I would LOVE to see the free world boycott the 2008 Olympics. However I don’t see this as a realistic goal for many reasons. It’s happened in the past (Moscow 1980 and LA 1984). Just as the Americans had boycotted Moscow, so the Soviet Union team did not compete in Los Angeles. This was done with no political impact other than to ruin the credibilty of those athletes who won medals versus depleted opposition. I believe that the ATHLETES are the true and ultimate symbol of teh Olympic games and that we should all respect their sacrifices and dedication and therefore a boycott would be wrong on their behalf.
HOWEVER there is “soft spot” in the Olympic movement and this is the procession of the “Olympic Flame” from Mount Olympus in Greece to the site of the Olympic Games in Beijing. Spiritually the games would be ruined without the accreditation that this token provides.
The relay, with the theme “Journey of Harmony”, will last 130 days and carry the torch 137,000 km (85,100 mi.) – the longest distance of any Olympic torch relay.
The announced route will carry the torch through the following locations, from March 2008 to May 2008, before the final stages in mainland China:
- Beijing, China
- Almaty, Kazakhstan
- Istanbul, Turkey
- St.Petersburg, Russia
- London, United Kingdom
- Paris, France
- San Francisco, USA
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Muscat, Oman
- Islamabad, Pakistan
- Mumbai, India
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Jakarta, Indonesia
- Canberra, Australia
- Nagano, Japan
- Seoul, South Korea
- Pyongyang, North Korea
- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Hong Kong, China
- Macau, China
I think it is a HUGE opportunity for the people of the World to express their disgust with China and their attitude to human rights by disrupting the progress of the Olympic torch. If teh flame is extinguished in public the Chinese government will face analysis in every country of the world.
In the UK specifically Double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes and Sir Trevor McDonald will be among the 80 sports stars, actors, musicians and young people to carry the Beijing Olympic Torch through the streets of London. Large crowds are expected to greet the Torch as it makes its way from Wembley Stadium to the Arena in North Greenwich on 6 April. The route includes Notting Hill, Trafalgar Square, the City and East London.
For the UK I call on all of these sporting stars and personalities to review their consciences before they hold the torch of destruction and ask them to refuse to participate. If you lack the principles to refuse your consicence, then I hope that I and the true citizens and democracy will be there to challenge you.
My simple message is to blow out the torch for the sake of freedom and democracy.
Join us.
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