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Wednesday, June 11, 2008
What could the Sichuan earthquake and the Olympics have in common?
The former has already exposed corruption that could cripple the Communist Party; if similar graft comes to light in Beijing, it could be the latter half of a 1-2 punch the regime can't afford.
Posted by D.J. McGuire on June 11, 2008 in International Politics | Permalink
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Comments
My opinion has always been, the worst way of making a point about China's faults is by boycotting the olympics. It's hard to criticize the host if you don't go to the party. If we boycott, all those athletes and their families will take out their frustrations on our government. Jimmy Carter boycotted the Moscow olympics. You think that had any effect on the 1980 election? I know he had plenty of other problems, but if the circumstances were different this could be a tie breaker.
What better way of exposing China to the light of day than sending 1000's of young, inquisitive, relatively unbiased athletes for a 2 week visit.
Posted by: dp | 2008-06-11 12:51:50 PM
Well, dp, my opinion is that because the Chinese have an honor/shame culture, the worst thing you can do to them is to cause them to lose face.
To the Chinese, losing face is worse than death.
The best way to cause them to lose face is to call them on their human rights record, or shoddy manufacturing practices, or eating Saint Bernards, and then say, "That tears it, we're boycotting the Olympics!" and really boycott the Olympics.
That'll really toast their almonds and get the point across too.
8oD
Posted by: Speller | 2008-06-11 1:09:32 PM
What's more important Speller? Making the Chinese lose face, or exposing their numerous faults to the decision makers of tomorrow.
In the end, it's the feelings of our own population that counts. Chinese hurt feelings will do little to change our policies toward China.
Posted by: dp | 2008-06-11 2:27:50 PM
dp- you can do both by commissioning talented writers among Western athletes to write and publish commentaries on PRC abuses.
Posted by: DML | 2008-06-11 9:58:52 PM
DML- Don't wotty, there'll be plenty of talented writers there, commissioned or not. In fact, their experiences there might steer a few athletes down that very career path.
Posted by: dp | 2008-06-12 2:50:31 PM
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