The 2008 Olympics

[kira]

Since it begins today, I thought that I would ask the question who will watch and who will boycott?</p>

Is there a way to support the athletes involved and see history, while still supporting human rights? </p>

Thought it might be interesting to hear thoughts on the subject.
</p>

</p>

</p>

</p>

[Faust]

Re: The 2008 Olympics



I think it's really ugly when sports events are used for political purposes. Especially hate it when a victory gets blown up to an act of heroism. I thought I escaped that leaving the good old Soviet Union, but it's just as bad in the United States. </p>

[electric_alyce]

Re: The 2008 Olympics



waiting for a video of the opening, looks spectacular from the pictures I've seen. </P>

Never been a sportsfan but I'll keep an eye on the media for all the other things surrounding it. Never seen such a tense Olympics ;)</P>

[Faust]

Re: The 2008 Olympics

It's good to know that Russia and Georgia are doing their part in the opening ceremony. Perfect timing.

[Real Real]

Re: The 2008 Olympics

The Olympic committee continues to lend support to regimes that don't deserve that support. Mexico City, Moscow, now Beijing. Not planning on watching it (well, maybe a bit of men's basketball).

[James Vincent]

Re: The 2008 Olympics



Unexpectedly, I was captivated watching the athletes enter the stadium last night. My cynicism for this $40billion dollar PR stunt, commercial and political, melted away when the 204 countries, big and small took their turn in the spotlight. Seeing the faces and the emotions of these ordinary citizens, being broadcast around the world, was moving for me. From the wealthy countries with big-dollar sports programs, but especially from those war-torn, impoverished and exploited nations, behind every athlete performing at this level is a family that has sacrificed and a community that has supported the discipline and determination of an individual.</p>

Naive or sentimental as it might be, but I woke up this morning with a little more hope for humanity.
</p>

[James Vincent]

Re: The 2008 Olympics

[quote user="Real Real"]The Olympic committee continues to lend support to regimes that don't deserve that support. Mexico City, Moscow, now Beijing. Not planning on watching it (well, maybe a bit of men's basketball).[/quote]
I don't think there could be an end to the finger pointing if the right to host an Olympic games was weighed on ethical or humanitarian issues.

[gusgusterson]

Re: The 2008 Olympics

That was the greatest opening ceremony ever.

[kira]

Re: The 2008 Olympics



unnecessary drunken rantings-</p>

</p>

</p>

</p>

</p>

</p>

</p>

</p>

</p>

</p>

</p>

</p>

</p>

</p>

</p>

</p>

</p>

</p>

</p>

</p>

</p>

[random]

Re: The 2008 Olympics



ireally dont see why human rights bla bla stuff should be associated with sports. just speaking of this point, not that i support or boycott beijing olympics (well if you ask me, i just dont quite care about it).</P>

[kira]

Re: The 2008 Olympics

[quote user="random"]

ireally dont see why human rights bla bla stuff should be associated with sports. just speaking of this point, not that i support or boycott beijing olympics (well if you ask me, i just dont quite care about it).</p>

[/quote]</p>

completely agree. i hate when politician attaches themselves to other issues. however, i think this transcends that in some points. further thoughts to come. but at this moment i am viewing the taped version of the opening. the visual so far has been incredibly outstanding, OMG. i hope the rest holds us. i have heard that it does. i like a nice visual exhibition. </p>

[random]

Re: The 2008 Olympics



[B] Kira</P>

[kira]

Re: The 2008 Olympics



shit. so far it has been incredibly amazing. does that mean that the chinese government followed through with their word to change things, of course not. did we ever really think they would? but i am always truly amazingly inspired with the olympics because all of these athletes come together to compete and to make history. it can be very emotional for me regardless of who wins....i just really love the together 'ness' at this moment. and there is something to be said for the spectacle.
</p>

</p>


</p>

[kira]

Re: The 2008 Olympics



the harmony of movement is insane, truly. the precision is outstanding!
</p>

[Boki]

Re: The 2008 Olympics



i do agree with whoever above me said that it was the best opening ceremony. truly amazing!</P>


the olympics are great i love following any type of large sporting event, it puts you in a great competetive mood! its been great so far watching some of the football and beach volley ball!</P>


WOO!</P>