China, Tibet, and Olympic Protests

[Michelle]

What think you of the global protests surrounding the Olympic torch
because of China's relations with Tibet?
I heard people today calling for our President to boycott the opening
ceremonies of the Olympics if the situation does not improve.
Analyzing from a political standpoint, I don't think he can do that.
Sure it would be nice to make a statement about our commitment to
human rights, but our continued positive relationship with China is so
critical that I don't think the President can afford to do that. Any
thoughts?
You know, I love to follow politics, but I definitely don't have the
stomach to be a politician. You have to do a lot of crappy things and
compromise a lot of values. No thanks. I'll stick to other means of
political involvement.

[Sean]

I don't think that people should politicize the Olympics. Think about
what Olympics means! When Olympics were first held in Greece, city-
states that were at war laid down their weapons and competed in the
Olympics peacefully. The message is that there is meaning beyond
politics.

By boycotting the Olympics, people are reversing the very meaning of
Olympics.

The message of Olympics is humanity, art, and peace. It's not
politics, and it's not "let's get Tibet separate." So if you want
politics, by all means, do it, but keep it on the negotiation table.

That's my stand.

[Michelle]

Well, with all of the problems in the world, I just have to say it is
very reassuring to have Stephen King out there fighting for kids and
their right to buy violent video games. I'm serious. I just heard
this on the news; he's on this big crusade because it really bothers
him that people under 18 years of age might not be allowed to buy
violent video games. I mean, if you are going to use your celebrity
to promote a cause, this would have to be the first one that would
come to mind. I know I've been losing sleep over it. Now that
Stephen King is coming to the rescue, I'll be able to sleep
tonight.<cue sarcasm warning>

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[Michelle]

By the way, I'll be going to hear the Dalai Lama speak on Monday. So
if my teachers want to know where I am...I just might tell them the
truth!;)

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[Sean]

Yeah, how are you getting there?

My parents banned me from going there because it's getting too
political and they seriously think that the Chinese spies will find me
and do the annihilation of nine tribes.

[Michelle]

Crap. I hope you're joking.
I'm going to drive my car there. That's about it. Nothing dramatic.
I went to the website awhile ago and signed up to get a ticket.
They're free, but most of them were given to schools and businesses.
I was just really lucky to get one.

[Michelle]

Oh, btw, now the PM of England, the President of France, and the
Chancellor of Germany have all announced they will boycott the opening
ceremonies. This is where it will be really interesting to see what
Bush does. I think that's the only time I've been interested to see
what he will do. Interesting is not quite the word I would choose for
most of his actions. LOL

[Sean]

Ok... Well, I'm not really kidding. I did slightly exaggerate what
would happen if the Chinese govt figure some stuff and give it
uncharitable interpretations.

On Bush: Oh, did you hear about the theories about what Dick Cheney
was looking at in the picture? Apparently he had a picture where the
reflection on his sunglasses made some people think he was looking at
a naked woman.