Olympics should be above politics

Courier Editorial Board

April 17, 2008 11:40 pm

— There has been talk of President George W. Bush skipping the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games this August in Beijing, China. We think that would be a huge mistake.
There is no reason to mix politics with the accomplishments of world-class athletes.
China has been cracking down on recent rebellions in Chinese-controlled Tibet. For this reason, some pundits are promoting that officials of participating countries boycott the opening ceremonies in protest of the Chinese heavy-handedness in Tibet.
Why?
The reason for the Olympic Games is to honor outstanding athletes and watch them compete for the gold medals in their sport. It’s a time for athletic stars throughout the world to get together in a spirit of competitiveness and cooperation. That is the whole emphasis of the Olympics, to promote world cooperation and peace.
We think that our president needs to attend the opening ceremonies spectacle. President Bush needs to show the world that America honors its athletes and that Americans are proud of their achievements.
Attending the ceremonies should not be considered a political event. And if the president attends, it certainly does not mean he condones the human rights violations made by the Chinese government. The Olympics is a time-honored event — two wonderful weeks of competitiveness and entertainment that captures the attention of a worldwide audience.
Let Americans show their pride in their international athletes. And let America lead the way in showing the world the true spirit of the Olympic Games.