Boycott Lite?
posted at 11:40 am on March 19, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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The continuing Chinese efforts at suppressing Tibet have prompted a new Olympic boycott movement. Few suggest withdrawing from the Beijing Olympiad altogether, as that approach proved impotent in 1980 after the Soviets invaded Afghanistan. Instead, the boycott would involve only the opening ceremonies and hit the Chinese government where it can least afford it — in the face:
Moves to punish China over its handling of violence in Tibet gained momentum Tuesday, with a novel suggestion for a mini-boycott of the Beijing Olympics by VIPs at the opening ceremony.
Such a protest by world leaders would be a huge slap in the face for China’s Communist leadership.
France’s outspoken foreign minister, former humanitarian campaigner Bernard Kouchner, said the idea “is interesting.”
Kouchner said he wants to discuss it with other foreign ministers from the 27-nation European Union next week. His comments opened a crack in what until now had been solid opposition to a full boycott, a stance that Kouchner said remains the official government position.
The move could give the West a significant manner in which to protest the actions of the Chinese government in Tibet. The government wants to use the Games primarily as domestic propaganda. The withdrawal of world leaders and perhaps Western athletes from the opening ceremonies would rob them of the most significant asset from the Games, and their disappearance would reflect badly on the current leadership. It would be an embarrassment that could impact the entire usefulness of the Olympiad, for which the Chinese have paid dearly.
Jules Crittenden agrees:
Show up for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Not our fault or the athletes’ fault the IOC hopped in bed with a(nother) wretched dictatorship. Just shun the PRC’s big showcase commie extravaganza opening ceremony. They’d hate that. Big loss of face.
On the other hand, it may not make a lot of difference with the domestic audience. Beijing has already stoked up support for its actions in Tibet with a heavy dose of propaganda, and the snub may come off as arrogant interference:
The violent protests by Buddhist monks and other Tibetans that exploded in Lhasa on Friday, therefore, have generated widespread condemnation among the country’s majority Han Chinese. In street conversations, Internet discussions and academic forums, most Chinese have readily embraced the government’s contention that the violence resulted from a plot mounted by the Dalai Lama from his exile headquarters in India.
Against that background, the Communist Party has met with broad popular approval in vowing to crack down on the rioters — most of whose victims were Han Chinese — and in qualifying the “impudent” Dalai Lama as a “master terror maker” who has hoodwinked the West with his appeals for peace. While the rest of the world invokes the Beijing Olympics and advises restraint, Chinese specialists and the public have urged the government to move decisively — and gamble that the Olympics will not be spoiled.
Still, the West cannot allow themselves to be used by Beijing as tools for more of the same propaganda. If no reaction occurs at the Olympiad, the Chinese government will use the images of the Opening Games as a global endorsement of their Tibet policy. The only way to ensure that they don’t is to withdraw from the opening ceremonies and only engage in the competitions themselves.
It won’t change the Tibet policy overnight, and probably not at all. It will do two other things: it will keep the West from colluding with Beijing’s propaganda, and it will send a message to the IOC to choose its venues more carefully in the future.
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America’s economy depends on Chinese money to stay afloat.
Any “protest” at the Olympics on our part would just be an embarrassing denial of reality.
We’re broke and they know it.
They own us.
alphie on March 19, 2008 at 11:47 AM
Frankly, I can’t boycott Chinese Food.
Sorry to disappoint the International Community.
But why the Europeans didn’t do anything about Darfour or is not speaking up now against Islamic atrocities against the Infidels around the world and in some Islamic nations?
I guess a coward is always a coward.
I’m going with the Chinese Buffet.
Indy Conservative on March 19, 2008 at 11:47 AM
$ talks in China in a way it doesn’t in the less capitalist west. Think Buddhist theme park with condos for sale in Lhasa.
JiangxiDad on March 19, 2008 at 11:48 AM
If I were a world-class athlete, I’d pull a little Tibetan flag out of my pocket & hold it up while on the medal stand.
jgapinoy on March 19, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Considering our economy purchases a bulk of their exports, they’re not looking to good without us either.
amerpundit on March 19, 2008 at 11:52 AM
I like the idea of a small, measured boycott.
That said, propaganda works both ways, Ed. I live in China, and they aren’t lying about the violence by protesters toward Han Chinese.
p40tiger on March 19, 2008 at 11:53 AM
There should never be a boycott; it would be against the true spirit of the Olympics.
budorob on March 19, 2008 at 11:53 AM
So when did Cindy Sheehan start working for the Chinese Propoganda Ministry?
Seven Percent Solution on March 19, 2008 at 11:54 AM
I find it hard to believe that you think that some countries staying away from just the opening ceremonies would have impact at all on Beijing.
Clark1 on March 19, 2008 at 11:55 AM
Don’t underestimate the value of “saving face” in Asian culture. Such a snub would surely be seen as more than mere arrogance.
flipflop on March 19, 2008 at 11:55 AM
Ignoring the human rights violations?
Darfur 2020!
amerpundit on March 19, 2008 at 11:56 AM
I understand it from a political standpoint, but if I were an athlete who had made it to the Olympics, it would be hard to give up being at the opening ceremony. Maybe I would choose to, but I think it’s wrong to ask the athletes to make a political point. They are there to compete and enjoy the experience–if they can with the pollution!
MamaAJ on March 19, 2008 at 11:56 AM
It is my fond hope that the Olympics and China wind up completely discrediting each other. This is one of those rare, wonderful moments when they both can lose.
gridlock2 on March 19, 2008 at 12:01 PM
True spirit? Oh Please! The IOC is riddled with corruption and other scandals. They compare to the “spirit of the UN” closer than anything else.
That being said, a boycott-lite is meaningless. Yes, the Chinese government loses some face but if the West is going to boycott China over Tibet they should do it by trade sanctions and other restrictions not by interjecting politics into sporting events. The atheletes who trained hard for the last four years deserve the right to attend the opening ceremonies.
highhopes on March 19, 2008 at 12:01 PM
Better than nothing.
frankj on March 19, 2008 at 12:04 PM
Like the Google and the Great Chinese “firewall” debate, what is the aim of a mini-protest?
In for a penny, in for a pound.
A great nation does no do mini-protests.
Angry Dumbo on March 19, 2008 at 12:05 PM
How do you get this site in China?
JiangxiDad on March 19, 2008 at 12:05 PM
So did the UN decide China would host the Olympics this time around because I always thought it was the Olympic Committee’s task to decide which country would host the Olympics…?
The reason I ask is with China’s terrible human rights record it amazes me the Olympic Committee would even consider China to host the Olympics. However if the UN made the decision to allow China to host the Olympics then the decision would make sense considering the UN’s stellar track record in appointing countries with terrible human rights records to, well, police human rights around the world…ok I have a headache now…
Liberty or Death on March 19, 2008 at 12:07 PM
I guess the “Great Firewall” is over-rated. (it is true that Youtube is blocked right now though)
p40tiger on March 19, 2008 at 12:08 PM
Interesting point.
captivated_dem on March 19, 2008 at 12:09 PM
We should be on the lookout for goings-on in Taiwan this Saturday. They’ve got a presidential election and a referendum on UN membership. Depending on what they do, it could get…well, complicated.
CP on March 19, 2008 at 12:10 PM
Yes I know young Tibetans targeted Han Chinese in these latest riots, but China occupied Tibet years ago. The violent protests are a sign of desperation. For years the Dalai Lama has encouraged non-violence but that hasn’t worked for years. I’m not excusing the violence, but frankly it’s understandable. Unfortunately, the Chinese government will have a very good excuse to crack down so hard, Tiananmen Square will look like a walk in the park.
This is the first time in years I will not watch the Olympics.
mram on March 19, 2008 at 12:11 PM
You have a lot of luck. I was in China a few months back and couldn’t access my blog, my family blog, or most of my regular haunts.
amerpundit on March 19, 2008 at 12:13 PM
I read HotAir every day, and generally have no trouble going to any site that I have an interest in. I am blocked from seeing BBC and CNN sometimes, but Fox News is almost always available in my area. I even go to religious sites, and anti-ChiCom sites.
p40tiger on March 19, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Wow. If you don’t mind me asking, are you in Hong Kong?
amerpundit on March 19, 2008 at 12:22 PM
It’s always amusing to listen to American outrage over the meddling of one large nation in the affairs of another smaller nation.
Boycott the Olympics if it makes you feel better. It’s might Carteresque.
Drum on March 19, 2008 at 12:23 PM
Admit it, the international uproar about boycotting the olypmics would be astronomically greater if the United States was hosting anytime after the Iraq war began.
Jimmy the Dhimmi on March 19, 2008 at 12:23 PM
In that case, HELLOOOOOOOO, PRES. HU. HOW ARE YOU? PLEASE CHILL IN TIBET. THANKS.
PRESIDENT HU, MEET RUSH. RUSH, SAY HELLO TO PRESIDENT HU.
JiangxiDad on March 19, 2008 at 12:25 PM
I’ve been boycotting the Olympics for years now. I’d rather watch C-SPAN than the boring Olympic games.
robblefarian on March 19, 2008 at 12:29 PM
JiangxiDad on March 19, 2008 at 12:29 PM
Nope, about an hour from Beijing.
What was that all about? Just because I’m reading HotAir, doesn’t mean Hu Jintao is.
In fact, I may be the only guy in China who looks at this site, which would explain why it is not a problem to get here (under the radar).
p40tiger on March 19, 2008 at 12:30 PM
“Meddling”? Try conquering, oppressing, beating, & silencing.
jgapinoy on March 19, 2008 at 12:34 PM
I have an idea. Let’s send the Chinese a strongly worded letter.
Clark1 on March 19, 2008 at 12:38 PM
You’d be surprised who reads HA :)
JiangxiDad on March 19, 2008 at 12:38 PM
Wow. Well, it’s good to see.
amerpundit on March 19, 2008 at 12:38 PM
I know there’s a difference. But the bottom line is that — ready for this, you won’t like it and will surely try to deny it — the US has a long track record of denying the self-determination of smaller nations.
Go ahead and boycott. It will mean nothing so far as geopolitics is concerned. The better thing might be to take out legitimate outrage to Beijing and encourage our journalists to speak up at every opportunity so that hundreds of millions around the world will hear.
Drum on March 19, 2008 at 12:39 PM
That should be “our legitimate” …
Drum on March 19, 2008 at 12:40 PM
IMHO, a great fit!
Branch Rickey on March 19, 2008 at 12:41 PM
Yes, we try it at home too, with our dark and asiatic peoples. The whole thing is worrisome.
JiangxiDad on March 19, 2008 at 12:42 PM
Like Mussolini’s fascist Italy? That track record? Does England speak German, how about in Poland? That track record? And did you use “track record” as a pun on the Olympics or was that just a “Fraudian Slip?”
Branch Rickey on March 19, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Just to play devil’s advocate:
If a Native American group started beating white people, stabbing them, and setting things on fire, saying we were ruining their culture with the development of a European-style nation, would we support our government in putting the protests down?
p40tiger on March 19, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Somehow, “Tibetan monk anarchists”, doesn’t ring true.
captivated_dem on March 19, 2008 at 12:51 PM
So when are YOU going to LEAD or are you just going to bash America and pass it off onto “journalists” – like the ones at CNN who did not follow the UN-Graft for Oil program in order to have access to Saddam Hussein? Do you really think HA and other new journalists aren’t trying to expose China? Capt. Ed is doing this for fun? Get over yourself.
Branch Rickey on March 19, 2008 at 12:53 PM
To anyone using the “true spirit of the Olympics” line, I suggest you study the Modern Games history. It reeks of politicization. This boycott would succeed where the 1980 boycott didn’t for a few reasons. This one would be smaller in scope but far more effective in intent. The opening ceremony boycott would be well accepted. For those of us who remember well the 1980 Games, the US was not well accepted in the world community, (Thank You, Mr Carter.)
MNDavenotPC on March 19, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Sounds like a fun game. But I don’t understand it yet. Could you give the answer too so we see how it works? Kinda like an open hand.
JiangxiDad on March 19, 2008 at 1:02 PM
Not sure what this has to do with anything, but it’s hysterically funny nonetheless.
You’re right. Capt. Ed is doing this (even though he hates it) because he’s being forced against his will. He’d rather be sitting around in his pajamas reading the news and giving his opinion about things … oh, wait, nevermind.
Drum on March 19, 2008 at 1:02 PM
That makes sense normally, but we already know that boycotting the Olympics in their entirety would be a disaster. Even at the height of the Evil Empire, boycotting the 1980 Olympics doomed our nation to decades of documentaries of and recriminations by the unfortunate athletes. I think I speak for the nation when I say that if I ever hear another world-weary 26 year old talk to Barbara Walters or Katie Couric about the dreams he had of winning the gold before that bad old Neocon Jimmy Carter stole them away, it will be too soon.
To be brutally honest, yes, because the “Native Americans” as a legitimate group are already dead.
HitNRun on March 19, 2008 at 1:03 PM
The Damus predicts there will be more overt protests against American policy in Iraq at this Summer’s Olympics than there will be any noise about the Chi-coms.
I can hear the conversations taking place all across Europe today:
Euro-athlete: “Hey, Olympics official, can I wear this to the Opening Ceremonies and around the Olympic Village? (holds up a ‘Free Tibet’ T-shirt)
Euro-Olympics official: “Oh heavens no…that’s strictly not allowed. No protests are permitted at the Games. It violates the spirit of peace and competition so eloquently expressed in past Olympiads such as, oh, I dont know, Berlin in ‘36.”
Euro-Athlete: “Oh, I see. I wouldnt want to offend anyone. that would be intolerant and against the spirit of the Games. What if I wore this?” (holds up ‘Bush+Gitmo=Hitler’ T)
Euro-official: “Much better. You dont have another one in my size, do you?”
Mike D. on March 19, 2008 at 1:08 PM
So, what good is an insult? Yeah that’ll show em. Boycotts and resolutions woohoo!
- The Cat
MirCat on March 19, 2008 at 1:14 PM
Ok. I believe I would support stopping such violence. My point being, this is exactly how the Chinese (Han) see this protest–as a minority group (part of their country) committing crimes in the name of minority rights.
To be brutally honest, so are the Tibetians. They will be gone in a matter of generations, and there is nothing we can do for them, unless we are prepared to go to war with China for them. We did little to help them in 1950 (or ‘59), and nobody will make China loosen its grip on Tibet now.
p40tiger on March 19, 2008 at 1:17 PM
Holding the Olympics in China was an obvious mistake that everybody involved should have seen coming, but boycotting the games doesn’t seem like the answer; moving it elsewhere does. I’ll admit that I’ve never had any interest in the Olympics so I’m not sure how plausible this is, I realize there is a lot of planning and preparation involved, but the correct course of action would be to change the venue to one of the prior Olympic locations where the facilities already exist. If it makes it easier, split the events between two or three past Olympic venues. Even if some of the events need to be delayed it should be possible to move the Olympics out of China altogether. A portion of the Olympic planning probably goes into foofy events like parades or whatever, which could be dropped to save time and streamline the preparations. The facilities may not be brand new but if the paint is flaking off it doesn’t matter as long as they are functional.
Why let China, (and the boneheaded Olympic committee), ruin the games for the athletes and those who enjoy watching them?
FloatingRock on March 19, 2008 at 1:24 PM
Interesting.
Was Tibet always a part of China?
Should the PRC recognize Taiwan’s independence?
Should the Chinese organ harvesting program be discontinued?
What color is the cover of your passport?
JiangxiDad on March 19, 2008 at 1:24 PM
I hope the games themselves aren’t boycotted, partly because I want to see at least one peice of Chinese propaganda fall flat. They built an open stadium, are holding games in a rainy season, and claim they can control the rains.
I’m personally looking forward to rainsoaked looks of, “That didn’t work so well, did it?”
cs89 on March 19, 2008 at 1:27 PM
Let the Communist Chinese play with themselves.
Hening on March 19, 2008 at 1:28 PM
Quick. Who’s the SS for the bombers? LAMO!
JiangxiDad on March 19, 2008 at 1:30 PM
That’s cow flop.
We have the flag decorated graves to show the U.S. commitment to the smaller countries of the world that were food for fascists throughout our history. Just to name a few, ask the Germans, the Russians, Spain, the Japanese and Islam about our commitment to the sovereignty of nations. Also, ask the countries of Eastern Europe who their daddy is.
Hening on March 19, 2008 at 1:35 PM
Are you on chinese dial-up internet? You take so long to respond. Or do you have to keep gluing back on the enter key on the chinese keyboard? We got the whole toy problem over here, and the poisoned dog food and shit, so I know what you’re going through.
JiangxiDad on March 19, 2008 at 1:39 PM
Nice ad hominem at the end there.
What should be, and what is, are two different things.
My distaste for socialism is about as strong as anyone I know, and it has only gotten stronger since I’ve lived here. I just hope that people see facts, and understand that China cannot be painted with broad brush.
You should understand more than most about hating a system but loving a people, since your name and past comments shows that someone very close to you is Chinese. I hope you can teach her to understand the difference between a system and a people, even if it is that system which brought her to you.
p40tiger on March 19, 2008 at 1:40 PM
Hmmm… I like the idea, but if we can get the athletes onboard I’d do one more thing….
At every medal ceremony, just as the National Anthems start, place your hands together in front of you in a prayerfull manner… to show soliderity with both Tibet, and religious freedom… kinda like the black salute back a few Olympics ago…
Romeo13 on March 19, 2008 at 1:43 PM
I’ve read about the deathly chill that descends upon people in totalitarian countries. Until I read your comment, I never personally felt it. Thanks for the reminder of what I’m here for.
JiangxiDad on March 19, 2008 at 1:44 PM
Absolutely. I never have and won’t deny the good we’ve done around the world. But nor will I only refer to that when talking about America’s foreign policy.
I’d refer you to some books, but I figure you only read Rush/Fox/Weekly Standard approved literature. Moreover, even when faced with ugly aspects of America’s foreign policy you’ll also probably resort to the standard line of “it was all in the their own best interests” or “it wasn’t all bad.”
Drum on March 19, 2008 at 1:47 PM
Don’t know what that is supposed to mean. My nieces are also adopted from China, and we also have to prepare for their inevitable questions about their origins. It is our hope that they love the Chinese culture and people, while at the same time seeing the evil policies that caused their birth mom to have to give up two sweet little girls.
p40tiger on March 19, 2008 at 1:48 PM
which policies?
JiangxiDad on March 19, 2008 at 1:55 PM
Most obvious, the “one-child policy,” and all that comes with it (excellent birth, excellent life (social engineering)) (forced abortions (though they aren’t as common as before)) (abortions so common as to be like getting an aching tooth pulled) etc.
p40tiger on March 19, 2008 at 1:59 PM
I have great respect for my nieces’ anonymous birth-mother who had the courage to carry unwanted twins to term when an abortion would be so convenient and easy to get.
p40tiger on March 19, 2008 at 2:02 PM
The gov’t was wrong with its one-child policy?
JiangxiDad on March 19, 2008 at 2:03 PM
Why do you respect her if she didn’t want her twins?
JiangxiDad on March 19, 2008 at 2:07 PM
The one-child policy goes against Chinese culture (which is that more babies are a blessing), and has caused a lot of social problems in China (such as extreme selfishness of the after 1980 generation), and will have long-lasting effects on the future of China (like not being able to pay for all the old people who will outnumber the young, and having way too many boys, since girls are not valued as much by countryside people). It became necessary after short-sighted Mao decided that more people meant more power, and encouraged the population explosion.
It will be seen by history as a big mistake, I believe, and has caused a devaluing of human life in China. I can understand why it was started, but the long-term consequences and results are not good.
p40tiger on March 19, 2008 at 2:12 PM
Because an abortion costs about $30 U.S., and has no social stigma.
p40tiger on March 19, 2008 at 2:14 PM
All your comments remind me how lucky I am to live in the greatest nation on earth, the USA.
I’m sure you can’t wait to get back here. I’m sure you’ll be of great help to those two innocent nieces of yours, what with your great expertise on China. How lucky they are to have an uncle like you.
JiangxiDad on March 19, 2008 at 2:20 PM
I’m not sure if you are being sarcastic or not, but I’ll take you at your word. Part of the reason I came was for their benefit.
I respect and admire the Chinese people a great deal. However, you are right in saying we have the best country in the world, without a doubt.
p40tiger on March 19, 2008 at 2:28 PM
I’m starting to think that the West should just cut all ties (politcal, athletic, etc) with any and all dictatorial and totalitarian regimes. The IOC should promote democracy by denying the right to participate to ANY country that ISN’T a democracy… That would eliminate Cuba, the Middle East, Africa, China, etc… but it would send a very strong message to those who embrace evil: “Only The Free Need Apply”.
Gartrip on March 19, 2008 at 2:39 PM
I also respect and admire the British, and the Germans, and the Columbians, and the Norwegians, and Israelis, and Japanese, and Taiwanese and Tibetans and Indians, and Canadians. Plus about 12 others.
But I’m glad we agree that by far, Americans and America is the best. It’s been nice chatting with you.
JiangxiDad on March 19, 2008 at 2:41 PM
JiangxiDad on March 19, 2008 at 2:53 PM
Yes. I enjoyed it. Have a good day.
p40tiger on March 19, 2008 at 3:06 PM
Unlike who?
aengus on March 19, 2008 at 3:12 PM
Seeing as no country in the world has intervened in Darfur or makes a point of speaking up against Islamic atrocities against infidels are we to take it that cowardice is a universal trait?
aengus on March 19, 2008 at 3:35 PM
Are you Drum’s boyfriend?
Just asking.
Hening on March 19, 2008 at 4:13 PM
If China kills or jails Tibetans, we should not go to some part of the Olympics.
Yeah, that’ll learn ‘em.
*sigh*
Kevin M on March 19, 2008 at 4:20 PM
I will boycott the olympics, not just because of China’s actions toward Tibet but also because it is the most boring shite one could possibly watch in the universe.
That include this one and all parallel ones.
TheSitRep on March 19, 2008 at 5:05 PM
What’s against the true spirit of the Olympics was the asinine decision by the IIOC to award the Olympics to the human-freedom-hating Chinese regime in the first place!
clark smith on March 19, 2008 at 8:13 PM
First step:
Start calling it PEKING again.
Beijing Duck sounds like a tumorous disorder.
Second step:
Have all of the athlethes COUGH whenever on camera.
(To emphasize the rotten air quality of this kleptocratic state.)
Third step:
Surreptitiously drop PING PONG balls everywhere with the words FREE TIBET on them.
(Let the Chinese pirate that!)
profitsbeard on March 20, 2008 at 2:18 AM
This is pretty much the sentiment of people here in Shanghai, PRC. They will tell you that America is finished as a SuperPower just as easily as you would tell someone the sun rises in the East each morning. They don’t try to argue the point, it’s just the common beleif by people here.
sawb_23 on March 20, 2008 at 6:01 AM
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