RateItAll: The Opinion Network

On my priority list, I can think of only one or two things, in the entire geopolitical continuum, that I would place lower in importance for the average American, particularly for this average American. I've seen the "Free Tibet" bumper-stickers for years and have always made the point to whomever I might be with, "now, look closely at the driver of that car. It must be wonderful to have not a legitimate care in the world. " My children often joke to me now how well things are going for them, they are looking for a "Free Tibet" bumper-sticker for their car.

Nonviolent 'tyrants' vs. the world's most powerful fascist state.

Yes, I know some monks resorted to violence but they were promptly censured by the Dalai Lama.

http://tinyurl.com/4epgw5

The Chinese regime is one thing but protesting to restore a theological dictatorship is the other. Let's see, what is more undemocratic. The Chinese Communist state or the absolute reign of the Dalai Lama? The monks who are protesting are pissed that they are off the gravy train!

People who believe that it is a good idea to free Tibet are almost 60 years too late to the cause. China will not free Tibet, and Western encouragement of Tibetan resistance will get people needlessly killed. Tibet was actually part of China for centuries. In 1913, when it appeared that China was falling apart, the British Empire encouraged Tibet to declare independence. They did, and their independence lasted until 1950, when at the end of the Chinese civil war, China invaded and reclaimed the area. By then, the British Empire was in no position to help anyone even if it wanted to. America decided to do nothing. Tibet is a part of China and what happens there is an internal matter for China. Tibet is a strategic area of China, and their government is not going to give it up or grant it independence or even autonomy. We won't do much, but we can certainly provide some moral leadership by protesting the communist government's political repression of dissidents.

Still, I believe that boycotting the Olympics is a foolish idea. The games have nothing to do with Tibet, just as they had nothing to do with the Russian invasion of Afghanistan in 1980 when the games were held in Moscow and the US decided to boycott it in protest. Boycotting the games would be a terrible blow to the athletes who have spent four years training and preparing for their competitions. It would accomplish nothing. It would further politicize the games, which, BTW, should be encouraged to return to their amateur status. China was awarded the games in a fair international competition and they've spent plenty of money getting ready for them. Any attempts to ruin the games will accomplish nothing positive; it will only harden attitudes and create tension between China and the US.

Ultimately I believe that China will eventually liberalize its political system. Just as the country was forced by necessity to liberalize its economic and trade policies, it will eventually have to liberalize its political system as well. As China rapidly modernizes, more people will demand that their voices be heard. An educated middle class I am certain will demand greater political freedoms. The political system is antiquated and out of touch with reality--it will be left behind by events. We should not stop the flow of history by too strongly confronting China over this. Change is coming to China, we need to be patient.

Is Hu really joking?....I think this olympic games must be boycotted. I hate Hu policies in Sudan.. and Hu has been told many times to get the hell out of this country's politics, because this country is a poison to anybody who just jump in, into it's crises. Who were those people who have been scarified on their foreheads?...This time, or next, it will unleash more risks. If Sudan explode with acids liquid, and burn the Chinese commnunists, we don't want to hear the Chinese women wailing. I thought Tibet would be the only country China is playing it's dirty politics?

UPDATE: I'm sorry to say that, San Francisco, or the Californians as I should say are not humans rights abusers. California is a land of natural beauty, and has good name. Chinese olympic torch not welcomed, and I would like Arnold to be aware of the Chinese very well with their embarassing policies. No more to talk about, but to just boycott this game. Let the Chinese pay the price in this special granted moment. It has been joking for long time now, despite being urged to just stop it's negative policies towards Darfur, and Tibet. California cannot be insulted by a person wearing bloodsatined rug. Hu thinks that, no one would undercut his policies. He got what he deserves, and there are more consequences ahead this time. People are fed up with humans suffering. Why would Hu drive a towed away car with a clamp around the tire?. The Chinese have pressed a wrong button. I would also suggest that, what Hillary Clinton said yesterday about Bush to do not attempt to attend the games in Beijing, I think would be preferably a decisive idea of protecting America's image, and do not be painted with the black marks of Hu's shame. US is a great nation and free from any defect, and invectives. I think that would make a sense for mr. president to refrain himself, like the rest of the world leaders. Nobody knows where China is heading to?