I Can't Help But Feel I Shouldn't Watch These Games

[Lee]

The IOC may have no balls and be willing to overlook the ethos of the Olympic games whenever it suits. However, I like to think I am made of something stronger.

I sat and watched some Chinese women begging to be heard on the news today. One woman said that her husband has been warned to stay away from the games otherwise his wife would be punished. I even question some of the posters that have come to these boards in recent months to spout the Chinese propoganda.

Is this really the Olympic Games that we want? There have been numerous reports of intimidation and total disregard for human rights. The IOC and the world seem to have their fingers in their ears.

I can't do anything to change the situation in Zimbabwe but I can choose to not watch these games and make my own personal protest.

I don't want to feel ashamed in years to come for not making a stand when it counted.

F**k the IOC!! Next time I hear Jacques Rogge talking about ethics in sport, please excuse me if I barf loudly.

Is anyone else feeling uneasy with this, or is it just me?

[jim jones]

The IOC may have no balls and be willing to overlook the ethos of the Olympic games whenever it suits. However, I like to think I am made of something stronger.

I sat and watched some Chinese women begging to be heard on the news today. One woman said that her husband has been warned to stay away from the games otherwise his wife would be punished. I even question some of the posters that have come to these boards in recent months to spout the Chinese propoganda.

Is this really the Olympic Games that we want? There have been numerous reports of intimidation and total disregard for human rights. The IOC and the world seem to have their fingers in their ears.

I can't do anything to change the situation in Zimbabwe but I can choose to not watch these games and make my own personal protest.

I don't want to feel ashamed in years to come for not making a stand when it counted.

F**k the IOC!! Next time I hear Jacques Rogge talking about ethics in sport, please excuse me if I barf loudly.

Is anyone else feeling uneasy with this, or is it just me?

Lee I actually tend to agree with you. I think we are basically witnessing Berlin 1936 all over again . A platform for the Chinese but without the looming spectra of a world war. The problem is you can blame the IOC for this but it is that the IOC has had to evolve to be totally in Tune with Money and that requires going to growing economies for the sponsors. With that C change in 1984 under LA 84 and Juan antonio we would not even be having this debate as the Olympics would certainly be gone into the page of history without the intervention of commercialism. As much as I think London will be a general Foul up a kin to Montreal that will damage the movement nothing makes me sicker to my stomach then what is going on with Beijing.

The IOC actually wants input in a virtual congress online . I certainly have some thoughts beyond this terrible time in the olympics history. You think about the Chinese and how they probably feel under attack from this. I certainly can have sympathy for that.

I will enjoy the games but with the thought of cheering two countries on and a friend who is coaching two athletes. as to the Lod Women and their eviction . No one has property rights in China it is the State that can decide to Kill you are will. There is really not difference except the economics from 1989 to 2008. A one party state

Jim jones

[Rob2012]

Slightly, though I know I'll watch. I won't buy any merchandise related to these Games though.

[baron-pierreIV]

Too bad none of you had an OC ticket. I would've gladly taken it off your hands.

[Maryjane]

watever, if you watch, you are biggest ass licker in the world~

[baron-pierreIV]

Oops - cancel.

MJ, kindly address your posts accordingly.

Edited August 5, 2008 by baron-pierreIV

[Maryjane]

Too bad none of you had an OC ticket. I would've gladly taken it off your hands.

ha~right~

[Rob2012]

watever, if you watch, you are biggest ass licker in the world~

That's your response to Lee's genuine concerns? Wow

Great way of getting people on side maryjane!

[Maryjane]

maryjane, have you taken your medications today? I think you are the biggest case of bi-polar dysfunction on these pages.

You do know the Games are being held in Beijing this year?

You should take some pills in advance,plz~

[baron-pierreIV]

You should take some pills in advance,plz~

See previous post.

So as NOT to create confusion, MJ, address your posts accordingly.

[Mr Tickle]

I know what you mean, but I know I will watch, its sad but true. We all have to do what is right I suppose.

I like it how people use a topic about human rights and the Beijing Games to do a bit of London bashing though, jesus christ.

[Maryjane]

That's your response to Lee's genuine concerns? Wow

Great way of getting people on side maryjane!

Yeah~just blame, go blame, do blame~whatever and ever. I'm concerning Global Warming better than a games which suddenly attracts all angles from the heaven to come to save the day. Where were they just in the last few decades? Yes~you can insult as much as you can, but I would say to clean up your own butt is far more important than poingting up others.

[Maryjane]

One more argument, London wouldn't be looking better than Beijing games just by bashing China over and over again.a propoganda? Oh~right, just slide your head into the sand to aviod anything going on. That's the ultimate solution to keep your mind ''clean'' or just get yourself into the closet during the games time, make sure that is made in Britain for sure. thanks.~

[dave199]

I was watching this special on the CBC last night chronicling the Beijing Summer Olympics. They showed everything, the good, the bad and the ugly.

One things they showed left me upset. I can't believe they just took over people's properties and bulldozed it without giving them proper compensation for that. These people lost everything and were left homeless afterwards. The government didn't even give them enough money to buy another house. Add to the fact they weren't given a lengthy warning that they would be evicted from their own houses. They had a short amount of time to grab any belongings they were gonna take with them. They even showed the family having their house bulldozed, I honestly felt their pain and loss. They said they were bulldozing their house to create more greenspace in Beijing to make it more environmentally friendly. Can you imagine being forced out of your own house, which you own, and not given much money in return, just because the government wants to plant some trees where your house used to be? Give me a break.

I will still watch the Olympics even though some things do bother me with the way the Chinese government operates. I enjoy the Olympics too much to stop watching. The Chinese will definitely put on a great show but everyone must know it has come at the expense of many of Beijing's lower class citizens. It will be a great games to watch for the big spectacle Beijing is making them to be.

Edited August 6, 2008 by dave199

[4gamesandcounting]

London like a Montreal games? I see it more like this:

Athens 2004 = Montreal 1976 (Good games but a city in debt)

Beijing 2008 = Moscow 1980 (Communist Games)

London 2012

[4gamesandcounting]

Sorry!

London 2012 = LA 84 - What a great games!

[Rob2012]

This thread outlines why, even at this early stage, many have doubts that Beijing will be remembered as "the best Games ever". Money no object? Absolutely not. Venues the best ever built? Of course.

But that isn't all that matters. China will put on a great Games, but for many of us there will also be a niggling feeling in the back of our minds as we watch, a feeling that surely didn't exist when it was Sydney's turn and one which will surely not be present at the next edition of the Games. I'm sorry if you take that as an "insult" MaryJane, but that's the way a lot of people feel about Beijing 2008.

Edited August 6, 2008 by Rob ♪

[mr.x]

This thread outlines why, even at this early stage, many have doubts that Beijing will be remembered as "the best Games ever". Money no object? Absolutely not. Venues the best ever built? Of course.

But that isn't all that matters. China will put on a great Games, but for many of us there will also be a niggling feeling in the back of our minds as we watch, a feeling that surely didn't exist when it was Sydney's turn and one which will surely not be present at the next edition of the Games. I'm sorry if you take that as an "insult" MaryJane, but that's the way a lot of people feel about Beijing 2008.

Just wait for Vancouver, it'll be the Sydney 2000 of the Winter Games!

[Rob2012]

I hope so

[Maryjane]

This thread outlines why, even at this early stage, many have doubts that Beijing will be remembered as "the best Games ever". Money no object? Absolutely not. Venues the best ever built? Of course.

But that isn't all that matters. China will put on a great Games, but for many of us there will also be a niggling feeling in the back of our minds as we watch, a feeling that surely didn't exist when it was Sydney's turn and one which will surely not be present at the next edition of the Games. I'm sorry if you take that as an "insult" MaryJane, but that's the way a lot of people feel about Beijing 2008.

It doesn't matter already, I don't have to care about what others feeling the most. At the end of day, it's always become an ugly fight of politics. But for the people, they always suffer the most that's what I mostly feeling sad about. No matter the politicians of the West or the Chinese government, they all should be barried into the Graveyard. I am glad Beijing hosting olympic games because of China no longer choose to isolate itself and I show my respect to this civilzation. Political reform has been asking years by years over China's issue, but it's progressing as this vast nation slowly growing up~ But I wouldn't suggest what some the Western politics could become the role example of all. Unless until one day they don't choose to give a rubbish excuse to invade other countries or propagandising their soilders are heros while their coffins flying back to their homeland. That might be the one's democracy, but an indirect autocracy over the other nation and its people. I havn't been once saw a single clips what's going on to the civilians of warzone on the local telly~and Yes, PR of the West is awsome, but I wonder if really are they not having any of the political correction spreading over their society?

I'm only sayin this, I'm looking forward to the Great Depression gettin close in order to reform the World Order. I don't worry any of bad things to be happened,because I always believe in Karma and yes, it's a universal thing, so nobody would be able to escape from it~

[Faster]

I am good at compartmentalizing things and rationalizing, so I am not supporting China or condoning their government, but watching and supporting Canadian (and German/Norwegian) athletes.

China losing face during these 19 days will be far worse than if they don't and things role on. China does not respond well to in your face-slapping.

[mpkwokgsb]

It doesn't matter already, I don't have to care about what others feeling the most. At the end of day, it's always become an ugly fight of politics. But for the people, they always suffer the most that's what I mostly feeling sad about. No matter the politicians of the West or the Chinese government, they all should be barried into the Graveyard. I am glad Beijing hosting olympic games because of China no longer choose to isolate itself and I show my respect to this civilzation. Political reform has been asking years by years over China's issue, but it's progressing as this vast nation slowly growing up~ But I wouldn't suggest what some the Western politics could become the role example of all. Unless until one day they don't choose to give a rubbish excuse to invade other countries or propagandising their soilders are heros while their coffins flying back to their homeland. That might be the one's democracy, but an indirect autocracy over the other nation and its people. I havn't been once saw a single clips what's going on to the civilians of warzone on the local telly~and Yes, PR of the West is awsome, but I wonder if really are they not having any of the political correction spreading over their society?

I'm only sayin this, I'm looking forward to the Great Depression gettin close in order to reform the World Order. I don't worry any of bad things to be happened,because I always believe in Karma and yes, it's a universal thing, so nobody would be able to escape from it~

Have not posted anything for a while but can't help after reading this thread coming up again..... yes, continue living in your world and judge through your vey own lens of supremacy, democracy and human rights:

- exactly, where are the stories of those cilivians killed by the great allies? where are their human rights? Who speak up for them?

- terrorism in the great allies is a sin of those evil axels and terrorism in China is only to be blamed on China's own domestic policy?

- sure, if human rights and democracy is a basis for whether a nation should/ should not be allowed to take part in the Olympics, then where in the media ever speak against the human right of the west's great ally Saudi Arabia, which does not allow any female athelete in the olympics, and does not even allow girls to play any sports at all? Blunt hypocracy.

[Lee]

The last thing I want to do is try to influence anyone else or even try to criticise anyone for watching. It's just a personal thing for me. I completely understand the people on here who agree with the sentiment but feel it would do nothing but spoil their own enjoyment by not watching.

I will still watch the news reports because I am a massive fan of the olympics and I wouldn't want to deprive myself toally.

However, I won't be watching the BBC dedicated programmes because I feel by doing this, I will be sending my own message in the msot powerful way I can. What bigger way to protest than to just not watch.

I imagine the IOC would really do the job that they are supposed to do, if they actually had the worldwide TV audince halved at these games.

Maybe I am trying to be a martyr? All I know is that after watching some of the news stories from the last few weeks I have been growing increasingly uncomfortable. I have never been a supporter of Beijing but I did think that it could turn into a positive. It now seems that all hope is lost on Beijing and the worst of it is that the IOC seems to think that silence is the best policy so that the games don't get any more bad press.

Whatever happened to defending the principles of the Olympic games?

The Role of the IOC

1.to encourage and support the promotion of ethics in sport as well as education of youth through sport and to dedicate its efforts to ensuring that, in sport, the spirit of fair play prevails and violence is banned; FAILED

2.to encourage and support the organisation, development and coordination of sport and sports competitions;

3.to ensure the regular celebration of the Olympic Games; FAILED

4.to cooperate with the competent public or private organizations and authorities in the endeavour to place sport at the service of humanity and thereby to promote peace; FAILED

5.to take action in order to strengthen the unity and to protect the independence of the Olympic Movement; FAILED

6.to act against any form of discrimination affecting the Olympic Movement; FAILED

7.to encourage and support the promotion of women in sport at all levels and in all structures with a view to implementing the principle of equality of men and women;

8.to lead the fight against doping in sport;

9.to encourage and support measures protecting the health of athletes;

10.to oppose any political or commercial abuse of sport and athletes;

11.to encourage and support the efforts of sports organisations and public authorities to provide for the social and professional future of athletes;

12.to encourage and support the development of sport for all;

13.to encourage and support a responsible concern for environmental issues, to promote sustainable development in sport and to require that the Olympic Games are held accordingly;

14.to promote a positive legacy from the Olympic Games to the host cities and host countries; FAILED

15.to encourage and support initiatives blending sport with culture and education;

16.to encourage and support the activities of the International Olympic Academy (IOA) and other institutions which dedicate themselves to Olympic education

[Maryjane]

The last thing I want to do is try to influence anyone else or even try to criticise anyone for watching. It's just a personal thing for me. I completely understand the people on here who agree with the sentiment but feel it would do nothing but spoil their own enjoyment by not watching.

I will still watch the news reports because I am a massive fan of the olympics and I wouldn't want to deprive myself toally.

However, I won't be watching the BBC dedicated programmes because I feel by doing this, I will be sending my own message in the msot powerful way I can. What bigger way to protest than to just not watch.

I imagine the IOC would really do the job that they are supposed to do, if they actually had the worldwide TV audince halved at these games.

Maybe I am trying to be a martyr? All I know is that after watching some of the news stories from the last few weeks I have been growing increasingly uncomfortable. I have never been a supporter of Beijing but I did think that it could turn into a positive. It now seems that all hope is lost on Beijing and the worst of it is that the IOC seems to think that silence is the best policy so that the games don't get any more bad press.

Whatever happened to defending the principles of the Olympic games?

The Role of the IOC

1.to encourage and support the promotion of ethics in sport as well as education of youth through sport and to dedicate its efforts to ensuring that, in sport, the spirit of fair play prevails and violence is banned; FAILED

2.to encourage and support the organisation, development and coordination of sport and sports competitions;

3.to ensure the regular celebration of the Olympic Games; FAILED

4.to cooperate with the competent public or private organizations and authorities in the endeavour to place sport at the service of humanity and thereby to promote peace; FAILED

5.to take action in order to strengthen the unity and to protect the independence of the Olympic Movement; FAILED

6.to act against any form of discrimination affecting the Olympic Movement; FAILED

7.to encourage and support the promotion of women in sport at all levels and in all structures with a view to implementing the principle of equality of men and women;

8.to lead the fight against doping in sport;

9.to encourage and support measures protecting the health of athletes;

10.to oppose any political or commercial abuse of sport and athletes;

11.to encourage and support the efforts of sports organisations and public authorities to provide for the social and professional future of athletes;

12.to encourage and support the development of sport for all;

13.to encourage and support a responsible concern for environmental issues, to promote sustainable development in sport and to require that the Olympic Games are held accordingly;

14.to promote a positive legacy from the Olympic Games to the host cities and host countries; FAILED

15.to encourage and support initiatives blending sport with culture and education;

16.to encourage and support the activities of the International Olympic Academy (IOA) and other institutions which dedicate themselves to Olympic education

Just don't watch~ I support you, do not watch a single thing would be ideal for Olympic rule~Plz~or just be yourself don't have to lecture on others

[Ibirapuera]

I'm only sayin this, I'm looking forward to the Great Depression gettin close in order to reform the World Order. I don't worry any of bad things to be happened,because I always believe in Karma and yes, it's a universal thing, so nobody would be able to escape from it~

Hmmmm, that's interesting .

Looks who agree with you about the karma thing (but with a different point of view)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EG2ePiVtfdM