Although I think that the Olympics should be focused on athletics instead of political demonstrations, I am reminded of the Berlin Games in 1936. If anyone had taken a stand against Hitler, we can only fantasize how history may have unfolded differently. I think that in hindsight, the US would be foolish to say they did the right thing in participating in Berlin. In life, we can't always departmentalize different areas when politics is so often infused in everything we do.
Hillary Clinton is advocating that Bush take a presidential stand and not attend the opening ceremony in Beijing because of China's rocky relationship with Tibet and the country's support of the Sudanese government.
Obama has said he is of "two minds" on this subject. This may just be a convenient way for him to not piss anyone off.
I can see the pros and cons of Hillary making this statement. I am impressed that she takes such stands, because it shows she is not of "two minds" and will make bold and resolute choices. In such a position of authority, the president has to make difficult decisions.
This issue of the president's boycott of the opening ceremony will not affect US domestic policy or many issues such as the economy or healthcare that make us worry.
But if Obama can't make up his mind on something relatively insignificant, I question how he will act when it comes to serious US concerns.
For my part, as much as I want the Olympics to focus on the hard-working athletes, we're kidding ourselves if we think the this is some kind of lovefest where political activity has no part. It's a competition! And if there's nothing wrong with athletic competition, there's nothing wrong with peaceful political competition that opens dialogue on important world-wide issues.
If you think about it, it's really the best opportunity for it.
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