In July 2001, François Carrard, the executive director of the I.O.C. said, “Some people say, because of serious human rights issues, ‘We close the door and say no, the other way is to bet on openness. Bet on the fact that in the coming seven years, openness, progress and development in many areas will be such that the situation will be improved. We are taking the bet that seven years from now we will see many changes.”.

Obviously this has not happened. As the father of young boys, i know very well that if i were to reward them for work in advance, that work would not get done. This is purely and simply about money and corruption. Now that Tibet has been silenced by bloodshed the next controversy is the olympic torch. Over the weekend there were riots in Paris and London and Australia’s prime minister will not attend the olympic torch ceremony in Australia.  Read news article

Andrew Heslop is one of the torch bearers selected in Australia. Last night said he was concerned for the safety of runners around the world and that the relay should not be used as a political protest. “I think the organisation of the Olympics and the activities of the Chinese Government are separate,” said Heslop, the founder of Neighbour Day. “Personally, I don’t think its appropriate to use any sporting activity as a form of protest.” Obviously Heslop does not have much character. He is right in saying the organisation of the olympics and the activities of the Chinese government is separate - which is why China should never have been given the olympics in the first place.

Grant Hacket said boycotting the olympics would hurt the athletes and he is against it. I have news for Mr. Hacket. The innocent Tibetans who got beaten to death, and those that are now to spent the rest of their lives in gaol will feel a bit more hurt. I say boycott these olympic where it will hurt and where we can sent a message to those responsible for this - the corporates.

The link below is to a list of official olympic sponsors. If possible boycott the tv broadcasts as well. Our elected representatives want their free trip to China, let’s show them what people power is capable of. We ourselves may learn that it is actually us that hold the power and not them.

Olympic Sponsors