Costco Connection - July 2008

INFORMEDdebate
YES
from members:

Do politics

Eileen Moskow Laguna Beach, CA

The Olympics signify unity throughout nations. If we ignore the atrocities of some, the whole ritual is a farce.

have a place at
the Olympics? _PHOTODISC

Bobby Gibbons

Louisville, KY

Olympics have always been a political tool as well as a sporting event.

THE RECENT CALL by some countries to boycott the 2008 Olympics in China again serves notice that the Olympics serve not only as an arena where the best athletes in the world compete, but also as a place where international politics collide.

Those who believe that politics should be kept out of the Olympics remind us that one of the goals of the games is for nations to put their squabbles aside and show respect and tolerance through sport. They add that it’s a disgrace to put a political damper on the Olympic Games, because too many athletes have been training all their lives for these events and too many families have sacrificed.

Others believe the Olympics is a natural venue for nonviolent political protest. The games are used to promote democracy and human rights around the world, so what better place to raise awareness of human-rights infringements and other injustices? What do you think?