Olympics

The Olympics start this Friday and it is a very exciting time for China and all athletes around the world. I think some people are a little confused on why many human rights groups are not showing the same excitement. It's because of the host, China. In 2001, China was awarded this great opportunity and China signed an agreement saying they would work to remedy their many human rights issues. The way China has gone about this is to imprison potential Chinese protesters and to refuse visas to human right activists. This isn't what the Olympic committee had in mind.
Just one example from this week, Joey Cheeks, an Olympic speed skater, was refused a visa by China because he formed a group of Olympians who are speaking up for Darfur.
I'm not boycotting the Olympics events, but I am not going to watch the opening ceremonies and I'm going to switch off the commercials. Corporate sponsors (like Coke, GE, and Swatch) were asked to plead with China to pressure the Sudanese government to let peacekeepers in Darfur. The corporate sponsors declined to say anything. So, if you want to join me, all you have to do is switch the channel during commercials. You can instead choose to watch live coverage from a refugee camp in Darfur via www.darfurolympics.org
Here are a few facts about China's role in human rights issues:

1. According to a U.N. data bank, China is responsible for providing 90 percent of Sudan's small arms between 2004 and 2006.
2. Through its state-owned companies, China controls almost all of Sudan's oil potential, the report said.
2. As "the supplier of last resort for dictators and human rights abusers," China is also a major weapons exporter to Zimbabwe, Myanmar and rebel groups in Congo, the report said.