Epoch Times - Economic Change Overshadows Human Rights

A woman holds up a banner showing the Olympic Rings as hand-cuffs during a protest for human rights in China on the steps of City Hall in New York. (Don Emmert/AFP/Getty Images)

Of course nobody is going to end up boycotting the Olympics. China itself may be instigating the disturbances in Tibet just to show how much it can get away with. China got the Olympics because of it “progress” in replacing bicycles with automobiles. The decision makers consider that development such an accomplishment that it overshadows human rights abuse.

The disturbances in Tibet, followed by inevitable world-wide participation in the Olympics and its ceremonies is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate:

1) The triumph of “economic development” over human rights.

2) The triumph of “law and order” over human rights. In fact, that is what many powerful decision makers like about China.

3) An indifference, if not outright hostility, to the idea of a free Tibet.

Rather than publicly clamor for their political leaders to boycott the Olympiocs, those concerned with the crackdown in Tibet, with other human rights abuses, and with the philosophy behind deciding which places are awarded the Olympics should do quiet boycotts of their own: No watching the Olympics or patronizing sponsors during the games.

Jeanette Wolfberg
New York, New York