China and the Olympics

If you haven't been reading the news, Tibetan monks have been protesting China's rule over the Tibetan region all month. While at first China's responsive was scattered and confused at best, they ended up doing what they usually do, which is to send in huge military forces to quell the protesters. China kicked out all foreigners and refused to allow reporters into the region, where God knows what's happening. The international community has called for China to "exercise restraint" (Secretary Condoleeza Rice). Some have even called for a boycott.

VietWill, a group that formed around China's occupation of the Paracel and Spratley Islands, is also calling for a boycott, but for different reasons. I support both.

There are some who feel that the Olympics is no place for politics. I daresay that the experiences of Tommy Smith and John Carlos, the two historic figures who created the raised fist as the modern day symbol of social justice. In fact, 10 days before the Mexico City Olympics, 300 students were killed by the Mexican military in what is now known as Tlatelolco Massacre.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1968_Summer_Olympics
"On October 16, 1968, an action by two Black US sprinters at the Mexico City Olympics shook the sporting world. Tommie Smith and John Carlos, the gold and bronze medalists in the men's 200-meter race, took their places on the podium for the medal ceremony barefooted and wearing civil rights buttons, lowered their heads and each defiantly raised a black-gloved fist as the Star Spangled Banner was played. Both of them were members of the Olympics Project for Human Rights.Some people (particularly IOC president Avery Brundage) felt that a political statement had no place in the international forum of the Olympic Games. In an immediate response to their actions, Smith and Carlos were suspended from the U.S. team by Brundage and banned from the Olympic Village. Those who opposed the protest said the actions disgraced all Americans. Supporters, on the other hand, praised the men for their bravery."

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting these two legends when San Jose State University, their alma mater, as well as mine, brought them back in 2005 for a Commemoration of their brave stand. I asked John Carlos what gave them the strength to make such a statement at an event like the Olympics, and his simple response to me is the foundation for how I feel now.

"I did nothing but take off my shoes, wear a glove, and raise my fist. The brave people were the ones that were fighting here in the states. The brave people are those 300 kids who were killed in Mexico City before we got there."