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By Bal(t)imoron, 7 months and 22 days ago

The Olympics: Halting Long-Term Abuse

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2 comments

Gravatar #2. Bal(t)imoron
7 months and 18 days ago

Charles, thank you for the link!

Firstly, the proposition was, that the Olympics themselves as an institution are not worthy of continuing. I agree that there's a whiff of opportunism on Hollywood's part to use Darfur as a way to extricate itself from a possible PR debacle, or at least a stillborn performance.

http://www.japaneconomynews.com/2008/01/16/greg-lanes-2008-predictions-in-japan-inc/

Secondly, I will also agree about US involvement. But, the US was an early starter, and PRC has compensated for the late start with a virtuoso performance. Knocking democratization in Kenya for the problems after the recent election is just one example.

Thirdly, and related to the second point, the tribalism meme is overblown. African governments have exploited tribal divisions for generations, warping what was a tribal clash when imperialist powers divided the continent into a their own travesty. They own tribalism now. And, when Washington or Beijing supports one leader over another, they legitimate and exacerbate what those governments do in the name of anti-imperialism.

I might criticize PRC, surely, but let's be clear: I'm arguing to end the Olympic movement. But, unfortunately, I think the Beijing Olympics will be a mockery, even of a highly mock-worthy organization.

Gravatar #1. Charles Liu
7 months and 18 days ago

Mia Farrow is out of her mind.

After so many years of inaction and indifference by the West, we suddenly want to blame Darfur on China? There are plenty of blame to go around, starting with our support of the SPLA and John Garang 10 years ago:

http://www.google.com/search?q=Darfur+CIA+early+involvement

At any rate the original Darfur mess we started has since been replaced with inter-tribal conflict and herdsmen fighting for territory. Neither Khartoum nor Beijing has much influence over that.

China is simply a scapegoat

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