"International companies are ignoring basic human rights in return for business opportunity, while the Communist party is offering profits in return for continued control of the internet and the ability to intimidate dissidents."
"The collusion of these two kinds of ugliness means that there is no way for western investment to promote freedom of speech in China, and that in fact it greatly increases the ability of the Communist party to blockade and control the internet.”
“You are helping the Communist party maintain an evil system of control over freedom of information and speech."
Its writer: Liu Xiaobo, Chinese intellectual human rights activist who accuses Yahoo of betraying its customers and supporting dictatorship by providing information on journalist Shi Tao to Chinese authorities.
Full article here.
Of course, Mr. Liu who had the pleasure of several years being spoilt by 'his' leaders' unlimited love - in prison - would be delighted by the increasement of voices demanding a boycott of the Olympic Games in Beijing, wouldn't he?
Hm, and that's what he said according to a yesterday published Spiegel-interview:
And what do you think?"That wouldn't be a good way to punish China. If the Games fail, human rights will suffer. The government would stop paying any attention to the rest of the world. I personally think: We want the Games and we want human rights to be respected."
Oh what tangled webs we weave when it comes to money/power/fame and in the end that is what it's all about. The Olympic games is no different than any other event though it hides this very carefully under the cloak of "human rights".
ReplyDeleteFor an event that was supposed to be a way to bring nations closer together, to have the youth of the world compete in sports, the Olympic Games have sadly lost sight of this objective.
It seems there is not a single venue in this world where two humans from different cultures can sit across from one another and respect each other simply because they are humans - nope not a one...how terribly sad.
@janice,
ReplyDeletedon't confuse the work of nations (governments) with peoples (individuals). i would have thought you would have said that through art, philosophy and/or literature people can relate their cuture to the other one. just because governments routinely mess things up, doesn't mean we have to as well. @ university i've been able to sit down with europeans, chinese, africans and americans to discuss philosophy, art and politics. this has been my greatest education.
also, hello ;)
@sean,
i've enjoyed your commentary regarding china and the olympics over the last few days. what do you make of the protests that have accompanied the torch's route through london, paris, and inevitably san francisco? are these aimed at the right people?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7332942.stm
Janice,
ReplyDeleteyes to what you express in the first paragraph! Yes, and yes again.
Yes, too, to what you say in the second paragraph, as I suppose you mean the IOC, its functionary on national grounds, the racketeers, greats parts of the media etc.
And yes: it's 'Terribly sad'.
But - sorry about this 'But; I do not like people start 'yes-but-discussions', myself :) - from my experience I can assure you: There are more places on this planet where individuals from (?)/with(?) very different so-called backgrounds do (!) sit together 'and respect each other'.
Another 'but': I think I understand what you intended to say, Janice. And at the end we shall come to the conclusion: We are of the same opinion. At least a l m o s t. :)
Thanks for telling yours!
Chris,
as I 'know' that you are a very careful reader, and as I do 'know' that you would not hesitate to let me know whenever you thought I were partly or completely wrong, your compliment makes me feel good.
Thank you very much. 'Great words', but indeed: This means much for me.
As for your question: I did not mention this subject, yet, as I want to wait for what will happen in San Francisco.
So, very probably tomorrow night.
@ god-free morals:
ReplyDeleteHello to you too!
I quite agree with you that as individuals one-on-one most do respect and learn from each other greatly. What I was referring to was organized events from government to religion to sports and everything in between. As long as it is organized (read as controlled) by a group of people there is always a power struggle and nine times out of ten respect for other individuals is either missing or ignored.
My apologies for any misunderstandings - I am not very good or quick at conveying my thoughts properly when commenting.