Morgan Pitelka; "Don't be judgemental..."

[Anonymous]

Making the Olympics a political issue is nothing new. In 1980, the United States boycotted the Olympics that were held in Moscow because of escalated Cold War tensions. The rumblings about these Olympics are over the human rights abuses brought about by the Chinese government. I agree, however, that for two weeks let's put politics aside and compete and show the world who is the best at everything! GO USA!![Edit by="nblade on Jul 27, 1:13:53 PM"][/Edit]

[Anonymous]

Reuben,

I could not have said it better myself. I often get the feeling that as Americans we should be ashamed of our Judeo-Christian values. When, in fact, it is these values (like standing up to oppression) that ensured that all of western Europe and the U.S. isn't speaking German today. You are right in the fact that other cultures have many things that can be shared and even many things we can learn from. There is much to be learned from all cultures and no system or ideology is perfect. However, the merits of such "gifts" as you say, of the Judeo-Christian ethic could also be learned by other cultures as a "gift" from us!

[Anonymous]

Yes, when the Olympics were held in Atlanta did China boycott us because we are a democracy. No, they didn't. I think that President Bush going to the opening ceremonies is a good thing and Angela Markel of Germany and Sarkozy from France should step up and do the same. Like I said in another thread, for two weeks stop playing politics and go if only to support your country. If President Bush didn't attend I would take it more as a sign of disrespect to our athletes than to China.

GO USA!! BRING HOME THE GOLD!!

[Anonymous]

I think that the world leaders should take a Mohist stance and attend the opening ceremonies, if not some of the events. The Mohists did not believe in war with their neighbors. They wanted to keep peace so they could go about living peacefully within their own borders where they could set rules and regulations as they saw fit. It was a way to not have to keep watching one's back. It was a way of keeping neutrality in government meeting government. If I do not pick on you, I expect you to not pick on me. Do not meddle in my affairs. Take care of your own house first.

At least for the Olympic games and the Para-Olympic games, let the world matters stay beyond the pale. Meet, talk, cheer, laugh, marvel at the prowess of the athletes of the world. When it is time to return to business, that of ruling one's own nation, perhaps the break will have allowed logic to return to the conversations.

[Anonymous]

Bush should definitely attend the opening games, the problem now is getting him to stay there!

[Anonymous]

It was a good session. I was so into the lecture that I didn't take many notes. But I still walked away with a lot of valuable information. Most of all I feel I can approach these topics with middle school students. Especially the concept of beauty in different cultures.

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