Olympic Protests

I feel sorry for the athletes, at least the ones that aren't on performance enhancing drugs or whiney Americans who steal gymnastic medals from other participants because the judges don't know what they are doing. Imagine dedicating huge chucks of your life for a competition that lasts a couple weeks.

Now, in addition to having to deal with the usual coporate sponsorship crap (can I wear Nike?), they have somehow become embroiled in larger political issues? They get asked questions about whether the leaders of their nation should attend the opening ceremony. They get asked if they know where Tibet or Sudan are.
They get asked about air pollution.

I hope when the actual Olympics start, the attention goes to the athletes, and the spirit of friendly competition. Maybe what they do does contribute in some small measure to more peace.

But for the time being, protest away. Obviously the Tibet policy is in need of reform. China should be honored to be hosting the Olympics. And I expect them to do a good job, but it's fair that this pre-Olympic forum be used to bring political issues to the forefront. They are leaders in this world, so they should hear about this. Just like if New York were hosting, I'd expect the Germans and French to protest our moron president as the torch went by. Maybe, world leaders ignore all that, but these issues should be open for discussion and now is the right time for it.