Phelps Going to Beijing Olympics; Should Bush?

Michael Phelps, arguably the most dominant swimmer in the world, heads to Beijing after securing the right to swim in eight Olympic races at the U.S. Olympic trials. In Beijing, he will focus on breaking Mark Spitz’s record of seven gold medals won at one Olympic Games. Take a look at how he’s approaching this Herculean task:

As Phelps focuses on capturing eight Olympic gold medals, there is worldwide protest over Beijing's selection as the site of the 2008 Olympic Games. Critics say that China’s record on human rights, treatment of Tibet, its monetary support of Sudan leaders (who have allowed Darfur genocide to continue) and other reasons should disqualify China as the host country. Some have advocated boycotting the Olympics but that isn’t likely. Instead, many are calling on world leaders to boycott the opening ceremonies to convey their concerns and put pressure on the Chinese government.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and other European leaders have said they will not attend the opening ceremonies; however, U.S. President George Bush indicated today that he will go, stating that his absence will be “an affront to the Chinese people” and hinder future negotiations with the Chinese government. Furthermore, supporters of having the Olympics in Beijing argue that the Olympics are suppose to be non-political. To them, having world leaders boycotting the opening ceremonies goes against Olympics spirit, which is to unite the world in good, fun athletic competition.

Do you think President Bush and other political leaders should skip the opening ceremonies? Or would that do more harm than good?

Bonus: Do you think Michael Phelps will break Mark Spitz’s record by winning eight Olympic gold medals?

Comments

[Nick]

Unfortunately, I am forced to admit that George W. Bush is again right on this issue; this makes like 3 policy issues in a row if you had the U.S. Farm Bill, Ethanol tariffs, and immigration to the list.

Bush is right for several of the reasons you mentioned...the games are about peace, brotherhood and sport, and the world coming together to celebrate amazing human achievement. Additionally, he is right that it would be an unnecessary snub to Boycott the games that would set back Sino/US relations for years.

However, I do disagree with those that say the sports/Olympics are not about politics. Politics are inseparable from every part of life and sport is no exception to this rule, indeed, sport is a prime expression of human power and hierarchy. Sport in many cases is a civilized form of physical competition and warfare. Further, as was the case with Jesse Owens and others, sport can be a platform for the expression of excellence and the great ideas associated with what it takes for a human to reach that level of excellence and what that reflects on the society from whence they came.

[Kyle]

I didn't read the article, but I had to leave a comment after the incessant shameless plug coming from your facebook status. I hope it is effective in its attempt at driving visitors to your blog. It worked on me.

[Hank]

First, I agree that bush is making the right decision. I think any boycott of sporting events to try and make a political stand is a dumb idea. Honestly, how many people watch the opening cermonies and go OH MY GOD THEY SUPPORT CHINA! No you strap on ur red white and blue and cheer on ur country. The Olympics do not give anything to a country that host them other than a chance for their fans to see their heros up close.
Also, and this is mainly just a pet peeve of mine. Jesse Owens is the worst example of political attack through sports. Take the India/Pakistan Cricket game or something real. Jesse Owens was sent to Berlin to win and yes he proved that Hitler did not have the master race and we rewarded him by having him slowly rot away racing horses to try and get by. Yay! American that's the way to show Hitler. Sorry, I just had a history teacher I got into about this during black history month in like 6th grade.

[May]

Being a former competitive swimmer, I have to say that it is inappropriate to advocate any political stands in the Olympics. Atheletes devote their lives in training to compete and only the top athletes have the opportunities to represent themselves for their countries. Olympics is a celebration for a lot of folks to show their pride and sportsmanship for their homelands. Boycotting the Olympics is clearly not a solution and inappropriate as a sports event.

To your BONUS point. It's really not about winning 8 golds or not. I would much prefer to focus on how many world records he's going to break! He broke two in the trials and god knows how many he'll break in the Olympics! This year's Olympics should be extremely exciting with Phelps and a lot of veterans (Peirsol, Hoff, Beard, Torres, Hansen, Crocker, Coughlin, etc etc.) who made the team.