Olympic Torch Through Bangkok

The Olympic Torch relay passed through Bangkok this week. While there were small groups of protesters, they did not disrupt the ceremony over the 10.5 km route. Apparently someone did snatch the torch away from one of the participants after he had completed his leg. This does not appear to be related to anti-China protests.

As far as China's human right abuses in Tibet, I'm certainly against them. In fact, I think Chinese human right abuses in China itself are deplorable. China is not like the colonial powers who allowed for broad freedoms for its own citizens while squeezing hard on those in its extended empire. China has a 'rich' history of repressing its own citizens first.

I do have a problem with boycotting the Olympics to send a message to China. Essentially, it is asking a small group of American athletes to pay the price so that you can send a message. Truthfully, its not particularly noble to be generous and giving with other people's effort and money. Just as voting for higher taxes on wealthy people (as defined by some as anyone making more money than you) doesn't make you a generous person, nor does calling for an Olympic boycott. What are you sacrificing, a few hours of television watching? These athletes put in an enormous amount of time and effort into being the best at their sport. For many, the Olympics are the pinacle of their sport. Given the competitive nature of sports, they may only have one chance. If they miss the 2008 Olympics, they may not have the chance to compete in 2012.

I'm not saying that people can't do anything, but rather don't ask someone else to do it for you. Boycott Chinese products if you think it will help. If enough people do it, perhaps you could make a difference, and it would be from your own effort. Just like you appreciate the money you earn more than that you were given, making a difference from your own efforts will be so much more satisfying. And, oh yeah, I don't consider standing on the corner and wringing your hands as effort.

I think that China will slowly change. China is attempting to implement capitialisic economic reforms, while keeping the genie of freedom on the bottle. Technology is already making this more difficult as more and more Chinese have exposure to outside. Can they open the door just wide enough for dollars to flow in, but not for dangerous ideas of free speech and democracy? I don't know, I think it will be hard.