Posted by
Michael on Saturday, February 16, 2008 12:32:56 PM
Of all the leading powers in the world, China is probably the most
influential in Sudan and has done absolutely nothing to stop the
genocide occuring there. It's good to see that Steven Spielberg is using his prestige to call attention to the Chinese government's lack of conscience:
Steven
Spielberg has decided not to participate in the Summer Olympic Games in
Beijing as an artistic adviser, citing the lack of progress in ending
the genocide in Darfur.
The move marks a public relations blow
to the Chinese government as it tries to prevent the Games from being
politicized, not just on the Darfur crisis but other issues.
"After
careful consideration, I have decided to formally announce the end of
my involvement as one of the overseas artistic advisers to the opening
and closing ceremonies of the Beijing Olympic Games," Spielberg said in
a statement released today.
"I have made repeated efforts to
encourage the Chinese government to use its unique influence to bring
safety and stability to the Darfur region of Sudan," Spielberg wrote.
"Although some progress has been made ...the situation continues to
worsen and the violence continues to accelerate."
"With this in
mind, I find that my conscience will not allow me to continue with
business as usual," he added. "At this point, my time and energy must
be spent not on Olympic ceremonies, but on doing all I can to help
bring an end to the unspeakable crimes against humanity that will
continue to be committed in Darfur."
Spielberg noted that the Olympic Organizing Committee had sent him a contract nearly a year ago, but he left it unsigned.
I'm
not usually the boycotting sort, but I think it would not be a bad idea
to refrain from watching the Olympics this year. I'm well aware that I
probably aid the Chinese government and economy by buying products made
there on a regular basis, but giving them a public relations benefit
like the Olympics seems like it's going a bit too far.