egami
Posts:4910
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| 04/09/2008 1:37 PM |
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The Olympics is one of the most historic events that has transcended culture and brought together countries despite politics for not just hundreds, but for thousands of years.
I think it's sad that recent protesters have chosen the Olympics to be their battleground for political and social agenda.
And this isn't about their stance regarding China or Tibet. Regardless of where they fall on the issue, and whether they are justified in their beliefs or not, I think there are more appropriate ways to protest without dragging it on to the Olympic stage.
Frankly, I think it's a slap in the face to the spirit of the games and what the Olympics stand for to take actions against China.
If you want to boycott the Olympics because of an Olympic issue that's one thing, but I think boycotting because it's in China is stupid. Especially when there wasn't a tremendous uproar when China was listed as a possible host. |
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Posted By Omahan on 06/16/2008 12:28 PM
I am actually desperate today.
Posted By Omahan on 06/16/2008 12:47 PM
They say...people will resort to saying things they know aren't true when they are desperate.
Posted By Omahan on 07/18/2008 1:47 PM
And you have on cue demonstrated what I have hallucinated from day one in regards to you.
Posted by Omahan on 07/23/2008 10:25 AM
I actually created Fergie in part to attack you Crit without you knowing it was me. Some of your takes were so lame that I almost came at you as myself a few time... |
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vranged
Posts:2573
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| 04/09/2008 1:53 PM |
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Generally speaking, protesters annoy the hell out of me. I realize they serve their purpose, and perhaps this country wouldn't have been born if our Founding Fathers didn't "protest", but these days, most strike me as people with nothing better to do. Maybe that's a cynical, short-sighted view, -- or maybe I don't believe in anything so passionately that I feel standing on a street corner with a sign will change things --but it's the way I currently see things.
That being said, I completely understand why they pick the Olympics for their demonstrations. It's international in scope unlike any other event. The cause will get attention in dozens of countries. I agree it's a slap in the face to the spirit of the games, but that is 100% irrelevant when compared to the protesters' plight/cause (in their minds).
On a somewhat related note, my favorite protesters have always been the guys who are so Pro Life, and so disgusted that innocent lives are being ended, that they kill a bunch of people in an abortion clinic bombing. The logic is flowing there.
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After acknowledging that he was desperate, Dwight said "people will resort to saying things they know aren't true when they are desperate." That about sums it up! |
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egami
Posts:4910
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| 04/09/2008 1:59 PM |
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Posted By vranged on 04/09/2008 1:53 PM
That being said, I completely understand why they pick the Olympics for their demonstrations. It's international in scope unlike any other event. The cause will get attention in dozens of countries. I agree it's a slap in the face to the spirit of the games, but that is 100% irrelevant when compared to the protesters' plight/cause (in their minds).
No question that's why they do it. That, and the fact that I believe a lot of these people are somewhat attention whoring. I had a friend in college like this and his motivation about "demonstrating" was as much about him bragging to his wacko buddies as it was any real, sincere demonstration on an issue.
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Posted By Omahan on 06/16/2008 12:28 PM
I am actually desperate today.
Posted By Omahan on 06/16/2008 12:47 PM
They say...people will resort to saying things they know aren't true when they are desperate.
Posted By Omahan on 07/18/2008 1:47 PM
And you have on cue demonstrated what I have hallucinated from day one in regards to you.
Posted by Omahan on 07/23/2008 10:25 AM
I actually created Fergie in part to attack you Crit without you knowing it was me. Some of your takes were so lame that I almost came at you as myself a few time... |
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egami
Posts:4910
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| 04/09/2008 2:19 PM |
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| I also would wager I could walk in any one of their homes and find a receipt with something made in China purchased on it in the last month. |
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Posted By Omahan on 06/16/2008 12:28 PM
I am actually desperate today.
Posted By Omahan on 06/16/2008 12:47 PM
They say...people will resort to saying things they know aren't true when they are desperate.
Posted By Omahan on 07/18/2008 1:47 PM
And you have on cue demonstrated what I have hallucinated from day one in regards to you.
Posted by Omahan on 07/23/2008 10:25 AM
I actually created Fergie in part to attack you Crit without you knowing it was me. Some of your takes were so lame that I almost came at you as myself a few time... |
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wes134
Posts:155
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| 04/09/2008 2:21 PM |
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| my favorite protester was was the guy vs the tank, now that guy had some balls |
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vranged
Posts:2573
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| 04/09/2008 2:49 PM |
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Speaking of protesters -- anybody see the most recent SOUTH PARK, making fun of the Writer's Strike? It was very funny. |
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After acknowledging that he was desperate, Dwight said "people will resort to saying things they know aren't true when they are desperate." That about sums it up! |
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egami
Posts:4910
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| 04/09/2008 3:09 PM |
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| No I'll have to find that one... |
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Posted By Omahan on 06/16/2008 12:28 PM
I am actually desperate today.
Posted By Omahan on 06/16/2008 12:47 PM
They say...people will resort to saying things they know aren't true when they are desperate.
Posted By Omahan on 07/18/2008 1:47 PM
And you have on cue demonstrated what I have hallucinated from day one in regards to you.
Posted by Omahan on 07/23/2008 10:25 AM
I actually created Fergie in part to attack you Crit without you knowing it was me. Some of your takes were so lame that I almost came at you as myself a few time... |
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Crit40
Posts:2174
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| 04/09/2008 3:43 PM |
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I'm not trying to ruffle any feathers here, and I can't say that I agree with China's record on human rights, but did you agree or disagree with the United States boycott of the 1980 Moscow Games? That was certainly a political action.
At this point, it is just a demonstration against China's human rights policies in Tibet and not an all out boycott. It's unfortunate that these things happen and I do not entirely agree with how demonstrators go about their business, but it has certainly brought light to the issue that otherwise might have been swept under the rug.
I certainly don't agree with accosting the torch runners and it would seem to me there is a much better means to getting your point across than additional violence. Makes no sense at all to me.
Tough issues for tough times. I'm not sure what the answers are.
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Counting the Herd one hoof at a time. |
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Bugeater
Posts:971
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| 04/09/2008 4:09 PM |
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| The 1980 Olympics that Crit referred to, and the incident in Munich have already proven that the Olympics can and will be hijacked for political reasons. Both China and the IOC had to know what they were getting into. Do I agree with it? No, but it is what it is. |
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egami
Posts:4910
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| 04/10/2008 7:22 AM |
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Posted By Crit40 on 04/09/2008 3:43 PM
I'm not trying to ruffle any feathers here, and I can't say that I agree with China's record on human rights, but did you agree or disagree with the United States boycott of the 1980 Moscow Games? That was certainly a political action.
At this point, it is just a demonstration against China's human rights policies in Tibet and not an all out boycott. It's unfortunate that these things happen and I do not entirely agree with how demonstrators go about their business, but it has certainly brought light to the issue that otherwise might have been swept under the rug.
I certainly don't agree with accosting the torch runners and it would seem to me there is a much better means to getting your point across than additional violence. Makes no sense at all to me.
Tough issues for tough times. I'm not sure what the answers are.
I think it goes down as one of the more spineless acts in history, but that was to be expected of Jimmy Carter.
My stance isn't any different than it ever has been. Boycott the Olympics because of Olympic issues, but not political ones.
And, I'll reiterate, it's even MORE spineless to boycott the ceremonies and a torch run.
Oh, and here is icing for the cake imo...
Dali Lama is supporting the Olympics. |
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Posted By Omahan on 06/16/2008 12:28 PM
I am actually desperate today.
Posted By Omahan on 06/16/2008 12:47 PM
They say...people will resort to saying things they know aren't true when they are desperate.
Posted By Omahan on 07/18/2008 1:47 PM
And you have on cue demonstrated what I have hallucinated from day one in regards to you.
Posted by Omahan on 07/23/2008 10:25 AM
I actually created Fergie in part to attack you Crit without you knowing it was me. Some of your takes were so lame that I almost came at you as myself a few time... |
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vranged
Posts:2573
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| 04/10/2008 10:02 AM |
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| What about the Berlin boycotts in the '40s, in the midst of Naziism? That was political, but certainly understandable. |
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After acknowledging that he was desperate, Dwight said "people will resort to saying things they know aren't true when they are desperate." That about sums it up! |
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egami
Posts:4910
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| 04/10/2008 10:12 AM |
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Again, my opinion, nothing changes...
If you want to boycott something then boycott the source. Don't buy from China, Russia or Germany. If Germany is hosting the Olympics then don't support their local business.
Why people punish one entity for the sins of another is beyond me. I don't know offhand of the time line of the decision to host it in Germany and the date of the actual games. I am all for people protesting the Olympics staging the games somewhere in a situation like that for non-political reasons (like war) up front. They can protest however they want, really.
But once a location is decided I don't think you sit out the Olympics over political issues. You can choose not buy things there and that stuff.
*edit*
fixed "non-political" |
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Posted By Omahan on 06/16/2008 12:28 PM
I am actually desperate today.
Posted By Omahan on 06/16/2008 12:47 PM
They say...people will resort to saying things they know aren't true when they are desperate.
Posted By Omahan on 07/18/2008 1:47 PM
And you have on cue demonstrated what I have hallucinated from day one in regards to you.
Posted by Omahan on 07/23/2008 10:25 AM
I actually created Fergie in part to attack you Crit without you knowing it was me. Some of your takes were so lame that I almost came at you as myself a few time... |
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vranged
Posts:2573
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| 04/10/2008 11:18 AM |
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| What would garner more attention? A group of 100, or 1,000, or 25,000 people refusing to buy Chinese products, or those same groups showing up to ruin an event? I'm not saying it's right, but I understand why they do it. They punish the wrong entity because, in their minds, their cause is more important. |
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After acknowledging that he was desperate, Dwight said "people will resort to saying things they know aren't true when they are desperate." That about sums it up! |
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egami
Posts:4910
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| 04/10/2008 12:04 PM |
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I thought my first reply had acknowledged that.
My point isn't questioning why they do it. At least, not from the angle of exposure.
No question protesters looks for the biggest stage possible. The are wrong in principle, not tactically.
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Posted By Omahan on 06/16/2008 12:28 PM
I am actually desperate today.
Posted By Omahan on 06/16/2008 12:47 PM
They say...people will resort to saying things they know aren't true when they are desperate.
Posted By Omahan on 07/18/2008 1:47 PM
And you have on cue demonstrated what I have hallucinated from day one in regards to you.
Posted by Omahan on 07/23/2008 10:25 AM
I actually created Fergie in part to attack you Crit without you knowing it was me. Some of your takes were so lame that I almost came at you as myself a few time... |
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egami
Posts:4910
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| 04/10/2008 12:12 PM |
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| And, specifically, the worst ones are the ones that want us to boycott the opening ceremony only. |
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Posted By Omahan on 06/16/2008 12:28 PM
I am actually desperate today.
Posted By Omahan on 06/16/2008 12:47 PM
They say...people will resort to saying things they know aren't true when they are desperate.
Posted By Omahan on 07/18/2008 1:47 PM
And you have on cue demonstrated what I have hallucinated from day one in regards to you.
Posted by Omahan on 07/23/2008 10:25 AM
I actually created Fergie in part to attack you Crit without you knowing it was me. Some of your takes were so lame that I almost came at you as myself a few time... |
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vranged
Posts:2573
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| 04/10/2008 1:12 PM |
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Posted By egami on 04/10/2008 10:12
Why people punish one entity for the sins of another is beyond me.
I thought you had acknowledged it too, until I read the above sentence. I was just explaining how they justify punishing the wrong entity, because apparently, it was beyond you.
I agree with you, by the way. But I also understand where the other side is coming from (even though I disagree with it).
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After acknowledging that he was desperate, Dwight said "people will resort to saying things they know aren't true when they are desperate." That about sums it up! |
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egami
Posts:4910
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| 04/10/2008 1:17 PM |
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Posted By vranged on 04/10/2008 1:12 PM Posted By egami on 04/10/2008 10:12
Why people punish one entity for the sins of another is beyond me.
I thought you had acknowledged it too, until I read the above sentence. I was just explaining how they justify punishing the wrong entity, because apparently, it was beyond you. I agree with you, by the way. But I also understand where the other side is coming from (even though I disagree with it).
Well, I stated that because there are people that do it for that reason.
I've read many blogs articles and message board articles of people supportive of the protesters who think very much that there is nothing wrong with it.
Not everyone is doing it, or supportive of it, merely for the exposure issue. There are a lot of them that think there is nothing wrong with the approach. |
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Posted By Omahan on 06/16/2008 12:28 PM
I am actually desperate today.
Posted By Omahan on 06/16/2008 12:47 PM
They say...people will resort to saying things they know aren't true when they are desperate.
Posted By Omahan on 07/18/2008 1:47 PM
And you have on cue demonstrated what I have hallucinated from day one in regards to you.
Posted by Omahan on 07/23/2008 10:25 AM
I actually created Fergie in part to attack you Crit without you knowing it was me. Some of your takes were so lame that I almost came at you as myself a few time... |
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vranged
Posts:2573
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| 04/10/2008 1:26 PM |
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And the guy who bombs the abortion clinic doesn't think anything's wrong with that. And the PETA member who throws paint on the person wearing fur thinks that's acceptable. And the hippie who breaks and enters into a lab to free all the testing animals thinks that's fine and dandy.
I hate to generalize, but there's a screw loose with a lot of these protesters.
Speaking of which, I think there should be a law. If you've protested testing on animals, and you get sick -- you are not allowed to get any medical treatment or take any pills that came about because of said testing. |
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After acknowledging that he was desperate, Dwight said "people will resort to saying things they know aren't true when they are desperate." That about sums it up! |
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egami
Posts:4910
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| 04/10/2008 1:30 PM |
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| lol, I'd go for that... |
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Posted By Omahan on 06/16/2008 12:28 PM
I am actually desperate today.
Posted By Omahan on 06/16/2008 12:47 PM
They say...people will resort to saying things they know aren't true when they are desperate.
Posted By Omahan on 07/18/2008 1:47 PM
And you have on cue demonstrated what I have hallucinated from day one in regards to you.
Posted by Omahan on 07/23/2008 10:25 AM
I actually created Fergie in part to attack you Crit without you knowing it was me. Some of your takes were so lame that I almost came at you as myself a few time... |
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vranged
Posts:2573
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| 04/10/2008 1:41 PM |
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I hate hippies more than Cartman does, but maybe not as much as Rob Riggle....
http://www.truthdig.com/avbooth/item/20080325_daily_show_marines_not_welcome_in_berkeley/
"The Ladies in Pink" need to go away. I love how Riggle just made fools out of them!! "If only there was a group that would protect free speech...." Classic! |
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After acknowledging that he was desperate, Dwight said "people will resort to saying things they know aren't true when they are desperate." That about sums it up! |
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