Re: Boycott the Sochi Olympics?
Post 1
It has been a very long time, since I watched sports on TV and was never interested in going to the Olympics, therefore me boycotting the Sochi Olympics would not look much different from me not boycotting them.
I do agree with Fry, that the situation regarding homosexuals and human rights in general is not that great in Russia and not really compatible with the "Olympic Spirit". Why be homo- and xenophobe, but at the same time still invite the whole world to your country???
Are boycotts of the games OK? Yes. At least in general, I have no problems with boycotts.
I would never put pressure on athletes, to go or not to go to the Olympic Games. For many, this is a once-in-a-life-time opportunity and it is their desicion, if they want to join. Maybe a gay athlete should humiliate Russia, like Jesse Owens humiliated Hitler...
The second level is that of politicians. Just like Obama, every politician can decide not to show up for an event. I probably would not visit Russia in an official function if I had any choice. Send a subalterne assistant instead.
So yes and no, Olympics are 'above' politics for athletes, but not above politics for politicians. Who decides? The mostly corrupt members of the IOC, so there will be many more undemocratic venues till those Augean stables are cleansed.