The Olympic Torch was lit a couple of weeks ago and since then its global journey has been marred by protests tied to China's continuing refusal to free Tibet. The torch relay was dramatically altered in France as protesters sought to extinguish the flame. The torch was carried by bus to prevent the protesters from getting at the torch. (Click here for CNN report)

The torch is now in the United States and the protests have continued here as protesters scaled the Golden Gate Bridge. There is so much concern over the torch that security for it has been elevated to the level given to a visiting head of state. (click here for ABC report)

The Olympic Committee states in a press release dated March 23, 2008 that the main responsibility of the Olympic Committee is to "deliver the best possible Olympic Games to the athletes, who deserve it." (click here to read press release) The press release states: "We believe that China will change by opening the country to the scrutiny of the world through the 25’000 media who will attend the Games. The Olympic Games are a force for good. They are a catalyst for change, not a panacea for all ills."

If they take their responsibilities seriously, why would they have selected China to host the Olympics? Was China really able to deliver the best possible experience in an environment that forbids free thought and expression? The many conditions China places on visitors to the country seem, on their face, to be counter to the Olympic spirit. (Click here for Customs Regulations for China) Of note, nothing that is detrimental to China's politics, economy, culture and ethics can be brought in. The list of items in violation of this policy could go on and on...

Were they unaware of the human rights violations that occur every day in China? No- they acknowledge China's history but assert that they remain outside the discussions of pressuring China to allow the people of Tibet, or the people of China for that matter.

The committee indicates, in this same press release, that they believe the Olympic games will bring about mass change in China. While the Olympics are supposedly not political, and the goal of the committee is not to influence the political behavior of the Chinese government, they allude to their hope that the Olympics will, in a non-political way, influence the politics of China.

The Olympic Committee is delusional. Everything is political. Especially the Olympics. The selection of China to host the Olympics creates a perception that the Olympic Committee provided some legitimacy to China.

The Chinese government's efforts to pretend that they are interested in the Olympic message should have been laughed at, not embraced. China's record is clear to all, inside and outside of China- this is a country that oppresses its own people and uses its power to support other dictatorial governments around the world.

The people of China are denied freedom in all aspects of their lives. The world has turned its back on the Chinese people while building up the government through ridiculously shortsighted trade agreements and economic policies. Now the Olympics will deliver untold revenue to a country that enslaves its people and denies them access to information and freedom. This revenue will directly support the political infrastructure in power in China.

People as politically different as Hillary Clinton and John Bolton, have suggested the U.S. should boycott the opening ceremony of the Olympics. This would send a political message but not hurt the athletes. (click here for USA Today article)

The United States should go further than boycott the opening ceremony- the United States should boycott the Olympics- period.

There are things in this world more important than the feelings or careers of athletes...