Ways That Are Dark

The big Olympic news yesterday was U.S. President George Bush accepting an invitation to attend the 2008 games in Beijing.

But Sophie Richardson, an Asia expert at Human Rights Watch, an advocacy organization, said Mr. Bush was giving “an enormous propaganda opportunity to an abusive government.” The group has not called for a boycott of the Games, though, on the theory that the Olympics could be used to raise awareness of human rights abuses in China. She called on Mr. Bush to do so.

The above is quoted from The New York Times article Bush, After Talks With China’s Leader, Accepts Invitation to Beijing Olympics

The fine line President Bush has to walk with human rights in China is clear. This week, CNN reports that Beijing has arrested a land rights activist who wrote a letter to the government rejecting the games and demanding more respect for human rights. (Source: Report: China arrests anti-Olympics activist).

Perhaps this is what the President was referring to when he said, “China’s leaders can use the opportunity to show confidence by demonstrating a commitment to greater openness and tolerance.”