 |
Re: [RC] UAE Involvement in AERC Functions - heidiI agree with Steph that we do not have the right to force the WECparticipants to boycott the event and agree it was an unfair thing to do at the Olympics--- However, this is not a matter of politics of the cold war here-- this is a matter of child abuse-- and perhaps the team has to decide individually if they want to make a statement. They can always compete, representing themselves and do not have to represent the USA. Just a thought I will get flak for saying this, but no matter WHAT the atrocity, peaceful solutions are "politics." Passing laws is "politics." Negotiating with foreign governments is "politics." Boycotting is "politics." Going anyway to make a statement is "politics." Doesn't matter if you are trying to fight child abuse, incinerating Jews in gas furnaces, or what. Your actions (or inactions) constitute a political process. And for what it's worth, our riders do not "have" to represent us. No one has held a gun to their head to nominate and prepare. They ARE making their own choices by going. And if any of them choose to drop out (which they can at any time, for any reason), that is why we have alternates. This IS their choice, all the way. At least they HAVE a choice, unlike the athletes in the boycotted Olympics. (Great posts, BTW, Steph and Joe.) Choice is supposed to be a hallmark of our "better" system--and that freedom was summarily denied our Olympic athletes in the boycott year. Heidi =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
|