Steven A. Smith reports that, in order to compete in the Olympic games this year, athletes are required to sign waivers declaring that they will not engage in political protest:
It's nice to see recognition for the two former medalists on the eve of another Olympics. But at the same time, to participate in the Beijing Games, athletes are now required to sign waivers promising that they won't engage in any kind of protest or demonstration at Olympic venues. It's ironic at the very least. Not to mention pathetic, weak and un-American. That's right, I said it!
Olympic organizers can try all they want to keep the Games nonpolitical. That won't stop Tibetans at home and abroad from protesting Chinese repression. And it certainly shouldn't stop today's U.S. athletes, collectively and individually more powerful than ever before, from saying or doing something that transcends sports instead of being limited by them. I don't care if it's in the form of a small quote or a big gesture.
I wonder if this non-protect waiver will apply to thanking Jesus and asking people to support the troops. Also, Never mind that the games are themselves basically a massive political rally for the Chinese government. Propaganda good, protest bad.
It is becoming increasingly clear that the Olympic Games should never have been awarded to China. From the air quality in Beijing, to the pending clamp down on the media in October once the games are over, to disallowing protest by athletes at the games, these Olympics do not appear promising. Even leaving politics aside, the twelve-hour time delay should make the American coverage of the games pretty lame, too.
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