Bloggers to Boycott Beijing

An evergrowing and expanding network of bloggers are exchanging stories and linking together to highlight Human Rights issues in this Olympic year. A logo, designed by Faithmouse, is being broadcast around the Web representing the Beijing Dancing Man (logo for the Olympics) wearing chains. The idea behind the campaign is to raise awareness of China's policies concerning Burma, the Falun Gong, Darfur, Tibet, et al., during the run-up to the opening ceremonies scheduled for August 8,2008. To participate or for more details see: The post Blogger Boycott.

Update:  Prince of Wales to boycott Olympics.

   Prince Charles, a long time advocate of Tibet and the Dalai Lama, has announced that he will not attend the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics due to China's record of human rights abuses against the small mountainous country.  With six months to go before the start of the Olympics, in August, Charles is the first dignitary or head-of-state to openly rebuff the invitation from China as a humanitarian gesture.  See the CNN account here.

Update:  Spielberg resigns

   Film director Steven Spielberg has resigned as the artistic director for the Games over the Darfur issue.  Also of interest in this article is the first disclosure that athletes are being asked, by the Chinese authorities, to abide by a contract that they are not allowed to stage any kind of protest while at the Games.  The plot thickens.  See story.

Update:  Dutch politician wants Boycott

   Joel Voordewind raises the issue of a boycott of the Opening Ceremonies and Games.  Voordewind blames the late call for a boycott of the 1980 Moscow games as a factor in it's ineffectual results, and presses for an earlier stance this time.  Story here.

Update:  Czech Politicians join Boycott

   The President of Czech Republic and several Ministers will not be going to Beijing for the ceremony or games.  Although the President did not give his reasons, the ministers were not bashful about stating that the recent events in Tibet had made up their minds.  French and Belgian politicians are now raising the issue of attendance although no one has of yet remarked about the athletes.  More here.

Update:  Torch Relay Boycotted

   On the eve of the Olympic Torch relay run in England several local celebrities today announced they will withdraw from participating because of their sympathies with Tibet.  The publicity of the boycott regarding this Sunday's event is causing confusion with the organisers and further embarassment to Chinese authorities.  Read more here.