Column: Bush Right For Not Boycotting Olympics

This story was written by Sean Reed, Rocky Mountain Collegian

Most people are familiar with the old adage, "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade." Apparently, our dear president, with his uncanny ability to mutilate the English language, is no different.

In this instance, the lemon is China.

On Sunday, while preparing for the start of the G8 conference in Japan Monday, President Bush reiterated his intention to attend the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics, despite increasing criticism both locally and internationally for the decision.

This criticism stems from international outcry over China's record on human rights and its treatment of citizens of Tibet, especially during the recent security crackdown leading up to the Olympic Games.

Three G8 member nations -- the United Kingdom, Germany and Canada -- have announced their intention to boycott the ceremonies and French President Nicolas Sarkozy has publicly said he is considering doing the same.

At home, according to the AP, Bush has also faced significant opposition from members of his own party for the move, including presumptive Republican presidential candidate John McCain.

But for the first time in his presidency, standing alone against such widespread criticism is exactly the right thing to do.

It is true that China's authoritarian regime is less than good to its people and denies them many rights that we in the U.S. take for granted, such as free speech and the freedom of the press.

Likewise it is true that the international community should condemn the recent violent response to protests in Tibet by the Chinese government.

What many people are ignoring, however, is that the best tool for solving these problems -- the publicity surrounding the Olympics -- will vanish if every powerful nation were to boycott.

In the past few months there have been more news stories and discussions about China and its human rights record than in years.

In addition, the international media spotlight shining on the nation gives progressive groups an opportunity to broadcast their grievances through an outlet that the Chinese government cannot censor or control.

The biggest reason Bush gave at his press conference, however, was less about human rights than political strategy, but was still compelling. Boycotting the ceremonies could be construed as an insult to the Chinese people, rather than just a protest against its government.

Given that the ability to host the Olympics is a considerable point of pride to the Chinese people -- as it should be -- a boycott would assuredly sour their feelings toward the U.S., which could make current discussions between the two nations about global warming, strife in Myanmar and nuclear proliferation across Asia more difficult, if not impossible.

Now, there is a legitimate concern that attendance at the opening ceremonies could be misconstrued as acceptance of China's human rights policies, but it's a risk the U.S. must take.

Given the important issues surrounding current talks with China, it is extremely important that we keep the lines of communication open. A boycott will only serve to end these discussions.

Bush is making the right call. Hopefully the international community will get behind him on this one.