Pelosi Suggests Bush Skip Olympic Opener

WASHINGTON — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Monday that President Bush should consider boycotting the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics following China's crackdown on protesters in Tibet.

"I think boycotting the opening ceremony, which really gives respect to the Chinese government, is something that should be kept on the table," Pelosi, D-Calif., said in an interview taped for airing Tuesday on ABC's "Good Morning America." "I think the president might want to rethink this later, depending on what other heads of state do."

The White House has said Bush would not boycott the Beijing Olympics, which begin Aug. 8, because of the crackdown, arguing that the games are an event that are supposed to be about the athletes, not politics.

Pelosi, who has a long history of opposing human rights abuses in China, said she does not think the United States should boycott the games entirely. The Olympic torch is making its one U.S. stop in Pelosi's hometown of San Francisco and large protests are expected.

"I don't agree with the perception that is out there that the Olympic Games are this great, unifying, human rights-advocating organization. ... It's a sporting event and it should proceed," she said.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy was the first European leader to suggest a boycott of the opening ceremony to protest China's handling of the unrest in Tibet. German Chancellor Angela Merkel is skipping the Olympics.

In the 1990s Pelosi led congressional opposition to normalizing trade relations with China. In 1991 she was part of a small congressional delegation that entered Tiananmen Square to honor the pro-democracy activists killed there, leading to a scuffle between police and American news crews trying to cover the event.

Comments

[LeonBNJ]

If Bush were not to appear, even if it is only for the opening ceremony, they it would be a grave insult to the leaders of the PRC, would probably hurt critical negotiations on trade, hurt deals of American co's in China affecting jobs in both the PRC and the USA. Besides, if Bush were to not attend over Tibet, that would be a huge conterdiction to their policies elsewhere.
I would suggest that no other leading American politican, Senator, Congreessmember, Cabinet official should show up to show America's real opinion of the PRC.

[HolyHell]

Dear Speaker Pelosi,

Until you get waterboarding outlawed, the U.S. out of Iraq, and the Bush administration on trial for the numerous human rights violations they and those under them have committed in Iraq and elsewhere, you should realize the U.S. is in no position to play good cop. And...oh yeah, do you forget that 70% of US GDP is from consumption. Guess where all those neat little goods come from? No excuse, China is not a human rights beacon by any stretch, and I support a free Tibet, but get off the political punch lines and get to work.

[lovethesinner]

I love Nancy Pelosi. She's absolutely right. Bush has played "suck-up" to tyrannts to borrow on his war, let him pay for it, now, with some righteous action.

[goodsnservices]

You obviously haven't studied the realities of international politics if you are saying such a naive thing.

[RogerHWerner]

It isn't just Bush who has sucked up to the Chinese. The whole fucking world has done it. The fact that the IOC would even consider granting an Olympic games to a government ruled by what amounts to as little better then thugs is pretty incredible. That this in fact happened gives us all some idea where the world's priorities lie and it isn't with human rights. The only thing that counts in the world today is money. Now that the US owe these sons of bitches in Peking a trillion and half dollars, it might not be such a good idea if we kicked sand in their eyes unless we're prepared to accept the consequences. Since Ms. Pelosi seems to represent the pro-business wing of the Democratic party, I doubt if she'd be willing to accept fault for any financial fallout.

[springsm]

And how right you are Roger. WHY did Bejing get the Olympic Games anyway. That was a grand suck up in my opinion. Pollution, horrid human rights..but wait...they own many and definately the USA.

[bushdoescrack]

i believe that ALL olympic teams should boycott any event with an american representative. boycott because of the illegal rape and slaughter of iraq, a crime far more heinous what china has done to tibet.

[HumeSkeptic]

I agree with Pelosi.

[Superbus]

And you would be correct to agree with her.

[williamg]

Maybe we should start boycotting Bush. Bush should attend the entire Olympics in hopes that his stupidness is as infectious as it has been over the last 7 years in our country.

[SharedHumanity]

Actually, He should have considered boycotting the Washington Nationals home opener.

[Miket53]

How can boycotting the ceremonies be "respectful" of the Chinese? Pelosi is wrong here. We can address any wrongs in that country separatly but we shouldn't boycott anything. I guess since Pelosi has become a "non-player" in Washington because of her various catastrophies..she is resorting to being a player at the olympics. It doesn't work.
She needs to step down and let someone else run the show.
http://mtaricani.blogspot.com/
Mike

[McSurgent]

If the Chinese add a Gay Pride Parade as part of the opening ceremonies, no way would liberals boycott it.

[BrianZ]

This person who was so celebrated when she became majority leader has been a complete and utter disappointment. I'm sure she's a lovely person but damned near worthless as a politician. She will pop off quite readily about what other people need to do as long as it does not endanger her own career.

[DRaymond]

Sorry but the US is in too much debt (literally) to China to risk annoying them.

[maggieb]

Amen!!! but Nancy is too busy meddling in Dem Primary race to realize that China OWNS the US....

[tryharder2think]

try harder maggie b.

you can do it. you are not as simple minded as that...

Nancy is a very knowledgeable woman and is the strongest woman democrat politician in america. i would have a little more faith in her if i were you.

there is no black and no white.

try harder 2 think

[NoahVail]

Yeah, I am tired of kissing Saudi ass. Lets kiss some Chinese ass for a change.

[Superbus]

Mrs Pelosi has this one 100% right. Not only should he boycott the Opening Ceremonies, he should tell the Chinese that unless the Games are televised live, they will not be televised in the U.S. at all.

[BigBagel]

You do and we'll dump dollars. Beggars don't get much respect.

[gotalife]

Sure Nancy, boycott your banker.

Germany and other countries can because they are not owned by China.

[leftLibertarian]

Hey Pelosi, the only thing I want to hear coming from your big mouth is....

I'm bringing articles of impeachment against the criminals Bush and Cheney.

[Superbus]

Wrong, she is showing very good judgement and striking a blow for freedom and democracy.

[Yasmine]

HEY leftlibertarian Nancy Pelosi said before election 06 that IMPEACHMENT WAS OFF THE table ...............Had she not said that ..........the Democrats may have not won that big.
The Bosses of this country rightly or wrongly are ALLERGIC to LEFTISM

[bick]

the candidate that promises to arrest bush for treason and war crimes will win in ten landslides.

smart people know there's no hell or heaven. that's why bush needs to be punished right here on earth.

[Superbus]

Don't you think that time has come and gone? How about some new tax cuts for corporations since the U.S. ranks next to the highest in corporate income tax rates.

[milo9]

Agreed! Impeach Bush and Cheney; restore the Bill of Rights.

And she has blood on her hands from "taking impeachment off the tablel".

[Diana]

Right you are! I'm no fan of China, but for god's sake, what about human rights HERE!

What an insubstanial remark, what a waste of valuable time for the speaker of the house. What about doing something, anything, to stop the upcoming war with Iran, nancy? Okay with you if we nuke iran and kill possibly millions? Where does that place on your list of human rights?