Site icon JONATHAN TURLEY

Bush To Go to the Olympics: Tibet and Crackdown on Dissidents No Reason to Avoid Celebration

It is unclear whether it is a demonstration of his own disregard for human rights or the new power China holds on the world, but President George Bush has decided that he will go to the opening of the Olympics. Various human rights groups encouraged Bush not to attend — a modest show of opposition to China’s crackdown on Tibet and a wide array of dissidents.

In Japan, Bush explained that not going would “make it more difficult to be able to speak more frankly with the Chinese leadership.” Hmmmm. One would not want difficult conversations with a nation that is repressing Tibet, arresting journalists, and cracking down on any form of true free speech. However, Bush said that he would bring of the human rights thing while celebrating the games. Given the worldwide criticism of his own torture program and alleged war crimes, that will likely be an enlightening moment for Chinese President Hu Jintao.

He may also stop to thank the Chinese for their wonderful torture material after it was recently disclosed that his Administration copied from the Chinese torture manual used on U.S. troops in the Korean War. Click here.

Lord only knows what the generous Chinese hosts will send Bush back with on this trip. It is certainly time for an upgrade on the torture program.

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