An Olympic challenge: Bush should address human rights abuse

As a test of his presidential legacy, President Bush needs to address the human rights violation in China on his visit to the Beijing Olympic Games, said T. Kumar, Advocacy Director for Asia and Pacific for Amnesty International of the United States, especially because, on its own accord, the Chinese government promised to improve its human rights treatment.

Kumar made his message clear: Human rights in China have deteriorated since the International Olympic Committee decided the games would be held in Beijing. 250,000 people are imprisoned in labor camps through the "re-education through labor" detention system. According to Kumar, the Chinese government executes more people than every other country combined.

In his speech in Thailand yesterday, Bush addressed Chinese human rights violations, but that speech was meaningless if he does speak up when he is actually in China, Kumar said. Kumar suggested that Bush meet with"Mothers of Tiananmen," which consists of relatives of Tiananmen Square victims. The Chinese government has decided to designate three areas for peaceful demonstration, Kumar said, and Bush should also visit them.

Bush is sending a conflicted message about religious freedom by visiting state-controlled churches during his visit, argued Kumar. He should also visit independent churches.

Speaking out would be a symbolic victory against human right violations in China. Although it would have not have a significant short-term effect, Bush could set the standard for what the United States expects of China and establish guidelines for the next president, Kumar said.

Brownback, others condemn China human rights violations at Olympic protest

A passionate news conference to condemn human rights abuses by China only 99 days before they host the 2008 Olympic games in Beijing was held today., The news conference included speeches by prominent senators such as Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Sam Brownback (R-KS), and human rights activists from organizations including SaveDarfur.org and Amnesty International.

The crowd, activists, and each of the speakers was incredibly passionate about protesting the United States’ involvement in the Olympic games. The press conference’s attendees called for President Bush to not attend the opening ceremonies, and described the Chinese as oppressive people, who violate human rights and are the biggest supporters of the genocidal Sudanese government in the world.

Menendez said that since the Chinese received the honor of hosting the games they have continuously “abused the basic human rights of their people.” Congessman Frank Wolf (R-PA) focused on the relationship the Chinese have with other oppressive nations, such as Korea, mentioning that China is actively engaged in espionage efforts against our nation.

Speakers described the painful lengths the Chinese take to enforce strict religious policies that limit what religion their people can legally worship. Congressman Chris Smith (R- NJ) called the attacks the Chinese have held against pregnant females, in which they force them into terrible abortions, “gender-cide.”