Oh great! Now Hillary will try and take credit for this.

Now china will ask us to pay back out loans…

Good luck Bush!

Bush, you flipped off the democrats every other time they tried to tell you what to do. What's different here?

Just as Mr.. Bush has limited US options in Iraq , the President's trip to the Olympics in China is another example. The question is not whether he should boycott the Opening Ceremonies, but whether he can do so without serious consequences for the US economy. The Chinese tyrants are now in position to wreck the the US currency. We are also dependent on them for loans to continue the import binge, including oil from the Middle East. If you think about it he really has no option , but to attend. What a sorry situation!

As well he should!

What really saddens me is that Hillary continues to LIE!(NAFTA) LIE! (ALLEGED BOSNIA SNIPER FIRE) LIE!( IRELAND). Clearly she can't be trusted. Just ask the youth of America who, by the thousands, are convincing their parents to vote for OBAMA.

And she stooped to a new level for asking America (mostly women) to give her some POINTS because it takes longer for her to dress up and get ready than men. ARE YOU KIDDING ME!

Who cares!!!!!!! really I mean no one was up in arms climbing bridges and holding protests back when the commission made that choice! I would like everyone to think about all those people who have worked a life time for the chance to compete in these games! I don't agree with what China is doing any more than the next man but come on these games should not be used in any political arm twisting it was bad for Hillary to support this idea and now that we know that the village idiot is actually thinking about it we should really be scared Hillary is no democrat she is a republican in democrat rhetoric. once again for all the bad you have done and pain you have caused the world SHAME on you MR Bush!!!

Not attending is a great move. But pressuring China afterwards is important.

We Dems love it when Geo. Bush takes Clinton (Bill or Hillary) advice.

The reason most news agencies won't report anything bad about Obama, even the truth, is because lots of them are getting death threats if they do.

It's not just that they are against Hillary, they are afraid to say anything else.

Clintonites and Obamanians! MUST READ! Its the republicans that are posting and pretending to be Obamanians/Clinotonites to drive us against each other.

YES both Obama and Clinton sides have been battling each other but the most divisive and rude statements come from the republicans! We've been had DEMOCRATS! Check out the links.

THIS MEANS WAR! Smarten up democrats.

Please google this "Republicans bloggers posing as democrats on blogs".

OMG Bush is going to do the right thing!

Why?

The time to complain was before China got the games not now.

Are we sure it has nothing to do with the 15 hr flight without cable TV?

Bush is an IDIOT IN EVERY WAY!!!

First he gets us in a war that we cannot afford

then he borrows money from China to fund it

now we are in-debted to china and cannot speak out against their human rights records

now we look like hypocrits, and the world hates us even more

great job Bush!! great job!!

WILL YOU LEAVE THE WHITE HOUSE ALREADY!!!

OBAMA 08!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bush will attend the opening Olympics because he's scared not to. That may upset the Chinese and all the trade deals that he and his cronies have made. You know that money trumps everything in this world.

It sounds like Bush has a very powerful opportunity to lead a strong moral protest that would include other world leaders awaiting his influence. Here's what bothers me:

"But the President has been clear that this is a sporting event for the athletes and that pressuring China before, during and after the Olympics is the best way for us to try to help people across the board in China, not just Tibetans."

What are we doing 'before'? I'm not seeing anyone pressuring them? Why do you need to wait until August to talk to the President of China? What are you doing??? I'm seeing a very immature stance on this issue coming out of the Bush administration. Bush would rather go to the Olympics than tell China they're wrong. Action now does not mean you can't go to the Olympics if it truly is 'just a sporting event'.

Why now actually listen to what the libs and French have to say?

Stay the course. We've already redressed them via White House and the Congress publicly. The next step should be consideration of sanctions–high level discussions–or just do what we've been doing–ignoring the situation.

If you go GW Please stay there. Thanks!!!

I still love you too President Bush, but I feel the media is monopolizing our votes!

The Grand Illusion
Welcome to the grand illusion
Come on in and see whats happening
Pay the price, get your tickets for the show
But don't be fooled by the radio
The TV or the magazines
THEY ARE OWNED BY A HANDFUL OF DRAMA QUEENS

So if you think your life is complete confusion
Because you never win the game
Just remember that its a grand illusion
And deep inside we're all the same.
HOPE AND CHANGE, paid for by G. E.

another song, the ninety's were the BEST OF TIMES
with the Clinton's!

Now wouldn't it be funny if China then forced us to pay back the BILLIONS of dollars we owe them

I suppose that it would be difficult finding a cable that long.

Darn, I was kind of hoping Bush would go to China. He needs to know where China is. I guess, after thinking about it, he can get Dick Cheney to point it out on a map for him.

In regard to the message Bush would be sending to the world by going to China for the Olympics, I don't think it really matters at this point. Bush, in 8 years, has managed to drop the US's reputation in the world almost to the levels of his own approval rating. There is very little else he could do to make matters worse. Perhaps suggesting that double parkers be waterboarded might make it a bit worse, but not much.

yeah right

if Prezzz Bush don't go to openning Olympic ceremonies China should ask for payment in full of all America dedt to China. This is about sports the Olympics not politic. Prezz Bush should go

If he does not attend the opening ceremonies that is fine… he makes a statement. I do not think we should boycott the olympics as a country… there is no need to punish people who have worked so hard to get there because of political leveraging they have no control over.

"Anxious to accept the invitation"? we don't see you anxious to help us Bush? think about how much is that trip going to cost the American people! while we are here working hard to buy gas, food, to pay our bills…..you are going to be in China attending the ceremony!! DON'T THINK SO………THAT IS REASON # 5,000 why your ratings are so low Mr. President!!!!!!!!

He had no choice, Hillary told him to, dang she is slowly taking power already.

Good.

Does it really matter??

Who wants to see more of Dubya? Enough.

Why start listening to public opinion now? The decider…blinks.

Did all these politicians just suddenly realize now that China is dictatorial nation that stomps on human rights? They have had years to respond and they have not - for the simple reason that a large number of western corporations are making millions if not billions in profits taking advantage of low labour rates, atrocious working conditions and non-existent human rights in China. But instead of fining or taxing away the profits of these pirate corporations which have laid off thousands of workers in North America and which have contributed the major part to the trade deficit Western countries experience trading with China, all they can come up with is to avoid going to the opening ceremonies. Soon we will hear calls for an Olympic boycott, guaranteeing that the only victims of the West's sudden concern over human rights in China will be those athletes who have trained for years to be in the Olympics. However, you will never hear these same people calling for an economic boycott of China. Athletes do not bankroll politicians' election campaigns nor do they pay prodigious sums to ex-politicians and presidents to represent them overseas. Once again, when politicians want to make a moral point, they do so in a manner which will cause the least amount of cost to them or their rich corporate friends.

Dear Mr. President,
Please show some backbone and boycott the opening ceremonies. Tell China that their history of human rights violations is the reason behind your boycott. Tell them that when a Chinese military officer is beating a peaceful Buddhist monk TO DEATH in the streets of Tibet, America is no friend to China. If you "hold these truths to be self evident," then remind China that there are in fact "certain unalienable Rights." (That's from our Bill of Rights, Mr. President… a documents that you've probably never read before).
Jim, Minneapolis

Who giva a damm….he skips or not ?

He should, but when has he ever done the right thing. I'll hold my breath.

Obama 08

He's an athletic supporter. That's nice.

I think it's not good to boycott the olympic opening day. Olympics should be and is, an event that brings people of all races, religions, regions and color together. I agree that the United States must express some kind of message to China on it's human rights violations in Tibet. However, if every American is honest with ourselves, what did we do in Iraq ? didn't we do the same thing that China is doing or maybe even worse than that ? we invaded a country that never attacked us and now we are paying the price for it both in terms of death and money. Humans are enemies to their own kind. I dont know where the world is going, it's time that people think about it. God Bless the world

Mr. Bush, Do not cave in to Nancy Polosi. She is baiting for political gain.

Regarding Perinos' quote; ""But the President has been clear that this is a sporting event for the athletes and that pressuring China before, during and after the Olympics is the best way for us to try to help people across the board in China, not just Tibetans." All I have to say is ; What pressure?
Once again our President has fallen short of being "presidential and of being the "Commander in Chief " of the greatest free democratic country in the world. Instead of making a hard decision that would represent the values of America and our core beliefs in Liberty and Justice for All…..Once again, when America truly needs a REAL PRESIDENT, our "Commander in Chief" is trying to sidestep our countries bedrock values and refuses to take a stand on behalf of all Americans and of the Free world. Now THAT is UNAMERICAN!

The Olympics are about the athletes, not politics. Be careful when to and when not to cross the line.
I agree with Jim in Minneapolis, but also side with the athletes.

I recently bought a published copy of the Bill of Rights …. It was made in China.

Boycott the whole thing. I feel bad for the athletes, but lets face it, the Olympics are not what they use to be. And for certain, the chinese should not be allowed to profit given their human rights record.

Is bush now taking orders from Hillary Clinton? As much money as the US owes China he had better show up.

Michelle Obama-

Traitorous comment:
"For the first time in my adult life, I am really proud of my country because it feels
like hope is finally making a comeback,"

"a Chinese military officer is beating a peaceful Buddhist monk TO DEATH in the streets of Tibet", Jim, have your eyes or your mind checked.

I hope the U.S can boycott these Olympics and stop their double standard policies. Bush and his Republicans are for democracy and free speech only when it benefits them. They only speak out and invade to spread peace and democracy when a dollar can be made from the country and people. It is time to show that you are truly for democracy and the well being of citizens of oppressive regimes and stand up for the rights of people.

Time to end the 'double standard' dictated by this administration. Bush refuses to talk to Cuba citing it's communist ties, religious intolerance, and human rights abuses. That same standard could easily be applied to China.

I agree that the opening ceremonies should be boycotted by Bush but isn't it just a little hypocritical. How can he explain doing that when he supports the atrocities going on at Guantanamo.

A war criminal boycotting another countries attrocities, I really don't care.

I hope goes there, finds a nice job in the Chinese government, brings Cheney over and never comes back.

"Bush added, "I'm a sports fan. I'm looking forward to the competition. And each Olympic society will make its own decision as to how to deal with the athletes."

That's your reason. Great. Forget you represent the country, or make an objective decision based on politics or economics, whatever LEGITIMATE reason you might choose. Instead, "I wanna go I think it'll be a great time." Do your job for like ONE day, please.

China is like a spoiled child that gets everything they want from us, and the rest of the world.

Yes, sure you can have the Olympics and the world's attention and MONEY. But there's just this pesky issue of human rights violations. You don't care, and want to violate human rights anyway? Oh sure, go ahead–anything you say, China.

They are laughing at us and the rest of the world, and we should say NO once and for all. They should never have been allowed to have the Olympics. It should have taken place in a country as far away from China as possible.

Yes, George, show some backbone and stay away. It's not as if anyone wants to be reminded of your failed presidency anyway.

breaking news,bill clinton supported columbia free trade actually championed it,go to huff posr and politico to get full gist,
PA voters got played.

And a TRUE LEADER- Hillary Clinton- was the FIRST to suggest this.

Who cares if Bush goes to the Opening Ceremonies? The man has never considered or represented the concerns/interests of Americans. Why would he start now? His Legacy is already set!

He'll possibly boycott the opening ceremony due to China's crackdown on Tibet, but not due to China's support of the Khartoum government? It's great that he's taking a stand on Tibet, but are the refugees of Darfur any less important!?

Boycotting the opening ceremony is stupid. Big deal. Why isn't America boycotting the entire Olympic games. We shouldn't even be sending any athlete to China, period.

Boycotting the opening represents all that is essentially problematic with politics. We talk a big talk but our actions don't say a lot about our words. Is integrigity holding the hand of principle as they both walk out the door? Slapping china on the wrist has never worked in the past. Why are we still doing it?

Does anyone else find it ironic that Bush would boycott anything because of human rights violation when he allows the CIA to torture people?

Have the open ceremony in a jail cell, that way China will allow the world to know what their country is really like.

I hope there is a protest everyday. I also hope that the American media will not focus on how wonderful China is, because it will make me puke. If they are not talking about athletes or Tibet, turn the channel.

Every athlete should where a Tibetan symbol of solidarity. Every win should be dedicated to Tibet. I'm serious, this is shameful in this day and age.

Tibet 08

When Olympics in United States we need other country come to joy us and now Olympics go to China U.S.A want to boycott this is wrong to be a word leader and no human right at all.

Good.

He'd only screw something else up if he went over there anyway.

The world is safer when he's in the confines of the White House.

I couldn't have said it any better, Jim; however, you forgot, "you putz" after the last word, "before".

Just send Obama to China. He is trying to please everyone and sweet talk everyone, that's all he does, maybe he will talk their ears off and make them give up.

Hillary just go away. Who is she the Congressional Mom, now? Let him do what he wants to do, he's leaving remember. This is not a man with backbone.

Bush will ultimately do nothing or exactly the wrong thing. Like he has done for eight years now. Now come on general public don't be a flock of sheep like you have been now for eight years. This guy should have been hung by his toes in the street for many other issues, the situation in China must be addresses. BUT WE MUST CHANGE OUR POLICIES AND STANCES HERE IN THE U.S. before we do anything anywhere else in this madhouse messed up world.

"PEACE IS PATRIOTIC"

Jim, where did you get the story that chinese beat monks to death in the streets of tibet. I lived in Tibet for servral years watching tibetans live a normal life everyday. US is in such a mess because it's never short of liars like you! Go to tibet/China and check it out for yourself.

Peng, Atlanta

Do NOT boycott any of the Olympics, opening or otherwise. As a citizen of the Republic of China (Taiwan) living in the US, these games and the adjunct ceremonies are a celebration of Chinese culture and of the progress that has been made in the past century.

Personally I am sick and tired of the double standards the West has held China to again and again. Must I remind you all of the terrible suffering the West put China through, from the Opium Wars to imperialism thinly shrouded as international trade. Then American media chooses to portray the current unrest as brutal police action, ignoring the fact that it was the protesters who turned violent first against innocent non-Tibetan ethnic groups. But of course. The media is only doing what Americans know how to do best: criticizing other peoples' faults while ignoring their own.

Mr. Martin, we should pay back our loans to China and we should move our manufacturing back to the United States where it belongs.
That would help our national security situation and it would help our economy. China deserves to play a powerful role in the world given its great population and economic and military power. But we do not have to continue to buildup China while we deplete our own economic foundations and our position in the world.

Hillary was right to suggest this move yesterday. Bush would be correct to stay away from the ceremonies. The Nazis used them to demonstrate their great "superiority" — we shouldn't provide such a propaganda vehicle for China. Too bad the Olympics are there. The best thing is for the free people of the world to raise their voices and let China know what they think about their backwards, repressive political system and regime.

People who are asking for boycotts, dont be hypocites. Stop buying Chinese goods if you are so dedicated to the HR cause and liberation for Tibet. Boycotting olympics only hurts athalete who have worked hard all their lives for a dream.

I don't believe that Bush has the guts to stand up to the Chinese.

This is complex, but I can't help but wonder that if President Bush does attend the opening ceremonies, this will show our country's respect for the athletes representing all nations.

Just a thought.

About time you listened to Hillary.

Clinton has made a stand, Bush seems to be making a stand. This is a lot better than bombing China or letting China gun down the Tibetans. Obama has been wishy washy as always, simply waiting for public opinion to tell him what he should do about China.

Yeah, the Worst President in Modern History needs to go out with a bang. Go to China, take a photo with the human rights violators, and don't forget to smile.

Why should you think about your legacy now? It's in the toilet anyway.

Tick tock….come on November.

Let's keep politics out of the Olympics and all sporting events. There must be better ways to do deal with the terrible situation in Tibet. The Olympics is the only forum where in year's past , enemies have come together to compete in friendship! One should also consider the position of our U.S. athletes who trained hard their whole lives for this one chance, only to have it taken away by a boycott. Perhaps we should let our individual athletes make their own decisions. Did our boycott of the 1980 Moscow games accomplish anything? I think not. Has anyone considered that China has more to gain if the U.S. doesn't show? The opportunities for more chinese athletes to win gold increase dramatically. I doubt they would care if we didn't come to the party.

Good call Hillary! I don't know where Obama was hiding.

I know the Chinese own the American government, thanks to Bush's failed economic policies. But come on…You are either for human rights or you are not.

Grow some spine for god's sake and announce to the world that we, in this country, do not condone what the Chinese are doing in Tibet.

The decision to go or not to go is not entirely Bush's. He represents the people of this country and must reflect the will and opinion of the majority, especially in issues like this.

If Bush attends the opening ceremonies, McCain might feel the backlash in the general election.

What a lame President….He talks about supporting the troops, but he wont go support our athletes….Why don't you just have the US Olympic team boycott the Olympics if you are not going to support the team at the opening ceremonies. This President will make our athletes feel like crap.

But like Vice President Cheney said, who cares what the American people think……

If his only reason to go is because he is a sports fan, he needs to re-evaluate his life and current position in the world.

I guess if slaves were still being tortured and figthing to death in the Collasium in Rome, he'd go too.

It is shamefull, we now can think of nothing regarding the human right, but boycotting the Olympics

Okay,Jorge Bush, get this one right…DO NOT GO.

WOW!
This could very well be the very first time I ever supported the guy.
Yes, Make a case that is worth making. China is looking at the Olympics as their symbolic rise as a world super power, let us symbolically show them that super powers should not be built with the lost lives of Darfur, liberty of Tibet or the destruction of the environment.

China and the US are nothing alike.

We never called in the army to run tanks over democracy protesters. This is about much more than Tibet.

Your America also has a very long history of human rights violations, and such history is still going on!! Human rights??Did you give the human rights to Indians at 200 years ago?Did you give the human rights to Vietnamese when you attacked Vietnam?Come on, just look at what have you done to Iraq…..

And peaceful Buddhist? your peaceful protests robed the torch from a disabled girl in Paris???

He stands for SHAME -DISGRACE !!! ,and I don't think he has guts to question about CHINA's right ?

He is useless —-for any act of civil manner !!!!

To Ms. Jerinshi above,

While the ideals that you attribute to the Olympics are noble, the Olympics has historically ALSO upheld the even greater human value - that is civil rights. For decades South Africa was banned from participating in the Olympics because of its univerasally-condemned policy of Apartheid.

Its sad that the OIC has forgotten those ideals and awarded the games to one of the worst human rights violators on the planet…simply because they wield a great deal of power.

For the first time I agree with Bush, I feel we should not let politics interfere with a sporting event. If it is human rights violations we are concerned about, take a look at our Country first. We should practice what we preach and stop killing each other.

support the athletes- not the Chinese government- good strategy.
Kind of how most Americans feel about Iraq- support the troops, not the Presidents actions.

WOW…he is finally doing the right thing for once…

I am in shock.

Screw these over hyped, corrupt games. Does anyone really care anymore?

Don't penalize the athletes for a once in a lifetime goal. Carter did it, but he's an idiot.

Perhaps the Bush critics should go back and check the press files on his criticism on China. Actually don't bother, why let facts get in the way of good old fashioned prejudice.

DO NOT demean the Olympic Games by inserting politics into a sporting game that is NOT POLITICAL.

To those who post here, PLEASE try and stay on point!

Silly, "waste of space" comments simply do nothing but take up space for those who like to comment on the real issues, unlike 180 degrees and J Kittery.

Stay focused and keep your comments serious, do your understand politics?

It's nice to see George heeding Hillary's advice. Hillary is the smartest person in the room. Today she rocked the Senate hearing with the Hon. Gen. Petraeus, Hillary clearly proves she is the most intelligent, most qualified, most skilled, most electable candidate in the race.

Hillary will be a great President. Hillary has already proven she can win big in the big states that are the must wins for the Dems in November. The Obama caucus wins are meaningless. Obama is unelectable and Obama is destroying the Dem party.

The Democratic Party would be wise to remember that white women for decades have been the majority voting block of the party and WE WANT HILLARY!!

**VOTE SMART!! VOTE HILLARY!!**

If not Hillary, McCain. Country first, party second. Patriotism matters. Thank you Hon. Gen. Petraeus for your service, I am against the War in Iraq but I honor your service always as well as all of the brave men and women in uniform who serve this nation. May God Bless you and AMerica, NEVER< God Da– America as Obama's "pastor" & "mentor" Wright likes to shouts. He is disgusting.

He should skip the rest of his term.

OK, you have to admit the "Athletic Supporter" line is a true gem of a Bushism.

That aside, the best way to protest Chinas action is to dominate the games and have every athlete on the podium from the US who wins a medal, wave a small Tibetan flag…

Things I used today:

Pen: Made in China
Car: Some parts made in China
Cell phone: Made in China
Camera: Made in China
Clothes: Made in China
Shoes: Made in China
Computer: Some parts made in China

Let's get real people, without China we would be paying a lot more for the products we use everyday.

Other reasons to boycott though: sub par work conditions, the complete lack of environmental standards, poor working conditions, a complete disregard of basic rights that are guaranteed to us as citizens. Oh and that whole Tiananmen Square situation. Boy was that unbelievable!

The ridiculous posturer postures once more. Get all weepy at the posthumous medal of honor ceremony? Sure thing. Boycott the Olympic ceremonies? Comin' right up. How about another tap-dance at the white House porch? Please Boy Bush, go away now!

Yeah, if and when Chinese allow him

I don't agree with the president. The athletes come to the Olympics as representatives of their countries. The flags of their countries will fly and the national anthems will be sung. So the Olympics Games are political.

Why politicize the Olympics? Does anyone really believe boycotting the opening ceremony is going to make a difference? Why not just go ahead and boycott the whole Games so that Bush will have a chance to edge out Carter as the worst president in history? And for the idiots screaming about NAFTA, where are you going to get the 2 million barrels of oil a day we get from Canada thanks to NAFTA that Canada has said will instead go to China if NAFTA goes away? When you are paying $5 or more for a gallon for gas you will be wishing NAFTA was back

MAY BOYCOTT????

You can best believe that Bush has already gotten the O.K. from the Chinese government to miss the Olympics’ opening ceremony. Don't be fooled that he is doing this to get Pelosi and others off his back. Come on now, we are talking about "W" aren't we? Bush knows who is buttering the proverbial bread here.

This may not get posted because CNN does not want you to know about this, but there is a march on media bias and the suppression of voters on April 11th in New York. Its suppose to be huge!!!

Maybe the US should abstain from participating ,maybe China should bar countries that have joined in the unauthorized invasion of Iraq that have so far cost hundreds of thousands of civilian deaths.what do you all think? Or we can just let the olympic games continue as is. NO POLITICS.

Obama is correct in terms of being torn about this. It is the Olympics and a way for the world to come together is peaceful competion. I have to say that I feel it is more important to make the statement about China's question human rights record in China and their relations with other countries (Tibet, Sudan and other locations). China seems to think itself a great country. Well, this might give it pause since it would have missing world leaders. How do you explain that world leaders are refusing to come to pay you respect?

I am personally very sick of Bush's latest PR campaign to try and make things better for McCain. The war sucks, and so does his political propaganda campaign! It's unfair campaigning for the republicans.

MD - Are you kidding? Since when does Bush listen to anything the people of this country say or think!??? Remember, he's "the decider". He can't leave office soon enough for me. I've had it with his ego and stupidity.

Please let him go to China. Then we close our boarders and keep him out - PERMANENTLY!

Have you ever been to Tibet or talked to anyone from Tibet or China? Do you really care the people living in China? Think about your news sources –Don't just believe the "news" from Tibet seperatists and CNN …

Human right, religion freedom? Yes, these are the perfect excuses for you to deprive anything that may be good to the 1.3 billion CHINESE PEOPLE.

US to boycott the Beijing Olympic??? I think it will a dream come true for many althletes around the world. When they are celebrating in BJ, unforturnately, most of your althletes will just cry and regret for their entire lives. It is your choice.

Let's work together and have a wonderful game in Beijing.

Yes, he'll skip the opening ceremonies…Only if the Chinese permit it , since they now own him and this country.

If Bush doesn't go to the opening ceremony, does that mean waterboarding is officially not torture?

do you know China is the best country is the world ?
People get more freedom than anywhere in the world. no credit check, no tax for most people for life. and supply all the world all kind merchandises!

He wont skip the opening ceremonies. Bush loves China, th eloved them more than his own people. Where else can they get cheap labor for their republican business owners??

I hope he does boycott it. It redeem him a little in my mind.

No words can describe my sadness when I learn that the olympic torch is suffering from protesting and can't even make its peaceful way throughout the world and go back to Beijing. The great olympics have been such a saint symbol of friendship and hope. It belongs to the whole world, belongs to people who speak different languages. It's been such a great event to get people from all over the world together, and they have no problem communicating with each other because they share the same believes in olympics. I still remember how each single one around me teared up at midnight when Beijing lost to Sydney for 2000 Olymics while I was a 17 year old girl in high school. I also can't forget that the whole China teared up again when Beijing finally got the opportunity to host 2008 olympics! As a country with 5000 years of history and 56 different ethnic groups, we are ready to open to the whole world, inviting all of you to come and experience our culture and our life. Isn't that a great chance for the west and east world to communicate better? Since I came to the US, I've met so many nice people who show lots of interest in our mysterious history and very different culture and sometime philosophy which amazingly agree with common values here. I always tell them, well, you are invited to the 2008 olympics. Nothing teachs you more than what you see with your eyes.
Now, some people are trying to tell me, we shouldn't have the chance. If you do understand the idea of olympics, could you please slow down and think twice, then tell me whether 1.5 billion Chinese people should get a chance to welcome everyone from all over the world to know them better.

The Olympic game is just a sport event, not a political summit !! Nothing import if US president is absent, is he an athlete?

For the first time in my adult life, I am really disappointed by the bias reports from the mdia in a so-called "democratic" country.

Fellow American, please don't easily believe what you've heard, the media is not telling the truth. If you really wanna know what happens to China, what happens to Tibet, please to go China, go to Tibet!

It's not "a Chinese military officer is beating a peaceful Buddhist monk TO DEATH in the streets of Tibet", but a criminal Tibean is beating an unarmed Chinses military officer TO DEATH!

Don't Boycott the Olympics!
Boycott any product made in China. Check the label.
Pay the extra 1.00 for the product.
That is what I am doing.
If enough of us do it the point will be made.
Start today.
The Olympics is the only time all countries are in one place without conflict. Maybe someday….?

I read the comments and I must say you democraps are the laughing stock of America. You all think you have the answers to everything but you really know nothing. And you prove that you know nothing because all you want is more Government. Democraps have to have somone take care of them because they are too &*?*#*@*&*% lazy to get a real job and take care of themselves. Let me help out a democrap; Start by asking yourself "What can I do for my Country?" not "what can my country do for me?"

Bush should boycott (OBAMA SUX) the olympics. I think it would (OBAMA SUX) make a difference.

I will be happy if President Bush would do at least one thing before he leaves to show we are not bought and sold to China.

Please, Mr. President, boycott the Olympic opening ceremonies.

the Olympics is not about politics, its about sport and competition, its about the athletes.

Probably because he can't find it on the map.

we need to send a message to china. i should know… i just lost my job to a chinese….

Yet another ill informed idiot that calls Bush a war criminal. While Clinton was still president in 1998, the world voted to make Saddam's violations illegal under international law. His failure to comply all along is what makes this war legal, it's just that nothing was ever done about it. Read about it, then shut up already.

I hope President Bush does not pull a democrat and skip the opening ceremonies.

This idiot has no choice but to attend the olympics, he's borrowed billions of dollars from China for war. You'll see your share when IRS mails out your stimulous check which also was funded by China.

Its a difficult situation as we should always support our athletes who have dedicated years of their lives for this moment. However, there is the fact that China should have never gotten the Olympics due to their abuses of human rights that go way beyond Tibet. China has been abusing and persecuting Christians for many years as well as other groups. This Tibet thing is not new. The blame should be on the Olympic Committee that awarded the games to Beijing. I cant help but remember the 1936 Olympics in Berlin that provided Hitler a showcase for Naziism.

It is clear that the Communist government intended to use the Olympics to showcase their society. Its evidenced by the amount of abuse poured on their citizens to to prepare a stellar impression to the world. From denying water to farmers, to taking peoples homes to build the Olympic village, to depleting world resources to horde materials for their show, therre has been a systematic deprivation of the Chinese people so their leaders can show off.

The Olympics are not providing an example of what is good in humanity this year.

If Tibet is a problem for Americans, they must leave to Europe immideately after hand over America to the NATIVE PEOPLE (Shamelessly you guys call them INDIANS). If you still think that you can occupy the land, then better shutup on CHINA!

Furhter nothing will happen to the Chinese Olympics when a MURDERER like Bush quits!

Don't go George. Send Hilary!

Pelosi said it FIRST and all you Clintonians called her NAMES and now you want to claim it for HILLARY? HYPOCRITES and LIARS YOU ALL ARE LIKE YOUR CLINTON. So all you CLINTONIANS are just irresponsible.

Wow Bush is coming back to his sences! Why politicize the Olympics? Well because China has given the world an opportunitty to tell the world what they do to humas. Just imagine being born there Ah? You would want the world to know how you are opresed and violated everyday of your life. Everyone should speak out but, let the games continue I agree but, we must speak out for sure!

Of course, Hellary will try to take credit for this. This was suggested to President Bush by Nancy Pelosi last week. I'm quite sure he has been considering this since he spoke with Nancy.

The decision to attend the Opening Ceremonies is a complex and not easily-determined one. I can see why many hope that Pres. Bush does not attend because of the Chinese record on human rights in addition to the burtal subjugation of Tibet. There is more than enough ChiCom oppression in the past decade to warrant staying home. I was appalled that the IOC gave the Games to China in the first place. What next…Iran? Cuba? Syria?
It's mildly amusing that Hillary has "found Jesus" since the Clinton Administration (a) secured illegal Chinese donations for their political war chests, and (b) supported and encouraged Congress to award permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) to China back in the 90s. A lot of Republicans protested the Chinese record on human rights in voting no to Bill's request for PNTR and they were criticized for being right-wing paranoids.

All of you China haters, why do you keep buying all the Chinese made products that stack up in all the stores in America? If you really want to do something about the repression of freedoms then put a little action where your mouths are and do something about it. Probably not…you need to get your "materialism fix" of the latest toy for your hedonistic gratification. !

There is a lot of similarity between Carter and Bush. But I think Bush will edge out Carter for being the worst president in U.S. history.

It is for different reasons, but in the end neither one respects Americans nor represents their interests.

So, Hillary tells George Bush he shouldn't go while Bill told Steven Spielberg he SHOULD go.

Penn and Bill tell Colombia we like that trade agreement while Hillary tells us she doesn't support that trade agreement.

There's a revolving door in her campaign staff; unpaid bills going back to January, etc. etc.

Take a good look folks - this is what we'd get with a 3rd term for The Clintons!

Good move. The olympics is for the atheletes not to make propaganda with it. China is at least for today a friend and let's keep it that way. I have seen thier military arsenal and i would rather have them as a friend.

IN EVERY LIVING THING IS THE SPIRIT TO BE FREE–unknown author. THE TIBETANS SHOULD BE FREE. ITS TIME FOR US TO ACT

No, no one in their right mind wants NAFTA. Amazing if G. Bush finally does the right thing, but how can we believe he really cares about human rights? Torture, domestic surveillance, unparalleled arrogance… the conservative party in America has amply demonstrated rampant apathy to the poor. Why should we swallow their NAFTA betrayal of American labor or their posturing and fear-mongering?
Boycotting the games is the only thing Bush can do to regain the trust of American workers which he lost by his heavy-handed policies. Unfortunately, it's too little too late. The Republicans have lost credibility with blue-collar America, and seem to be striving for a complete loss with everyone.
America doesn't need 2 mil barrels of oil for more SUVs. We need less greedy citizens. Who are we to be threatened by Canada, or OPEC, or anybody?
Why politicize the Olympics? Fools, otherwise nothing will ever be done! Let's keep all the wrong in the world just the way it is. That's why they call you blokes conservatives. Always static. Never moving, never progressing. You shame yourselves.

I guess the Prez can make up his own mind on whether to go or not…it was BILL CLINTON who pushed thru trade with China. It IS Bill Clinton who sold his soul to the Chinese and continues to do so. In that case HILLARY'S opinion on China counts for squat.

China has always had inhumane treatment of their people and very much restricts free speech…so folks this isn't new news on Tibet.

Again, Barack has no position. That should show you what kind of white house it will be. Sit and wait till whatever happens happens. Might just have to be a republican if Hillary gets screwed by you treasonists.

democrats and republicans both are towing the neocon agenda: oil & water in middle east + china / india's geopolitical proximity to the strategic resources + israel as frontline for neocon interests vs. iran backed by china and russia …

like many said, there is not a dime of difference between the GOP and the dems when it comes to our foreign policies.

It's about time he starts acting like he has a heart.

Sure, boycott the Olympics, big deal.

Guess what? We have a relationship with China economically. We do tons of business with them. Its not all take out people. For every bad thing you think China has done, there also plenty of good things too. Although I do agree they have some sketchy practices when it comes to humanitarian issues, you can't punish its citizens for it.

Just wondering how many of the people protested and ranted against Chinese goverment really know and understand the Tibet and China. Have you visited China recently? Have you ever visited Tibet? Do you know where exactly Tibet is? Please understand that the majority of Tibetan people don't want to go back the old slave system.

No goverment is perfect. Today's Chinese government has been doing much better than before in almost every areas including human rights. Boycotting Olympics will only make the human rights situation worse. Look at what happened in China after the Lhasa unrest on 3/14, almost all the Chinese community overseas, even people who don't like Chinese government before, and the whole China is united against separatists. Boycotting Olympics is boycotting Chinese people, not the governemnt. Please don't sabotage and spoil the Olympics. Get the truth from TalkChina.org.

Do what you gotta do Mr. President…..do what you gotta do.

This is a sporting event, not a political event. That's why B. is paying for the trip with his own money and is using accrued annual leave to cover his time out of the office.

Well, let us hope otherwise. Nothing could be more damaging to our relations with China in a time we can't afford. There is a world out there wanting to see us going at it with the Chinese so publicly.

Bush should boycott the Beijing's bloody olympics… to show the world that he is a proponent of the human rights.. against the Beijing's bloody crackdown on the peaceful demonstrators in Lhasa. I am sure that will be the right move for him and he will be remembered in the history in making that right choice.

Free Tibet now.

to who ever is saying
"who give a dam!" or "no one cares" tell that to the tibetens.
i am sure they dont care about being shot down and having the freedom to be .. well Free.

To be Honest, America also has a very long history of human rights violations, and such history is still going on! Where were human rights to Indians at 200 years ago? Where were the human rights to Vietnamese when the American attacked Vietnam? Come on, just look at Iraq

And peaceful Buddhist? What kind of peaceful protests robed the torch from a disabled girl in Paris???

Bush, this may be your last chance to redeem yourself!!

Show some support for the Tibetans (probably the only people who truly mean peace on this planet). Mind you, hmm you're the complete opposite!

For once in your life don't be such a dildo head and show some patriotism towards your country by NOT supporting China!

I don't think Hillary has any clue about real, global politics. Apparently, the Democrats hoping to win in Nov think they can be so public with their anti China campaign and hope that other world out there won't run to China being played against the U.S so publicly.

No, please go. Punish the Chinese with your presence

People with no power, no influence and no hope often become desperate. The Olympic Torch Relay is a comfortable tradition for many in the world. Thus, it is a PERFECT stage for powerless people to attract over due world attention.

Shame on the IOC for awarding Red China the 2008 games in the first place! How much money changed hands to bring it about? Boycotting the opening ceremonies, if not the entire games, is the only choice for the free peoples of the world. Greed is the bottom line.

I'm all in favor of a general boycott this time, but does anyone actually care whether or not Bush attends? I certainly don't.

No one, no one force American corporations to outsource to China, but everyone is blaming China for it. No one force American people and government to borrow money from China, banks even asked China to save them from the subprime, but everyone is blaming China for that. What logic!! In order to get the balance, Americans and west's are supporting boycott. What a shame!

Bush was crying at today's ceremony honoring a fallen hero. Where's the folks who picked on Hillary for doing the same thing during the campaign?

It makes me sad that people do not realize that there have been political issues in the olympics since 1908 and this is really no different. Yes, China is hosting the Olympics, but there is so much more to it and the IOC really controls what goes on here. PLUS, WHY should the government be allowed to make decisions on what the American Olympic Team does when the government does not fund the USOC and the American Olympic Team? That's bull.

While I am not against a boycott of the Olympics, I also feel that George Bush is the last person in the world that has any moral credibility to do so.. Bush basically thumbed his nose at our allies and the rest of the world during his entire Presidency, starting his own war with no support and against the rest of the world's better judgement. It would be nice if the United States had the moral respect of the world to lead a boycott, but sadly we won't until Bush is out of office. Bush boycotting the olympics? That would be about as ironic as a boycott by Kim Jong Il or Mahmoud Ahmadinegad.

Chudi April 8th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

Clintonites and Obamanians! MUST READ! Its the republicans that are posting and pretending to be Obamanians/Clinotonites to drive us mad against each other.

YES both Obama and Clinton sides have been battling each other but the most divisive and rude statements come from the republicans! We've been had DEMOCRATS! Check out the links.

THIS MEANS WAR! Smarten up democrats.

Please google this "Republicans bloggers posing as democrats on blogs".

Doesn't America have enough problems of its own? Olympic is not an political event. Americans do not know enough about Tibet and do not have any legitimate proof about the so called "crack down" on violent riots.

Absolutely Bush should boycott the Olympics!!

Great call by both Hillary and Pelosi!

Peng, Communist China don't let any foreigners in Tibet. Only source of news/pictures are base on Chinese State TV. They let the foreign press with guided tour in designated place with bunch of chinese police in civil dress. Still tibetan monks risk their lives and raise the voice for rights and feelings against Communist Regime. These monks must be died already.

i think bush should not attend that away china would know were for freedom for all people and none of the senators should not attend and the games should be boycott

To save face, a faux crisis will come up that will demand his attention here at home. This way he can "boycott" without offending the Chinese and therefore not risk financial ruin for the US Economy.

It's the only was Out.

Wasn't it Nancy Pelosi who initially suggested that President Bush boycott the China Olympics…? Just wanted to be sure in the event someone else takes credit for this as a part of their foreign policy experience - not that I care whether he attends or not either.

Wow…….like that's really gonna hurt the Chinese when Bush vetoes a bill that would ban waterboarding!! How about cleaning up our own house!

Come on, you arrogant Americans, boycott the Beijing Olympics!!! But don't use Human Right as your excuse!!! I doubt most Western people really care about Chinese people's human right at all, nor that of the minority people in Chinese territory - Tibet. You claim Chinese people living in a dark, mid-aged society without their rights and brain washed; I see you are blinded by most biased Western media. Chinese media does not tell all the truth, nor did the Western media. Yours are even worse by manipulating, distorting the truth about what happened in Tibet. If you don't like to see China making progress, if you don't care to learn Chinese history (including Tibet), if you don’t care to know the truth on what really happened in Tibet, if you enjoy pretending you are better informed and knowledgeable about China and "human right", go ahead…blast China and its 1.3 billion Chinese people at any chance. All I can tell you is when you pick side with Tibetan separatists, you are against the Chinese people as a whole. Hatred is easily be plowed and it takes generations to be rooted out. Do you really want to make the 1.3 billion Chinese people your next enemy?

It's good Mr. Bush is taking the lead from HILLARY….:) That just made my day

Gee, President Bush, don't start doing anything RIGHT NOW… it's too late.

Why start at this point now…it's pointless. I mean do we also have to draw a picture of the moving truck for you to get a clue.

I guess once you are in the moving truck that "light" may go off.. I said "MAYBE"…HA HA.

I honestly think that light has been burnt out since his birth. I think President Bush was dropped on his head as a baby and has never recovered.

For all of those who are criticizing about human right record in China, could you please do me a favor and ask yourself how much real truth you know about the human right issue there? Have you ever tried to talk to any Chinese (from any ethnic group) around you in order to get the really feelings from them about human rights in China? If you do so, how could you ignore that fact that the majority of Chinese are happy and they are not complaining about anything you are complaining about even they are supposed to be suffering in your imagination? How could you ignore how much China have improved in human rights record and many many other aspects in the last 50 years? We know we are not perfect yet, but we are trying very hard to approach the ultimate goal and we've made dramatic progress in a very short time.
What I don't understand is, no one stood out for the Chinese when multi countries invaded China from the end of last century to world war II. Now suddenly, some people stand out for some accuses they are not even sure of. They like to criticize about it without seriously caring about it (which takes more effort to investigate ). What a shame!

Using the Olympics as a platform for any political statement is wrong and goes against what the Olympics represents. It was wrong for us to boycott in 1980 and it was wrong for the Soviets to boycott in 1984. Plenty of opportunity to play politics, but not with the lives of amateur atheletes that have dedicated their life to this and just want to be part of the celebration.

TOO MUCH OF THIS…

THE TOP STORY SHOULD BE THAT HILLARY HAS MORE ELECTORAL COLLEGE VOTES TO DATE AND THE SUPERDELEGATE VOTES SHOULD BE CASTED TO HER.

HAVING MORE ELECTORAL COLLEGE VOTES MEAN SHE IS MORE ELECTABLE THAN OBAMA IN NOVEMBER.

Sure GW…..you authorize a war that kills and severly injures thousands….and you have the arrogance to boycott China??

Unbelievable……

So when did W get interested in human rights? Must have been in between listening to our phone calls. Too bad he's not as concerned about voting rights - we wouldn't even have had to ask this question!

July 13th 2001. That’s the date that the World should have been concerned about Beijing hosting the Olympics. We have had 7 years to protest the games and finally now, 6 months before the games are set to open, we decide to take action. Politics do not belong in sport. Scaling bridges and extinguishing a flame won’t solve anything. These athletes who have been competing for this moment their whole life for this moment do not deserve to banished from participating in their given talent. Perhaps the USOC should consider a way to integrate a pin or patch into the official Olympic uniform of the US Olympic Team. This way, those athletes who feel it is appropriate can show their support for Tibet without being forced to.

Bush needs to go, why is it even being "weighed?" He needs to represent the good will of the People of the United States and attend the opening ceremonies. It would scar diplomatically our relationship with the Chinese if he does not go.

that will show em!!!!!!!!!! then they will free Tibet the next day. why are ALL politicians such IDIOTS? why would the Chinese even care? I know I wouldn't even feel snubbed I would just sell his tickets and be glad about it, maybe see if I could talk that putz into boycotting the whole thing.

When's the last time China started an illegal war with a "pre-emptive" attack, based on fabricated "intelligence"?

President Guantanamo has NO room to point fingers here…

boy that will show em! how about doing something that will actually affect them like tariffs. It is impossible to find any item in the USA without it saying made in china and to all the americans that talk big but do nothing about it, how about boycotting products made in china? how about increasing the worth of the dollar with American Made Products. We need a Made in America campaign. All of our politicians have sold us out.
Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh DC needs an ENIMA now!

Torch torch relay have arrived with chaos into North America leave London and Paris in shame.

From now on when we try to talk to Chinese about human right they can tell us in Paris human right activist helped a pro Tibet protester hit a blind wheelchair young girl who is carrying the Olympic torch that symbols freedom and unity.

From now on when we try to talk to Chinese about Media censorship they can tell us about how CNN and BBC don’t report any news about Chinese government caught Tibet monk that hidden explosive and try to become suicide bomber.

From now on when we try to talk to Chinese about Democracy they can tell us that we all the chaos, backstabbing, flaming and everything for vote attitude that Clinton and Obama is showing.

Great job Media

The Country and the world have enough problem as it is can we all quiet down for a second instead of stir up more trouble?