| Letters to the Editor |
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| Written by Anonymous | |
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The essence and the universal values of the Olympic spirit are: Unity, Friendship, Progress, Harmony, Participation and Dream. In spite of people coming from various backgrounds, beliefs and races around the world, Olympic Games gather ONE message: that is to strive for the well-being of humankind. The fundamental idea of passing the Olympic torch by way of relay is to spread the Olympic spirit and grow the seeds of peace and friendship, to root, bloom, and bear fruits in more countries.
The Olympic Games is by no means associated with any political issues. Sadly, the sacred torch relay of the 2008 Olympics Games was repeatedly disrupted by the supporters of Tibetan separatists under the name of “free-Tibet”. The protesters created massive chaos during the relay in London and in Paris, tarnishing the symbol of “peace” that the torch bears. What happened in Paris on April 9 was most astonishing when the whole world witnessed a Tibetan protester made violent attempts snatching the torch from a disabled female torch bearer in a wheelchair. International Olympic Committee (IOC) had to change the destination of the relay in San Francisco at the last minute for the security concerns, afraid that there would be uncontrollable severe conflicts between the Tibetan protesters and the supporters of the 2008 Olympic Games. Thousands of expectant people who had been waiting for hours to welcome the torch were left in vain at the original route, confused and disappointed at the sudden change. Those chaotic moments were shameful moments in the history of Olympics. People can’t help but wonder: how to put the violence due to political unrest like this to an end? It is clear that if politics is let stand in the way of Olympics, it will only go against the spirit of Olympics and hurt mutual interests of participants of this world-wide sport event. Recently an article “Olympic torch lights up China’s past” published in the Missouri Miner has caused an uneasy feeling of being misunderstood among the Chinese community in Rolla. All the Chinese, including those overseas have been very excited and supportive about the 2008 Beijing Olympics Games. They are proud that China will host the great event, and they are confident that Beijing is capable of making this event a remarkable and successful one. Now that China had already prepared to open its door to the world, it is time that the world opens its heart to at least get to know her great ancient civilization as well as modern China. The door of Beijing Olympic Game has opened widely to welcome you! Quote: Rule 51.3, Olympic Charter: “no kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or areas.” |
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