Nature, Politics and the Olympics

The problems created by politics are man made. Politics are a power-struggle, with protagonists espousing their own world views, many with idealistic premises, but some are deceiving themselves and others and are in it for power and self-survival.

The Olympics symbolise something more pure - sports and the sporting instinct, the desire to excel are universal, but as we have seen the Olympics are not immune to politics.

Nature is beyond all men, though we try to control it for our benefit. But in the end the power of nature, when it's unleashed with all its might, is just something men have to suffer. Yet even nature is impacted by politics.

The recent natural disasters in Myanmar and China serve as poignant reminders. Despite the offers of help from international groups, the Myanmese authorities are slow to let the world in, adding more tragedy and suffering to the victims of the cyclone.

China has been bearing the brunt of world criticism over its treatment of Tibet and other policies, highlighted in the glare of the Olympics. Yet with the major earthquakes striking Sichuan province, China has at least rallied its forces in its rescue efforts, and has responded to the tragedy in a compassionate fashion.

The earthquake has somewhat softened the hard outlook which the recent protests over the Olympic preliminary events have engendered.

Olympics and Politics

The Olympic Games take place every four years. Many athletes regard winning a medal in the Olympics as their ultimate goal. Some feel that merely taking part is already an honorable achievement. The prospective Olympian athlete trains hard for the event. He knows he is not only showing his best skills for himself, but he is doing so for his country. Politics are not as such involved.

Politics, however, pervade every aspect of life. Every country has its politics and political problems, internally and externally. Everyone has his sense of what is right and what is wrong. People have political grievances. There are issues of oppression and human rights.

The Olympics are something beyond the nations participating. There is the pure spirit of sport. The Games should be above politics. They do not look for politics, but are impinged by political issues.

It is understandable that people with grievances use the opportunity to air and bring them to the world's attention. Countries hosting the Games are always at risk of being the target of criticism for their shortcomings.

People taking part in the Olympics should not be seen as or made to feel that they are supporting the host country's policies. Of course, if they feel so strongly that they cannot bear to be in the host country or deal with the host country and its officials, then they should not take part at all. That's a personal decision.

But to see protests and demonstrators sabotaging the Olympic flame relay is really quite sad. They have achieved some publicity. But is it all positive publicity? Would their cause be advanced if the Games suffer repeated hits?