Should international sport be free of politics?


Comrade 14 May, 2008, 02:11	I say yes. If we take the villainising of China right now and the use of the Beijing Olympics as a toll to garner anti Chinese sentiments. Those who do this could easily find themselves on the recieving end of such treatment. The UK may be the first to find out, as they may have to deal with the London Olympics being used as a protest for their involvement in Iraq. The US could soon find any events it holds targeted for Iraq, for Afghanistan, for Guantanamo, well the list is endless so i will leave it there. Every Israeli football match could be boycotted. No country has a totally clean record, but those who complain the loudest right now are among some of the biggest rogue states on the planet. permalink quote 0 Comrade
Sevodnya_Net 19 May, 2008, 09:21	Ideally international sport and politics should not mix, but we all know that they frequently do. International sport is inherently political, as it often uses political boundaries to define itself. Are there not political considerations for China, or indeed anyone else, wishing to stage the Olympics, say? I think there are! I don't believe that Governments should expect sporting organisations and contestants to take a lead in boycotting sporting events if it is not prepared to press equally on businesses to do the same. On the other hand, individual athletes may decide to boycott events as a matter of conscience, or better still, use the event in a civilised, dignified and non-destructive way, to make a political point. I can't see a problem with that. permalink quote 0 Sevodnya_Net
Californian 10 June, 2008, 23:41	If one was to politicize all sports, then the only country qualified to hold any events would be Tuvalu. Too bad they don't have enough land area to hold the Olympics. International sporting events are to show off your country's pride and your country's atheletes' ability. There's a saying in Corporate Media: "If it bleeds, it gets the frontpage news." It's too bad that corporate media decided to make certain events, like the Chinese Olympics, into a conflicting mini-series off of which they made a ton of money on advertisements, while ignorant people shouted out either pro or anti-Chinese slogans. The protests to "Free Tibet" were going on for decades, but only after China became a powerful country, did the "human rights activists" suddenly become "concerned". Real human rights activists deliver food to kids in Darfur. Fake human rights activists "protest" the China Olympics smiling at the camera, while being protected by the police. Oh my, how brave of them. And naturally, everyone forgets to think of the athletes that have been training all their lives for these events, because well, there's no $$$ in that. permalink quote 0 Californian
chaingang 11 June, 2008, 20:17	Competitive sports people are politically aware - just like everyone else. When they compete in authoritarian and undemocratic countries, which often have poor human rights and an undetected rule of law it merely gives credence to the political leaders of such places.Unfortunately money seems to decide where the next games, soccer competition or cycle race will be held. To compete or not will always be the choice of the individual and the moral stance they take on such issues. permalink quote 0 chaingang
Californian 21 June, 2008, 05:57	"Competitive sports people are politically aware - just like everyone else." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGvcZa3fgBM Exactly - they're not politically aware at all! permalink quote 0 Californian
Sevodnya_Net 21 June, 2008, 20:40	Chaingang is of course correct to say that sportsmen and women are human beings no less nor no more politically aware than anyone else. The best form of political expression in sport is probably protest through participation. (The Olympic boycotts of 1976, '80 and '84 were sad, vindictive affairs that no one remembers other than for the detrimental effect they had on the actual Games. None of them advanced their causes one centimetre.) Of note, however, that the British Olympic Committee forced its team members to sign a declaration that they would not take part in any form of such protest in China this summer. A completely unnecessary and shameful act. permalink quote 0 Sevodnya_Net
G.R. 21 June, 2008, 21:35	I BELIEVE POLITICS SHOULD BE SEPARATED FROM SPORTS BUT MY NOTION OF THIS IS IDEALISTIC.BECAUSE PASSION IS WHAT MAKES SPORTS SUCH A GREAT PART OF LIFE. AND PASSION, FOR BETTER OR WORSE, IS INNATE TO POLITICS TOO. LONG LIVE ARVASHIN, LONG LIVE PAVLYUCHENKO, LONG LIVE TORBINSKI.LONG LIVE RUSSIA'S NATIONAL TEAM, LONG LIVE RUSSIARUSSIA'S REBIRTH / SURGE IN SOCCER IS HERE.AND WHO IS GOING TO STOP IT!!!!! WHAT A GREAT NATION! WHAT A SOUL!.WHAT A GREAT GROUP OF PEOPLE!!!! THIS IS ECSTASY IN HISTORY FOR RUSSOPHILES AROUND THE WORLD.THIS ONE IS AMERICAN BUT MY HEART BELONGS TO RUSSIA. permalink quote 0 G.R.
chaingang 28 June, 2008, 20:45	Is there any point in posting to this web site? I replied to Californian asking him to produce evidence supporting his assertion that sports people are not politically aware but you blocked it.I said nothing insulting - merely wanted to expand his viewpoint A very sad reflection on "democracy" in Russia when day to day topics like sport cannot be fully discussed permalink quote 0 chaingang
Californian 29 June, 2008, 03:30	I'll start hailing Pavlyuchenko as soon as he learns how to score into an open net from the first attempt. Arshavin was great, as was Akinfeev. As for this: "I BELIEVE POLITICS SHOULD BE SEPARATED FROM SPORTS BUT MY NOTION OF THIS IS IDEALISTIC.BECAUSE PASSION IS WHAT MAKES SPORTS SUCH A GREAT PART OF LIFE. AND PASSION, FOR BETTER OR WORSE, IS INNATE TO POLITICS TOO." I totally agree. Sevodnya - I agree with what you said as well. Governments and protestors should both just let the athletes compete and not touch the Olympics with their paws for their political cock-sucking games. permalink quote 0 Californian
Californian 29 June, 2008, 20:43	And the Oscar goes to: Spain! Nobody can fall so beautifully as to draw calls where nothing has happened and deprive Germany of a goal. Kinda reminded me of a joke: "How do you know he's a World Class soccer player?" Light tap on foot "Oh, ouch, oh, ouch!" "Wow he really is a World Class soccer player!" And that's why soccer isn't my fave sport. The refs are a joke and acting is paramount, just like Kobe Bryant and Basketball. Thank goodness someone taught that idiot a lesson, thank you Garnett, Pierce, Rivers and Co. BTW hockey's my fave sport, just to put it out there. And umm Spain, when you play Brazil I doubt even your acting skills will save you, enjoy. permalink quote 0 Californian
chaingang 11 July, 2008, 21:22	Are you are you a competitive sportsman Californian? You strike me as an armchair viewer who doesn`t really grasp the fundamentals of sport. Soccer is not my main sport - I am a competitive sportsman however which helps me appreciate truly wonderful performances in various sports - and I must say that when people refer to the Beautiful Sport when thinking about soccer I appreciate what they mean. Also it is fantastic when a team like Spain show all their skills and still win - they sometimes lose to a bunch of sloggers. You should stick to baseball and American football, which you probably know about, and steer clear of traditional European sports. You must admit that Landis has not enhanced the reputation of world cycling nor for that matter the USA.How would you like to be Pereiro who was denied the honour of standing on the podium in Paris in 2006 because of the antics of your fellow countryman? permalink quote 0 chaingang
Sevodnya_Net 16 July, 2008, 20:23	I said: "Of note, however, that the British Olympic Committee forced its team members to sign a declaration that they would not take part in any form of such protest in China this summer. A completely unnecessary and shameful act." Which, if not exactly a load of rubbish, is perhaps a bit misleading: in fact the BOC got its members to agree that they would not "violate the charter of the IOC" by taking part in any overtly political or racial demonstrations. Which begs the question is this part of the IOC due for repeal? Some people nervously remember the Black Power demonstrations in Mexico 40 years ago this summer: sadly those responsible then suffered for their high profile stance, but in the long run it became a legendary piece of political protest, and I think it's a shame that we are unlikely to see it happen again. But who knows? permalink quote 0 Sevodnya_Net
Californian 19 July, 2008, 21:22	Chaingang - I was on Varsity Sport in High School. That's pretty competitive, considering we won gold in the state of California, the biggest state in the US. The practice was so intense, that afterwords we'd sit with our legs up and just catch our breath. I used to bike 3 miles to school everyday, and not even lose my breath. So while I may strike you as armchair, rest assured I'm not. You have to be physically fit to survive law school and win cases. Remember the Kasparov (before he became a tard) - Karpov game? Only reason Kasparov won was because he was in a much better physical shape. The thing is that it's not the first time I see this crap in soccer. Players will literally dive to get a free kick or to get a penalty. I mean look at the France-Italy final, where after Zidane headbutted him, Materazzi took the fall to get a call. I could even see that he was taking it. If you were on varsity, you learn to see the split-second stuff, and he actually fell a split-second late. The same thing could be said about Spain's defender. I'm not saying those guys cannot play soccer, they undoubtedly can and they beat Russia fair and square. I am saying that it's sad to see people who can play soccer choose theater instead. permalink quote 0 Californian
chaingang 20 July, 2008, 20:22	Fully agree with you Californian regarding the antics of some soccer players. A passing and accidental touch of the hand and you would think they had been hit by Mike Tyson. Soccer is way down my list but I like watching it when it is played properly when the opposition allows. My team is Liverpool but I have the highest regard for Arsene Wenger and his Arsenal squad. Pity they have to lower their standards to combat some of the sloggers in the English league permalink quote 0 chaingang
Leonard 8 August, 2008, 14:04	Yes, I think international sport should be free of politics because this is an attempt for the countries of the world to meet together in a spirit of friendship and understanding. I remember reading somewhere that the ancient Olympics in Greece was so important to every one then, that the event would stop wars. Maybe something here to consider? permalink quote 0 Leonard
David 9 August, 2008, 23:12	Politics should never enter sport. However, history has shown that governments have intervened and put pressure on sportspersons to withdraw from participation only to pander to stupid pressure groups. Knowing what Hitler was about the Olympics went ahead. But, Rhodesia was banned from participating in any Olympic Games from 1965. Athletes boycotted the Russian Olympic Games. Cricketers were threatened, politically, by the english gvt. if they participated in cricket in South Africa. But, here we have, it is alledged, gross inhumane treatment by the Chinese and not a whimper. I just wonder who is controlling who. permalink quote 0 David
Enrique 12 August, 2008, 15:29	Yes, during the 80s with the boycott of the US to Moscow 80 and the boycott of the USSR to Los Angeles 84, we could notice that Olympics should be free of politics (even if the competition, as we all know, is also political and nationalist) We can imagine boycott of Olympics in USA for Iraq, Afghanistan or Yugoslavia, boycott of China for Tibet, boycott of Russia for Georgia.then the Olympic Games just would cease to exist, and also the United Nations. permalink quote 0 Enrique
Enrique 24 August, 2008, 14:53	Curious how the United Kingdom (U.K.) was talking about boykott.and at the same time preparing their Olympic Team better than ever during the last years to give a good impression to the Chinese people, Government and Market, hehe. A lot of hypocrasy. On one side the British used their own media to say how bad and evil is China to the Western consumers and, on the other side, work hard to get respect from China. They want to be in the Chinese market no matter if it is not a democratic system like the UK. An Americans don´t use to talk about invading China to establish an American-like puppet "democracy", even if they would like. Finally Russia got to be Third in the Olympic Games but the UK spent a lot of resources to be Fourth and give a good impression to their hated Chinese, hahaha. permalink quote 0 Enrique
Enrique 24 August, 2008, 15:02	And curious too, the former USSR would have 43 gold medals, more than USA. permalink quote 0 Enrique
David 24 August, 2008, 21:53	The way the West have been brainwashed by its biased media controlled by Bush and Brown I sincerely hope that politics will not be used for the forthcoming games in Sochi. If so, this will be continued biased opinions from individuals who have absolutely no knowledge of what is going on as they are conditioned by the media guided by Bush and Brown. I am still amazed how the people of the west continue to act like cattle by following two of the biggest liars in political history - other than being war mongers. permalink quote 0 David

Comrade 14 May, 2008, 02:11

I say yes. If we take the villainising of China right now and the use of the Beijing Olympics as a toll to garner anti Chinese sentiments. Those who do this could easily find themselves on the recieving end of such treatment. The UK may be the first to find out, as they may have to deal with the London Olympics being used as a protest for their involvement in Iraq. The US could soon find any events it holds targeted for Iraq, for Afghanistan, for Guantanamo, well the list is endless so i will leave it there. Every Israeli football match could be boycotted. No country has a totally clean record, but those who complain the loudest right now are among some of the biggest rogue states on the planet.

permalink quote Comrade

Sevodnya_Net 19 May, 2008, 09:21

Ideally international sport and politics should not mix, but we all know that they frequently do. International sport is inherently political, as it often uses political boundaries to define itself. Are there not political considerations for China, or indeed anyone else, wishing to stage the Olympics, say? I think there are! I don't believe that Governments should expect sporting organisations and contestants to take a lead in boycotting sporting events if it is not prepared to press equally on businesses to do the same. On the other hand, individual athletes may decide to boycott events as a matter of conscience, or better still, use the event in a civilised, dignified and non-destructive way, to make a political point. I can't see a problem with that.

permalink quote Sevodnya_Net

Californian 10 June, 2008, 23:41

If one was to politicize all sports, then the only country qualified to hold any events would be Tuvalu. Too bad they don't have enough land area to hold the Olympics. International sporting events are to show off your country's pride and your country's atheletes' ability. There's a saying in Corporate Media: "If it bleeds, it gets the frontpage news." It's too bad that corporate media decided to make certain events, like the Chinese Olympics, into a conflicting mini-series off of which they made a ton of money on advertisements, while ignorant people shouted out either pro or anti-Chinese slogans. The protests to "Free Tibet" were going on for decades, but only after China became a powerful country, did the "human rights activists" suddenly become "concerned". Real human rights activists deliver food to kids in Darfur. Fake human rights activists "protest" the China Olympics smiling at the camera, while being protected by the police. Oh my, how brave of them. And naturally, everyone forgets to think of the athletes that have been training all their lives for these events, because well, there's no $$$ in that.

permalink quote Californian

chaingang 11 June, 2008, 20:17

Competitive sports people are politically aware - just like everyone else. When they compete in authoritarian and undemocratic countries, which often have poor human rights and an undetected rule of law it merely gives credence to the political leaders of such places.Unfortunately money seems to decide where the next games, soccer competition or cycle race will be held. To compete or not will always be the choice of the individual and the moral stance they take on such issues.

permalink quote chaingang

Californian 21 June, 2008, 05:57

"Competitive sports people are politically aware - just like everyone else." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGvcZa3fgBM Exactly - they're not politically aware at all!

permalink quote Californian

Sevodnya_Net 21 June, 2008, 20:40

Chaingang is of course correct to say that sportsmen and women are human beings no less nor no more politically aware than anyone else. The best form of political expression in sport is probably protest through participation. (The Olympic boycotts of 1976, '80 and '84 were sad, vindictive affairs that no one remembers other than for the detrimental effect they had on the actual Games. None of them advanced their causes one centimetre.) Of note, however, that the British Olympic Committee forced its team members to sign a declaration that they would not take part in any form of such protest in China this summer. A completely unnecessary and shameful act.

permalink quote Sevodnya_Net

G.R. 21 June, 2008, 21:35

I BELIEVE POLITICS SHOULD BE SEPARATED FROM SPORTS BUT MY NOTION OF THIS IS IDEALISTIC.BECAUSE PASSION IS WHAT MAKES SPORTS SUCH A GREAT PART OF LIFE. AND PASSION, FOR BETTER OR WORSE, IS INNATE TO POLITICS TOO. LONG LIVE ARVASHIN, LONG LIVE PAVLYUCHENKO, LONG LIVE TORBINSKI.LONG LIVE RUSSIA'S NATIONAL TEAM, LONG LIVE RUSSIARUSSIA'S REBIRTH / SURGE IN SOCCER IS HERE.AND WHO IS GOING TO STOP IT!!!!! WHAT A GREAT NATION! WHAT A SOUL!.WHAT A GREAT GROUP OF PEOPLE!!!! THIS IS ECSTASY IN HISTORY FOR RUSSOPHILES AROUND THE WORLD.THIS ONE IS AMERICAN BUT MY HEART BELONGS TO RUSSIA.

permalink quote G.R.

chaingang 28 June, 2008, 20:45

Is there any point in posting to this web site? I replied to Californian asking him to produce evidence supporting his assertion that sports people are not politically aware but you blocked it.I said nothing insulting - merely wanted to expand his viewpoint A very sad reflection on "democracy" in Russia when day to day topics like sport cannot be fully discussed

permalink quote chaingang

Californian 29 June, 2008, 03:30

I'll start hailing Pavlyuchenko as soon as he learns how to score into an open net from the first attempt. Arshavin was great, as was Akinfeev. As for this: "I BELIEVE POLITICS SHOULD BE SEPARATED FROM SPORTS BUT MY NOTION OF THIS IS IDEALISTIC.BECAUSE PASSION IS WHAT MAKES SPORTS SUCH A GREAT PART OF LIFE. AND PASSION, FOR BETTER OR WORSE, IS INNATE TO POLITICS TOO." I totally agree. Sevodnya - I agree with what you said as well. Governments and protestors should both just let the athletes compete and not touch the Olympics with their paws for their political cock-sucking games.

permalink quote Californian

Californian 29 June, 2008, 20:43

And the Oscar goes to: Spain! Nobody can fall so beautifully as to draw calls where nothing has happened and deprive Germany of a goal. Kinda reminded me of a joke: "How do you know he's a World Class soccer player?" *Light tap on foot* "Oh, ouch, oh, ouch!" "Wow he really is a World Class soccer player!" And that's why soccer isn't my fave sport. The refs are a joke and acting is paramount, just like Kobe Bryant and Basketball. Thank goodness someone taught that idiot a lesson, thank you Garnett, Pierce, Rivers and Co. BTW hockey's my fave sport, just to put it out there. And umm Spain, when you play Brazil I doubt even your acting skills will save you, enjoy.

permalink quote Californian

chaingang 11 July, 2008, 21:22

Are you are you a competitive sportsman Californian? You strike me as an armchair viewer who doesn`t really grasp the fundamentals of sport. Soccer is not my main sport - I am a competitive sportsman however which helps me appreciate truly wonderful performances in various sports - and I must say that when people refer to the Beautiful Sport when thinking about soccer I appreciate what they mean. Also it is fantastic when a team like Spain show all their skills and still win - they sometimes lose to a bunch of sloggers. You should stick to baseball and American football, which you probably know about, and steer clear of traditional European sports. You must admit that Landis has not enhanced the reputation of world cycling nor for that matter the USA.How would you like to be Pereiro who was denied the honour of standing on the podium in Paris in 2006 because of the antics of your fellow countryman?

permalink quote chaingang

Sevodnya_Net 16 July, 2008, 20:23

I said: "Of note, however, that the British Olympic Committee forced its team members to sign a declaration that they would not take part in any form of such protest in China this summer. A completely unnecessary and shameful act." Which, if not exactly a load of rubbish, is perhaps a bit misleading: in fact the BOC got its members to agree that they would not "violate the charter of the IOC" by taking part in any overtly political or racial demonstrations. Which begs the question is this part of the IOC due for repeal? Some people nervously remember the Black Power demonstrations in Mexico 40 years ago this summer: sadly those responsible then suffered for their high profile stance, but in the long run it became a legendary piece of political protest, and I think it's a shame that we are unlikely to see it happen again. But who knows?

permalink quote Sevodnya_Net

Californian 19 July, 2008, 21:22

Chaingang - I was on Varsity Sport in High School. That's pretty competitive, considering we won gold in the state of California, the biggest state in the US. The practice was so intense, that afterwords we'd sit with our legs up and just catch our breath. I used to bike 3 miles to school everyday, and not even lose my breath. So while I may strike you as armchair, rest assured I'm not. You have to be physically fit to survive law school and win cases. Remember the Kasparov (before he became a tard) - Karpov game? Only reason Kasparov won was because he was in a much better physical shape. The thing is that it's not the first time I see this crap in soccer. Players will literally dive to get a free kick or to get a penalty. I mean look at the France-Italy final, where after Zidane headbutted him, Materazzi took the fall to get a call. I could even see that he was taking it. If you were on varsity, you learn to see the split-second stuff, and he actually fell a split-second late. The same thing could be said about Spain's defender. I'm not saying those guys cannot play soccer, they undoubtedly can and they beat Russia fair and square. I am saying that it's sad to see people who can play soccer choose theater instead.

permalink quote Californian

chaingang 20 July, 2008, 20:22

Fully agree with you Californian regarding the antics of some soccer players. A passing and accidental touch of the hand and you would think they had been hit by Mike Tyson. Soccer is way down my list but I like watching it when it is played properly when the opposition allows. My team is Liverpool but I have the highest regard for Arsene Wenger and his Arsenal squad. Pity they have to lower their standards to combat some of the sloggers in the English league

permalink quote chaingang

Leonard 8 August, 2008, 14:04

Yes, I think international sport should be free of politics because this is an attempt for the countries of the world to meet together in a spirit of friendship and understanding. I remember reading somewhere that the ancient Olympics in Greece was so important to every one then, that the event would stop wars. Maybe something here to consider?

permalink quote Leonard

David 9 August, 2008, 23:12

Politics should never enter sport. However, history has shown that governments have intervened and put pressure on sportspersons to withdraw from participation only to pander to stupid pressure groups. Knowing what Hitler was about the Olympics went ahead. But, Rhodesia was banned from participating in any Olympic Games from 1965. Athletes boycotted the Russian Olympic Games. Cricketers were threatened, politically, by the english gvt. if they participated in cricket in South Africa. But, here we have, it is alledged, gross inhumane treatment by the Chinese and not a whimper. I just wonder who is controlling who.

permalink quote David

Enrique 12 August, 2008, 15:29

Yes, during the 80s with the boycott of the US to Moscow 80 and the boycott of the USSR to Los Angeles 84, we could notice that Olympics should be free of politics (even if the competition, as we all know, is also political and nationalist) We can imagine boycott of Olympics in USA for Iraq, Afghanistan or Yugoslavia, boycott of China for Tibet, boycott of Russia for Georgia.then the Olympic Games just would cease to exist, and also the United Nations.

permalink quote Enrique

Enrique 24 August, 2008, 14:53

Curious how the United Kingdom (U.K.) was talking about boykott.and at the same time preparing their Olympic Team better than ever during the last years to give a good impression to the Chinese people, Government and Market, hehe. A lot of hypocrasy. On one side the British used their own media to say how bad and evil is China to the Western consumers and, on the other side, work hard to get respect from China. They want to be in the Chinese market no matter if it is not a democratic system like the UK. An Americans don´t use to talk about invading China to establish an American-like puppet "democracy", even if they would like. Finally Russia got to be Third in the Olympic Games but the UK spent a lot of resources to be Fourth and give a good impression to their hated Chinese, hahaha.

permalink quote Enrique

Enrique 24 August, 2008, 15:02

And curious too, the former USSR would have 43 gold medals, more than USA.

permalink quote Enrique

David 24 August, 2008, 21:53

The way the West have been brainwashed by its biased media controlled by Bush and Brown I sincerely hope that politics will not be used for the forthcoming games in Sochi. If so, this will be continued biased opinions from individuals who have absolutely no knowledge of what is going on as they are conditioned by the media guided by Bush and Brown. I am still amazed how the people of the west continue to act like cattle by following two of the biggest liars in political history - other than being war mongers.

permalink quote David

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