This Editorial is from the New York Times:
Two weeks before he goes to the Beijing Olympic Games, President Bush remains unacceptably silent about China’s crackdown on basic human rights. Emboldened by the complicity of Mr. Bush and other leaders, China is harassing or locking up critics, threatening journalists and selectively denying visas.
We have not taken issue with Mr. Bush’s decision to attend the Olympics, which celebrate the human spirit and athletic excellence. But his refusal to speak out publicly and clearly about China’s repressive behavior is an abdication of leadership and a blot on his record.
Mr. Bush has sought to portray himself as just another sports fan eager to cheer on his nation’s team; one who is unwilling to use the Olympics to make political points. It’s ludicrous for a president to pretend to be just another fan — and no one has sought to gain more political advantage from the Games than China.
