INTERVIEW
Romain Mesnil, President of the French Athletes Union
Saturday 05 April 2008
Pole vault vice-champion Romain Mesnil is in favour of a middle way between boycott and silence, suggesting athletes should emphasise their attachment to human rights, for instance by wearing a green ribbon during the Beijing Games.
Saturday 05 April 2008
09/04/2008 00:19:54 Alert a moderator
Si vous plait: lead the Middle Way for all the athletes
By Deborah Konietzko. M.D.
I believe it is now obvious that China should not be hosting the Games (nor should have Berlin, 1936, Nazi Germany). However, if a new venue cannot be found, then a unified response on the part of the athletes supporting Human Rights for the entire world is a very good Middle Way, and since it is a Buddhist principle, as well, very appropriate. And, if all participate, then you will not all be sent home.
It also continues the dialog which much of the world has been having (unfortunately, more as parallel monologues) with the Chinese government during the Torch relay around the world.
This can be a demonstration of how consensus can be arrived at in a democratic way, which injures no one, and respects the human rights of all: a powerful message. It contrasts with the evident Chinese government elite's approach of attempting to coerce peace, and achieve "social order" by so limiting people's options, that the mind and heart, the best a human being has to offer to her/his society, is denied growth, expression, and ultimately, contribution.
For those who think that one can separate the personal from the political: they have never lived under a repressive regime!
And can anyone legitimately claim that China has no political interest in its image hosting the Games – that politics can be separated out? Or that the government will not benefit from the huge financial gains they stand to make?
I thank you and congratulated you on being mature enough and strong enough to attempt to find a way to make a clear stand and lead other athletes through this challenging time and circumstance.
Merci! You have my respect. May you be successful.