2008 Olympics Beijing.org's Call to Actions on China
Given the speed with which China is gaining economic, military and political power, the 2008 Olympics may be the last time China cares enough about the world's opinion to heed our concerns about its human rights violations. Below are 8 ways you can help seize this opportunity and nudge China onto the right path:
1. Write to Presidents Hu Jintao of China and Jacques Rogge of the International Olympic Committee. You're welcome to use all or part of the sample letters on the next two pages.
2. Email, write or call your government leaders and urge them to speak out on the issues raised.
3. Email, write or call the media and ask them to do stories about the issues raised.
4. Email your family and friends about 2008 Olympics Beijing.org and ask them to spread the word as well.
5. Email to 2008 Olympics Beijing.org your comments, questions or advices. If you would like your comments to possibly appear on 2008 Olympics Beijing.org in the future, please include your first name, last initial, city, country and if desired, profession and title. (Comments will be treated like letters to newspaper editors and may be shortened, edited or declined.)
6. Support this website and help it grow by making a donation in Euros, Pounds Sterling or US Dollars. Thank you in advance.
7. If you are going to the Beijing Olympics and witness protests while in China, why not take photos or video clips and upload them on video sharing websites or send them to media organizations?
8. If you win a gold medal and find yourself on the podium while your national anthem is being played, why not make a symbolic gesture that draws attention to the plight of the Tibetans, Darfur and North Korean refugees, Chinese Christians and reporters? It could be something as simple as holding up a piece of paper with "Darfur", "Tibet", "North Korean Refugees" or "Press Freedom" written on it. You'll probably be warned that no such expression is allowed, but they are not going to stop your national anthem and push you off the podium while the world is watching, and there is already a courageous precedent: http://www.infoplease.com/spot/mm-mexicocity.html.