Imagine the 08 Olympics were to be held in the US. World reaction?

[Ishoutandscream2]

We have seen the protests throughout the world over China hosting this year's Summer Olympics. Of course, the concern of these protesters centers on China's severe human rights violations.

Over the last few years, we have seen the Boy King's administration endorse the use of torture and the "reinterpretation" of the Geneva Conventions. Now we're considered by many (and I agree) that our country has gone down the path to international lawlessness. Sorry for all those who are still naive (I know there's idiotic lurkers out there), but the US isn't seen anymore as a moral world leader. Bush pissed that all away soon after the 9/11 attacks by invading Iraq, and all the good will that was being shown by the majority of the world evaporated.

So, let's say the games were being held in our country. The torch makes its rounds across the world. What would be the reaction? Would we be seeing protests of the same kind that we've seen against China? Many do see us as violators of international law - I wouldn't be surprised one bit if we saw the same kind of protests against us.

Whaddya think?

[glowing]

1. I would sure hope so.. How many countries didn't participate in the

olympics when it was held in Germany under Hitler's reign?

[MonkeyFunk]

3. I don't know of any countries

that boycotted the 1936 olympics, although some individual athletes did.

[glowing]

6. To tell you the absolute truth.. I really don't know the answer to that question.

Just wondering if any did.

[DrDan]

2. you are right - I wonder how many countries would boycott

[LeftinOH]

4. There would be protests against us no matter what/no matter who was

President.. from "free Mumia" protests in France, to outrage over the latest civilian murder-by-US-military-personnel in Japan and Korea, to 'fill-in-the-blank" anti-US protests just about everywhere else... although, GWB has succeeded in providing several generations' worth of grievances within just seven years; there'll be plenty to protest against the US over for many, many years to come -thanks to the current administration.

[Ishoutandscream2]

5. Agree that there would be "some protests"

But I don't think to the degree we would see now. Certainly, America has always had its detractors around the world. But, I believe, even our very loyal and friendly countries would probably have big demonstrations against the US hosting the Olympics.

[Elspeth]

7. "Triathlon of Torture" displays in Picadilly and Paris?

Hmm

[Johonny]

8. the difference is

the US media would ignore it, just like it always ignores the protests that follow BushCo. world tours.

[Ishoutandscream2]

9. EXCELLENT POINT!!!!

You nailed it. We'd have to watch BBC America or read foreign papers on the web. It never ceases to amaze me how much our media is missing when I watch BBC America news.