Whoever said free speech is the best thing? Indeed, democracy is the worst form of government, except that it is better than everything else that has been tried before. Ironic words. But at any rate, when you see all the news about threats of boycotting the Beijing Olympics and the protests and all the criticism levelled at IOC, it is quite disheartening that a sporting event, to be used as a platform where nations can congregate and compete in a fair and just manner, where politics are tossed out of the window and the human spirit is celebrated, is tarnished by selfish agendas.

I mean, certainly, the IOC's concerns are for a location where the event can be held with success, with security and the infrastructure a top priority. I know, I'm slanted and biased towards China, but being one of the leading economies of the world, surely it fits the bill perfectly. True, pollution is an issue, but you don't see people protesting against that.

The world is rapidly evolving, and there is no one correct country right now. In the past, it used to be Uncle Sam who is the definitive authority in world politics. But right now, as other countries catch up and have a larger say, this is no longer the way. The citizens of democratic world cannot expect to continue impose their will and beliefs on the rest of the world and expect little resistance. American and European culture and influence is fast being eroded by the up-and-coming economies, and in the true sense of democracy, it should be that this is the correct way, where different beliefs are allowed to exists, each with its own unique identity.

Simply saying, the very fabric of democracy should be that it should not be forced upon anyone, and it is this dilemna that often throws most actions into doubt.

So back to the Olympics. Human rights are a grey area, in which differing views exist about where the boundaries truly lie. Nevertheless, leveraging upon an event which should rightly be a celebration of human equality in order to bring attention to other issues is just despicable. It is akin to attending a wedding ceremony, and then announcing that you will be divorcing your wife. Let politics remain in its own arena, and respect the spirit of Olympia.