Reader comments
Utahns oppose Olympic torch protests
40 comments | Read story
Mahonri | 5:39 a.m. April 26, 2008
Not all Utah people oppose these protests. Some don't think they went far
enough. Stop the torch, let the Chinese know we don't like them or their
policies. Get the US to boycott everything the Chinese Communists have, own or
make... just like we do CUBA. Hypocricy is the US dealing with China while
boycotting Cuba. But hypocracy is just another name for politician.
Not Me | 6:09 a.m. April 26, 2008
I totally detest a nation that treats others the way China does. Why
shouldn't I? They have no business getting the bid to hold them in the
first place. Who cares about China? It's just another form of terrorism, so
I believe we need to worry about relations with honorable countries and tune out
terrorism.
Comments continue below
Shadow | 6:42 a.m. April 26, 2008
WWW: Wow, Walker is a Wimp...
You cannot compare the two Olympics and the world events. On one hand, you had Utah blowing it until Mitt came along and everyone got on board, so to speak. You had 911, which united good people everywhere.
No one was watching Tibet get mugged, raped, and pillaged. No one was looking at the films of the Chinese army murdering North Koreans they had caught fleeing North Korea. No one had seen the film yet of Christians being hounded. No one had heard the argument by the Chinese govt. that the Catholic rep. in China was to pay homage to Peiping and not to Rome. And everyone heard and saw Peiping's answer to it all: ignore them, it will go away.
Walker must be good, very good, at his job. He can spin coal into fine garments.
I wonder how he sleeps at night?
Shadow has seen the films, and talked to Tibetans.
You cannot compare the two Olympics and the world events. On one hand, you had Utah blowing it until Mitt came along and everyone got on board, so to speak. You had 911, which united good people everywhere.
No one was watching Tibet get mugged, raped, and pillaged. No one was looking at the films of the Chinese army murdering North Koreans they had caught fleeing North Korea. No one had seen the film yet of Christians being hounded. No one had heard the argument by the Chinese govt. that the Catholic rep. in China was to pay homage to Peiping and not to Rome. And everyone heard and saw Peiping's answer to it all: ignore them, it will go away.
Walker must be good, very good, at his job. He can spin coal into fine garments.
I wonder how he sleeps at night?
Shadow has seen the films, and talked to Tibetans.
They let... | 7:45 a.m. April 26, 2008
China host the Olympic so even though I may disagree with civil rights issue in
that country, why not let the Olympic Torch go on its merry way undisturbed?
Also for the sake of the athletes who have worked so hard to compete, allow the
Olympic Games to proceed with no distractions. That's my opinion...
Utahns and authority | 8:10 a.m. April 26, 2008
The reason that Utahns don't like the protests is that anything adventurous
and independent has been bred out of them. Respect the boss-man is the credo
here.
Hm. | 8:23 a.m. April 26, 2008
They weren't talking to. I vehemently oppose China. Sorry if that offends.
Bart Tippetts | 8:34 a.m. April 26, 2008
It is appalling that my fellow Utahans would disagree in having Olympic torch
protest in support of oppressed people of Tibet and within China. If Utahans
just reasearched the facts concerning how the Tibetians were brutually
slaughered during the Chinaese Communist 1959 invasion in Tibet, the continous
China government denial of basic human rights of all Chinaese and Tibetian
citizens, they would and should be supporttive of the oppressed people
mentioned. Using the torch relay is an excellent venue to give a strong
message to China to follow through on their commitments in improving human
rights polcies which they declared as a pretext in having the Oylmpics. But
yet they are doing the opposite being more brutually oppressive of their people.
Let it be known the torch protest is working now that the China government will
meet with Dalai Lama representatives. To my Utah friends , do your home work
such reading reports of Amnesty International and US State Department concerning
China government brutality of its citizens. As a member of the LDS Church I have
a moral obligation to be in solidarity of poeple who are denied basic freedoms
through out the world.
Mormons for Equality and Social Justice
Mormons for Equality and Social Justice
Anonymous | 8:37 a.m. April 26, 2008
I think that using the Olympic torch route as a way to protest Tibetan
independence or any other issues in China is effective and smart. If you look at
the history of China, has there been a more ideal time than now where government
officials are trying to put forth their best face for the international
community? The Chinese government is paying extreme attention to each leg of the
Olympic torch route. It is the perfect time for protestors to voice their
disapproval towards government policies. China will want to show that they are
modern, open and transparent, and not the bad guy that everyone makes them out
to be. They might just change some policies because of the protests. I support
the protestors along the route and say,"Bravo, great strategy."
Disgusted | 8:54 a.m. April 26, 2008
An Energy Solutions talking head parroting about unity at all costs and against
dissent? What a surprise.
Utah, you should be ashamed of your arrogant aquiescence to communist domination and human rights abuses...but I guess as long as the flashy Christmas goodies and cheap electronics keep coming from mainland China you're willing to sacrifice a few heathens here and there.
Utah, you should be ashamed of your arrogant aquiescence to communist domination and human rights abuses...but I guess as long as the flashy Christmas goodies and cheap electronics keep coming from mainland China you're willing to sacrifice a few heathens here and there.
arc | 9:06 a.m. April 26, 2008
I don't want any protests about the Olympics. Separate protests about China
should not tie to the Olympics.
The news needs to show both sides of the rock throwing Tibet protests. That said, I think China should have democratic elections, have freedom of religion (more than they have) and let Taiwan and Tibet go. Of course, there are a billion people over there and it they all decide for that to happen, the government will not be able to stay in power. China, in my opinion, will not exist as it is in 5 years.
The news needs to show both sides of the rock throwing Tibet protests. That said, I think China should have democratic elections, have freedom of religion (more than they have) and let Taiwan and Tibet go. Of course, there are a billion people over there and it they all decide for that to happen, the government will not be able to stay in power. China, in my opinion, will not exist as it is in 5 years.
Observer | 9:09 a.m. April 26, 2008
Does this really surprise anyone? Just look at Utah. A state where all little
boys and girls do what they're told to do, and think what they're told
to think. Oh, they deny it of course, but everyone who's lived in Utah know
how things are. Do people in Utah even think? Do they realize that China has a
terrible record on human rights. That they invaded and occupied Tibet without
justification? Maybe people from Utah would be better off with a government like
China has.....a communist government by the way for those Utah people who
actually read the news and take time to inform themselves. Then the good Utah
people could keep doing what they're told, thinking what they're told
to think, and they wouldn't have to worry about the bad things in life like
dissent, human rights, protest, or being free.
CougarKeith | 9:39 a.m. April 26, 2008
Political Protests Have NO PLACE in the Olympic Games, PERIOD! It is not what
the games were designed to be about. They were designed to bring the world
together, not separate each other. I strongly disagree with any protests at
"SPORTING" events or other Non-Political Events!
A Utahn | 9:54 a.m. April 26, 2008
Not THIS Utahn! I absolutely support the protests and oppose what the Communist
Chinese government is doing in Tibet!
RE: Utahns and Authority | 10:34 a.m. April 26, 2008
Glad you finally brought in the LDS church. What would life be like in Utah if
someone wasn't taking a shot at the "dominant religion?" We,
those who respect our church leader, are grateful to be sheep of our Sheperd,
Jesus Christ. Calling us sheep is a compliment. That has nothing to do with
civil disobedience or demonstrating. China should not be allowed a free ride in
the world arena as long as they are a repressive regime with no religious or
ethnic tolerance. We should make our voices heard.
Ben | 10:46 a.m. April 26, 2008
I very much agree with Utahns and authority. The Sheeple of Utah always support
the actions of authority no matter how egregious. They are the most proud and
spineless citizenry in all the nation.
The Sheeple of Utah want so much to be loved by a world that hates them anyway. They are much too hypersensitive about their own image than to be concerned with such trivial matters as the basic civil rights of lowly Tibetans.
The Sheeple of Utah want so much to be loved by a world that hates them anyway. They are much too hypersensitive about their own image than to be concerned with such trivial matters as the basic civil rights of lowly Tibetans.
RE:CougarKeith | 10:49 a.m. April 26, 2008
So you place more importance on games than on human rights, and the basic
American rights of free speech, protest, and dissent. Ever hear the term
"bread and circus"? It applies to your post.
Not this Utahn | 10:57 a.m. April 26, 2008
Why "Utahns" oppose torch protest? Why not "many" or even
"most" of those surveyed?
I fully support the protests and the boycotts---though I'd rather the Olympics never have been awarded to China in the first place. I'm ASHAMED that China is a favored trading partner of the US.
I fully support the protests and the boycotts---though I'd rather the Olympics never have been awarded to China in the first place. I'm ASHAMED that China is a favored trading partner of the US.
DustBowl | 11:13 a.m. April 26, 2008
I'm a Utahn and I support the torch protests and I will personally boycott
this Olympics.
Population sampling is a joke and is cheap journalism.
Population sampling is a joke and is cheap journalism.
Jason | 11:16 a.m. April 26, 2008
I'd be interested to see the exact questions that the poll asked the survey
respondents. The lack of their reprinting here makes me suspicious of the poll
itself. Most of the people here in Utah I have spoken with are very in favor of
the protests. Killing Tibetan monks? What governmental action could be more
heinous? I fully support a complete Olympic ban. I personally will not buy any
products made by companies supporting the Olympics.
Gary L. | 11:18 a.m. April 26, 2008
Interesting survey. I wonder what percentage of Utahns know where Tibet is, and
what percentage of Utahns know about what China has done to the indigenous
Tibetan people. Now if there was an Ensign article about Tibet or a general
conference talk condemning China's actions then I'm guessing more
Utahns would support the Olympic torch demonstrations.
Reformed Utahan | 11:43 a.m. April 26, 2008
This is hardly surprising. Most Utahans are taught to only follow and never
question.
Duh | 11:45 a.m. April 26, 2008
Utahans made a deal with evil. They were wiling to risk being known as being
moral people by joining in on Olympic corruption to get the Winter Games. This
is done with the goal of looking more mainstream.
How, Utahans must abide by their contract with evil.
This is a old story. Read Goethe's Faust.
How, Utahans must abide by their contract with evil.
This is a old story. Read Goethe's Faust.
MaryT | 12:06 p.m. April 26, 2008
Who commissioned this study?
Where did the 404 survey participant come from? China?
No way 60% of real Utahns approved China's actions in Tibet!
I think this survey has a 100% margin for error.
So much for Dan Jones' surveys!
Where did the 404 survey participant come from? China?
No way 60% of real Utahns approved China's actions in Tibet!
I think this survey has a 100% margin for error.
So much for Dan Jones' surveys!
Utahn who supports protestors | 12:20 p.m. April 26, 2008
"Utahns oppose Olympic torch protests"
Pretty broad statement isn't it? I applaud anybody who protests the Olympics as long as they are in places like China.
And to those who say "Leave sports and politics separate"...has there been a better time to show the world the horrific regime that controls China and places like Tibet? Anything this global is inherently political in and of itself.
Fire whoever thought China was a suitable location. Maybe in four years we can have them in Iran or North Korea.
I would be much more proud of our state if your headline stated "Utahns lead Olympic torch protests". Now that would say something about our integrity as a state.
Human Rights > A sporting event (independent of size or grandeur).
Pretty broad statement isn't it? I applaud anybody who protests the Olympics as long as they are in places like China.
And to those who say "Leave sports and politics separate"...has there been a better time to show the world the horrific regime that controls China and places like Tibet? Anything this global is inherently political in and of itself.
Fire whoever thought China was a suitable location. Maybe in four years we can have them in Iran or North Korea.
I would be much more proud of our state if your headline stated "Utahns lead Olympic torch protests". Now that would say something about our integrity as a state.
Human Rights > A sporting event (independent of size or grandeur).
One More Vote "FOR" | 1:27 p.m. April 26, 2008
I was not polled but I would have voted FOR these demonstrations. I just wish
they could be free of harm to anyone except the Chinese Government--then I wish
it was a tidal wave of damage. There is no other way to register with this
oppressive government. They turn deaf ears to complaints or concerns voiced from
counties outside China (except Tibe-- where they use their usual 'effective
silencing treatments' ie: Imprisonment, torture or death. If the Chinese
are so almighty concerned about their dear Olympics, then they should GET OUT OF
TIBET TODAY. It would be the best PR movement ever made!!! The Torch would be
cheered all the way to Olympic Stadium.
Matt Connelly | 2:58 p.m. April 26, 2008
I disagree entirely with "the majority" interviewed for this poll. In
fact, using the Olympics as a stage to protest China's human rights
violations is an EXCELLENT idea.
Ultimately, the games are about the athletes, and we honor those athletes who compete in this game. But there's nothing that says the games must be EXCLUSIVELY about the athletes. That's never been the case. For many years the games have also been about the sponsors. Think of how Visa has used the games to expand it's international presence.
Due to the USAs unfortunate economic reliance on China, we are pretty weak when it comese to calling China out for its civil rights violations. The abuse that China heaps upon its citizens (not to mention those of Tibe) is cause for serious international concern. The games provide a way for the world to get some leverage with China in a way that is otherwise impossible. To miss this opportunity to chastise China for its egregious human rights abuses would be a sin.
Ultimately, the games are about the athletes, and we honor those athletes who compete in this game. But there's nothing that says the games must be EXCLUSIVELY about the athletes. That's never been the case. For many years the games have also been about the sponsors. Think of how Visa has used the games to expand it's international presence.
Due to the USAs unfortunate economic reliance on China, we are pretty weak when it comese to calling China out for its civil rights violations. The abuse that China heaps upon its citizens (not to mention those of Tibe) is cause for serious international concern. The games provide a way for the world to get some leverage with China in a way that is otherwise impossible. To miss this opportunity to chastise China for its egregious human rights abuses would be a sin.
Thanks, Nixon! | 3:20 p.m. April 26, 2008
As earth evolves in to the Chinese Century, I hope the Chinese learn to be
kinder masters.
Misleading | 3:54 p.m. April 26, 2008
I am LDS, I refuse party affiliation and my actions don't follow parties
either. I vote on those who have the true moral principals of old.
I am not a tricked person by greed, business, doctors, lawyers, etc. I am in an elite class of intelligence and I don't need to disguise it with tact and social kindness.
With that said I would give one simple statement to end all others.
Does a game allow room for ignoring your opponents actions outside the game?
Would you play pool with Hitler? I would not.
Does God think that the Olympic Games is worth more than the lives of those whom China has crushed and will continue? No!
There are those who think only of other people and fairness and good things. Others are lazy. Others attack which is good.
What China is doing is not good, I do not seek good things. I will seek to take down which is bad and China deserves no Olympics and Tibet deserves freedom.
I wouldn't blow the torch out, but I wouldn't support China.
Peaceful protesting comes from a Utah here. I am Utahans and MANY of us give Tibet our moral support.
I am not a tricked person by greed, business, doctors, lawyers, etc. I am in an elite class of intelligence and I don't need to disguise it with tact and social kindness.
With that said I would give one simple statement to end all others.
Does a game allow room for ignoring your opponents actions outside the game?
Would you play pool with Hitler? I would not.
Does God think that the Olympic Games is worth more than the lives of those whom China has crushed and will continue? No!
There are those who think only of other people and fairness and good things. Others are lazy. Others attack which is good.
What China is doing is not good, I do not seek good things. I will seek to take down which is bad and China deserves no Olympics and Tibet deserves freedom.
I wouldn't blow the torch out, but I wouldn't support China.
Peaceful protesting comes from a Utah here. I am Utahans and MANY of us give Tibet our moral support.
Joyce Russell Brocke | 4:49 p.m. April 26, 2008
As A member of the LDS Church I support peaceful solutions to all conflicts,
because I am LDS the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, which means
Jesus Christ is the head of our Church although we do also have a prophet in
this temporal world> Christ was a passionate man , the son of God and the son
of man , he protested in the temple by throwing the moneychangers out of His
House on their ears He was violent about it they made a mockery of Gods House. I
am not a Tibetan Buddhist however I do not think That Jesus would agree with
their persecution, I think the olympic games are not as important as following
the teachings of Christ therefore we should boycott the Olympics and not support
China because of their human rights abuses, we should support peace and right
things follow a right path, follow Christ Jesus , our lord and redeemer.
I think the Chinese government needs to know that we as a people oppose their policies which cause our bretthren in Tibet to suffer. They all need to love one another! The great message brought by Christ!
I think the Chinese government needs to know that we as a people oppose their policies which cause our bretthren in Tibet to suffer. They all need to love one another! The great message brought by Christ!
John L. | 5:19 p.m. April 26, 2008
Who really cares about the olympics anyway. All it is is professional athletes,
NBA, World Cup Soccer, etc. We rob the true raw talent of those that have
worked hard with no compensation whatsoever. It is not the athletes we can
blame, but rather the Olympic Committee. Shame on them. Shame on the President
for going, but then again Bush has brought this country down anyway, he might as
well go to bed with the Devil. I think the article is wrong to say Utahans or
even refer to those LDS and call us spinless. I vehemetly oppose this. China
is the primary violator for animal and human rights all across Asia, Tibet,
North Korea, Malasia, etc. They will put out the welcome mat with limited areas
to travel, then when it is all over shred the mat and continue to perform its
abusive practices.
Anonymous | 6:32 p.m. April 26, 2008
ok- so the war in Iraq that freed the Iraqi people from a horrible oppressor (S
Hussein) was wrong but we should go to war to with China to free Tibet? That
makes sense.
I have no interest in summer or winter olympics- I think they're both incredibly boring and way overhyped
... but if we're going to have them anyway why do they have to be politicized?
All you "free Tibet" types need to find another "hip"cause to get behind- that's a done deal and you're not going to change it
I have no interest in summer or winter olympics- I think they're both incredibly boring and way overhyped
... but if we're going to have them anyway why do they have to be politicized?
All you "free Tibet" types need to find another "hip"cause to get behind- that's a done deal and you're not going to change it
CougarKeith | 9:19 p.m. April 26, 2008
"Bread & Circus", Just ignore the games if it's an issue for
you. Leave the athletes and the rest of the world to enjoy them for what they
are, we will all work through Reasonable Diplomacy to work through the
"Tibet Thing" which makes light now, where was it the past 60 years?
To: lisa at desnews | 9:30 p.m. April 26, 2008
This is a misleading article. There are surveys and then there are real
facts.
Surveys only get those who reply to them. There are scientific ways to survey which pull MUCH more accurate results and more so they usually include a MUCH larger audience from every aspect of Utah life; even these surveys can be very inaccurate.
Almost everyone I know is against the torch relays.
Many of the people I work with are LDS and have opinions but come out to vote only; they usually don't get much more involved in this and hate taking surveys. Most of these people I work with don't support the torch relays.
I personally wouldn't be the violent type protester but I certainly won't support a Communist countries actions just because I believe that some games are more important. This is how the Utahans I know feel who care about treating other humans with respect, not taking away their agency.
If Saddam Hussein was alive and hosting the games, how many Utahans would support it then? People are usually hypocrites who give opinions on things they don't read into enough.
Don't give Utah a bad rep because a few don't care about Tibetans.
Surveys only get those who reply to them. There are scientific ways to survey which pull MUCH more accurate results and more so they usually include a MUCH larger audience from every aspect of Utah life; even these surveys can be very inaccurate.
Almost everyone I know is against the torch relays.
Many of the people I work with are LDS and have opinions but come out to vote only; they usually don't get much more involved in this and hate taking surveys. Most of these people I work with don't support the torch relays.
I personally wouldn't be the violent type protester but I certainly won't support a Communist countries actions just because I believe that some games are more important. This is how the Utahans I know feel who care about treating other humans with respect, not taking away their agency.
If Saddam Hussein was alive and hosting the games, how many Utahans would support it then? People are usually hypocrites who give opinions on things they don't read into enough.
Don't give Utah a bad rep because a few don't care about Tibetans.
Why these polls/surveys? | 10:27 p.m. April 26, 2008
I have to ask WHY ??????? KSL and Desnews feel the need to mold public opinion
with their "survey".
Darrel | 10:32 p.m. April 26, 2008
I'm sure glad that nobody protested when Hitler held the 1936 Olympic
Games. Boy, we are all sure proud of what Nazi Germany was able to accomplish
because of all the international support of the Games.
itensurebayoi | 10:58 p.m. April 26, 2008
We don't need to boycott the Olympics and disappoint the athletes and fans.
Just MOVE them to a better (i.e. non-Chinese) location. It CAN be done.
Then, let's get our business leaders and politicians out of bed with the Chinese.
Then, let's get our business leaders and politicians out of bed with the Chinese.
Ignorance is bliss | 11:05 p.m. April 26, 2008
I think 70% of Utahns don't understand what China has done to Tibet and
what a huge show of cultural and political authority over Tibet it is to run the
torch through that region. We didn't force the torch through Bagdad or
Kabul with a squad of elite mercenary LDS missionaries, which is basically what
China is now doing.
My Favorite Utahn... | 12:30 a.m. April 27, 2008
Is the one that compplains so much about everything they have to deal with in
Utah and for some reason thinks Utah is so boring and spineless, yet
doens't have the sense to do something about it.
combat88k | 4:13 a.m. May 1, 2008
Let's see: toxic toys, toxic food, toxic pet foods. The worst human rights
record on the face of the planet. Are the Chinese better than those that had to
suffer from apartheid?
Add your comment
Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.
Words Remaining
E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.
Related content
- Prep football: Felt's Facts Week 11:03 a.m.
- Weiss new Tour of Utah director 10:54 a.m.
- Moguls skier Jeremy Bloom retires 10:51 a.m.
- Police probe synagogue vandalism 10:44 a.m.
- O'Connor's husband dies 10:36 a.m.
- Russia launches program for tigers 10:35 a.m.
- Veterans Day in Afghanistan 10:34 a.m.
- Drug industry presses FDA 10:31 a.m.
- Obama honors veterans 10:29 a.m.
- New dinosaur species found 10:21 a.m.
- SLC council OKs gay rights policies
- Pratt pleads not guilty to sex charges
- Utah Jazz have a problem at point
- Utah group finds homes for orphans
- Wyoming writer amazed by BYU
- 'Love story' of crash victim ends
- Hair-pulling raises more questions
- Y. tight ends talented tandem
- 4 Jazz players make All-Star ballot
- 12 Utes return to Texas
- House passes health care bill
268 - TCU showdown has big implications188
- Lobo suspended185
- Senators want food tax restored156
- Cougars crush hapless Cowboys155
- Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings131
- TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd119
- No 'backlash' for pioneers, gays analogy106
- S.L. vote pending on gay protections105
- SLC council OKs gay rights policies96
Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants nationwide will honor...
Advertisement
Latest comments
It's hard to factor in BYU stats when 70% of BYU students aren't actually...
Blow the dust off your specs. He's also 6-2 and weighs 235. Not like the...
Hey, Doug G., sometimes doing nothing is BETTER than doing something,...
Bite your ute tongue!
One of the strange misconceptions people have on this site is the idea that...
So how is this this enforced? Young people with sporadic income and jobs, no...
First, Utahans...take this opportunity for NO TAXES on unprepared food. ...
["He placed thorns in my flesh to teach me humility"] wow. you should sue...
This is about Kelly, not Brady. Brady is playing with the Packers.
It's a start. Now keep going.
Advertisements
This is shameful. Monks protesting for the freedom of their country from the Communist regime were brutally murdered by the state as recently as a couple of months ago. What sporting event is more important than their lives? Than their freedom to think, speak and worship as they please. Shame on that 68 percent that oppose the protests.
I recently returned from a short trip to New York City, where I saw protesters demonstrating outside the Chinese consulate. These people, who are fortunate enough to live in a free country are desperately trying to fight for freedom in their homeland, for their families. I think at the heart of the opposition in Utah to their cause is selfishness and racism. For all the talk about freedom and equality LDS church members (of which I am one) spout, none of that matters when it comes to people in a distant, misunderstood land. It's more important that Bush gets to wave at the crowd at the opening ceremonies.