A QUESTION:
Darfur
Darfur
(starving mother and child awaiting treatment at an aid station.)
and the Republic of Georgia
and the Republic of Georgia
(wounded Georgian woman lies in front of apartments
post Russian air strike on the northern town of Gori.
She was later taken to a safe area.)
vs.
a vegetarian
Olympic swimmer
in the buff
(Amanda Beard and PETA.)
Which cause
deserves more press time?
This entry was posted
on Monday, August 11, 2008
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China revokes visa of gold medalist
Olympic gold medalist and outspoken Darfur activist Joey Cheek has had his visa revoked by the Chinese embassy, hours before the speedskating champion was set to fly to China.
Chinese officials don't need a reason to revoke anyone's visa but, in their eyes, they had plenty of reasons to snatch Cheek's. He is the founder of Team Darfur, a group of 70 athletes whose goal it is to raise global awareness of the human-rights violations taking part in the Darfur region of Sudan. China's military, economic and diplomatic ties to Sudan have been well-publicized in the lead-up to the Games.
Said Cheek of his ban in a prepared statement:
"I am saddened not to be able to attend the Games. The Olympic Games represent something powerful: that people can come together from around the world and do things that no one thought were possible. However, the denial of my visa is a part of a systemic effort by the Chinese government to coerce and threaten athletes who are speaking out on behalf of the innocent people of Darfur.
Cheek was going to China to support the athletes on Team Darfur -- including soccer player Abby Wambach -- and to promote the cause, one that he has championed for years. After winning gold in the Torino Games, Cheek announced he was donating his $25,000 USOC bonus to Darfur and implored his sponsors to do the same.
That is why I have issues with an athlete pulling the PETA routine.
Excellent question. The media is only interested in the tabloid stories these days. They don't care which story "deserves" more press time. It is a sad reflection on the current culture.
Point on! Appreciate the post. I'll be back to read more.
Modern media ia basically worthless. Darfur would not be suffering today if the world media would relentless hammer the shame of it home. We are seduced by the glamour of celebrity so as not to pay attention to what is really important.