Be happy not proud of the U.S. Olympic team

By L.A. Batchelor
sports@yourblackworld.com
labatchelor@blackathlete.com


NC-The Olympics officially ended last weekend and like many other times, the United States led the way with more overall medals while the Chinese finish second overall but first in Gold medals. Yes we had the thrill of the Michael Phelps story, “THE REDEEM TEAM” in men’s basketball winning the Gold, the women’s basketball team quietly dominating all the way to the Gold and many other success stories to talk about and be proud of. We also had the disappointments from the land of the free when you think of the U.S. women’s softball team losing to Japan and only capturing Silver after dominating the sport and the Olympics for so long. The U.S. men and women track and field teams disqualification costing both squads the shot at Gold in there perspective meets and James Blake losing to what many would describe as a lesser opponent and losing a chance at a medal after a thrilling upset win over Roger Federer.

All stories people are talking about that followed the games from Beijing. One important story was never told or discussed and should have and that is the human rights violations of China and the continued atrocities that are taking place in Darfur.

Imprisonment, censorship and even death are some of the horrific consequences facing many in these countries and yet our government turns there head and closes there eyes to these crimes of humanity and keeps there eyes on the prize………Olympic Gold.

Now two of our top athletes attempted to show some character and leadership on this issue but was silent before the games began. Kobe Bryant spoke to the media prior to the men’s basketball team arrival in Beijing expressing his outrage of the killing and slaughter of thousands in Dar fur and how people should speak out, stand up and denounce the evil taking place there and Lebron James actually did a commercial condemning the actions taking place there as well but neither showed the courage, leadership and made there voice heard when they planted there feet on China soil. I know all of the athletes sign a waiver or document stating they will not take any political views or express any political agendas while competing there or face banishment from the games, but guys like Kobe and Lebron fail to realize the star power they have to speak out and make a difference in something so very important to many. Would the U.S. and the IOC really risk the chance of having the world’s greatest athletes competing in the Olympics even if the athletes spoke out against human right’s violations? Most would say the answer is no.

It’s time for athletes in this country in the powerful position that they are in many cases, to take a stand, to speak up and speak out and get involved both in lending there name, there time and even money in some cases to help many who suffer in China, Darfur and around the world. Who knows how many men and women who die in this country who want to be one of the elite standing on the podium at the medal ceremony accepting a medal for there country and proud of doing so.

So as American, I am happy for the success of the U.S. team, but I can’t say that I’m proud.