09 April 2008
The confirmation from Brown's Downing Street office means he is the second major world leader after German Chancellor Angela Merkel to do so.
The White House left open the possibility Wednesday that U.S. President George W. Bush might also skip the opening ceremonies, which some world leaders have suggested would serve as a signal of displeasure over China's crackdown in Tibet.
However, Brown's Downing Street office said he was not boycotting the Olympics and would attend the closing ceremony.
Brown has been under intense pressure from human rights campaigners to miss the Aug. 8 opening. However, Brown's decision not to attend was not aimed at sending a message of protest to the Chinese government, the spokeswoman said on condition of anonymity in line with government policy.
She said the decision had been made weeks ago and was not a stand on principle.
"He had never planned to attend," she said. "There is absolutely no change in our position."
Posted by: Stashiu3 at
19:30:46
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Post contains 239 words, total size 2 kb.
But also in SF there were plenty of people who came out to support the the Torch (not sure if they were also supporting the Chinese government too, or just came out to support the Olympics), drawn mostly from the Chinese community there.
Posted by: kishnevi at 09 April 2008@20:57:00 (xtp2U)
My parents loved parades... going in person or even watching them on television. They have more video of the parade at Disney than all their other Disney footage combined.
I hate parades (and Mom & Dad, if you're reading this, I hated Sunday Drivestm that went on for hours without going anywhere too. Just sayin').
Posted by: Stashiu3 at 09 April 2008@21:52:26 (tarqT)
They find they are better off without facts. Those churlish facts have a nasty habit of not agreeing with what they PREFER to believe.
Posted by: Machinist at 09 April 2008@22:48:57 (yFIK0)
Fixed it for ya Mac.
Posted by: Stashiu3 at 09 April 2008@23:00:38 (tarqT)
No vouchers as public schools are better for kids, but not my kids.
Section 8 housing? We must welcome these people as our neighbors, but not in my neighborhood.
Social security? Not for politicians, are you kidding???
Etc, etc,
Posted by: Machinist at 09 April 2008@23:07:44 (yFIK0)
Posted by: Stashiu3 at 09 April 2008@23:21:37 (tarqT)
Posted by: Machinist at 09 April 2008@23:28:52 (yFIK0)
Preaching to the choir Sir, preaching to the choir.
Posted by: Stashiu3 at 10 April 2008@00:14:19 (tarqT)
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