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Originally Posted by MattyC
I get this and you're definitely right about the last part. I just don't know if the Olympics is the proper setting for it as it is hurting people that really have nothing to do with it.
I know if I was going to the Olympics and they backed out for gay rights I would be pissed. Not because I am against gay rights, I am very much for them, but because what do gay rights have to do with the Olympic games? What do they have to do with me playing hockey, or biathlon or whatever?
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Pretty much everything ever since the Russians decided that it does.
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The types of boycotts your talking about should be done on a diplomatic and socioeconomic scale like through trade embargos for example. Things that will actually hinder the country from operating if they don't comply. One country staying home from the Olympics doesn't accomplish close to that. Not many Canadians are going to be travelling to Sochi for the games. Not many Canadians are going to be tuning into their live broadcasts due to the time difference. I think they are probably more focused on bringing in tourism and such from closer neighbors, most of whom have similar issues.
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What you're basicly saying is that you're all for boycott but don't want to be affected by it. Thing is, if people are not affected by the boycott, nobody will care.
Also, when it comes to boycotts, you have to remember the power of example. Canada is a major power in the winter olympics. Them drawing out would make it much easier for other countries to follow.
I think the question of Canada not taking part in ice hockey is a good one. Even if Russia won, that victory would forever have an asterisk. If any of the other major hockey powers pulled out (US comes to mind, with their grievances over other issues combined with propably lack of TV interest), it would water down the olympics quite effectively. I would also think countries like Netherlands (big in skating) and some Nordic countries could easily join the boycott.
Heck, if you'd really want to throw snow in Russia's face, picture this; US, Canada and Sweden boycott the olympics. Instead the NHL organizes a Hockey World Cup before the 201-15 season, which obviously would happily collect all the major hockey powers. Except maybe Russians, if they'd feel like pouting.
(The NHL would love it.)