NOT a boycott

As Jill Savitt and her team work to bring the Olympic dream to Darfur, they must also combat the assumption that their campaign calls for a boycott of the Olympics. It does not.

The press has latched onto the catchy idea of "Genocide Olympics" - but the challenge is that accusing China of hosting Genocide Olympics gives the country no way out. Savitt wants to set China up for success, appeal in a positive light for China to do its part to host peaceful Games. This means extending its leverage until positive results are seen on the ground in Darfur.

Jerry Fowler speaks with Jill here.

One World, One Dream: Keeping China in the Spotlight

China's slogan for the 2008 Olympics sits awkwardly with its support of many brutal regimes, including that of Sudan. Mia Farrow and others have expolited this dark secret to enormous effect with the Olympic Dream for Darfur campaign, as referenced by Elizabeth Milligan in her entry below. China has responded with its toughest stance yet towards the Sudanese government's violence.

Their efforts prove that international public opinion- our opinion- matters to China. Now Congress has gotten into the act. Senate Resolution 203 was introducted on May 16, but has languished in committee for over a month. The resolution calls on China to "use its unique influence and economic leverage to stop genocide and violence in Darfur, Sudan." As a resolution, it does not have force of law, but would send a powerful public signal to the Chinese government that the American people care, and so does their government. It is not anti-China, but simply calls on Beijing to do the right thing. There is no reason not to pass this resolution.

Click here to learn about the bill, and then ask your representatives (especially if they're on the Foreign Relations Committee) to get S.Res. 203 out of committee and start doing good!

Also check out the House version, H.Res. 422