Tancredo Letter on Olympics

Tom Tancredo, the conservative Republican from Colorado, sent this around:

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Tancredo Asks Olympic Committee to Play Fair, Stop Discriminating Against Taiwan

Lawmaker Introduces Resolution Urging IOC to Let Taiwan Compete Using the National Name, Flag and Anthem of Its Own Choosing in 2008 Beijing Games

( WASHINGTON , D.C. ) – U.S. Representative Tom Tancredo (R-CO) introduced legislation today urged the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to stop discriminating against Taiwan, and asked the international sports body to allow the island nation to compete in the 2008 Beijing Games using the national name, flag, and national anthem of its choice.

“It’s disappointing that the IOC seems to be more interested in acting as a foreign policy handmaiden for Beijing that it does in promoting sportsmanship and fair play,” said Tancredo.

The Olympic Charter states that “Any form of discrimination with regard to a country or a person on the grounds of race, religion, politics, gender or otherwise is incompatible with belonging to the Olympic Movement.” In addition, it directs the IOC to “oppose any political or commercial abuse of sport and athletes.”

Despite the lofty language of the charter, however, the IOC – under pressure from the People’s Republic of China – continues to require Taiwan to compete under the name “Chinese Taipei.” In addition, the IOC does not permit the playing of Taiwan ’s national anthem, or the display of Taiwan ’s national flag.

Tancredo also pointed out that Puerto Rico, whose status as a U.S. commonwealth is not in dispute, is not required to use a special flag or compete under the name “American San Juan” as a condition for participation.

"Taiwan's athletes, like athletes from every other participating country, have exhibited years of hard work and training to earn the right to represent their country in the Olympic Games,” concluded Tancredo, “Why shouldn’t they enjoy the same opportunity to stand beneath their national flag while their national anthem is played when they win a medal?”

The legislation is cosponsored by Representatives Steve Chabot (R-OH), Dan Burton (R-IN) and Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI)

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Emphasis on Puerto Rico is mine. The difference is that while Puerto Rico is indisputably a part of the US, Taiwan is not a part of China at all.

[Taiwan] [Olympics]