Yesterday the Belgian NOC decreed that it's athletes can not discuss politics while inside Olympic facilities (including the Olympic Village) in 2008.
What a load of crap.
To the athletes of Belgium, I say listen to your conscience and speak your mind, no matter what subject it is.
I would like to think we live in a society that welcomes the free exchange of ideas. I have been to Belgium before (in 1988) and had a great time. The people were friendly, the food fattening (sigh), and the history incredible. But their NOC's attempts to muzzle their athletes is just plain wrong.
Part of the Olympic experience doesn't happen on the competition field. It happens in the Village, in the towns, and meeting the local folk as well as getting to know your fellow athletes. Telling someone you can't talk about certain issues is just plain wrong.
My gut feeling this order came to the Belgians via Lausanne. It's well known Jacques Rogge had consistantly dodged the issues that have arisen in regards to Beijing's election as a host city. AFAIK, no other NOC has issued an order similar to this. It's shameful what they have done.
We are either part of the solution or part of the problem. No guess as to where the Belgian NOC stands in this equation.
For shame. And it should have never happened. You've played right into their hands.
And that is just what Beijing was looking for.
