Kansas City Star: China’s typical response to criticism at home is to douse the message and

Kansas City Star: China’s typical response to criticism at home is to douse the message and rough up the messenger.

Those methods don’t work in democratic nations. Chinese leaders have no way of quelling the dissent that has accompanied the Olympic torch’s raucous warm-up lap around the world.

Nor should the International Olympic Committee step in to help China save face.

The demonstrations are not a reason to stop the relay, as some committee members have suggested. Protests shine a light on China’s continuing human rights violations, support of repressive regimes in Sudan and Myanmar, and denial of press and other freedoms for its citizens.

Poor choice

China was a poor choice to serve as host for the games. Its recent brutal crackdown in the occupied nation of Tibet has made a mockery of the hope that the Olympic prize would help bring China out of isolation and make it a responsible player on the world stage.

But with an Olympic village nearing completion in Beijing, peaceful demonstrators have an opportunity to let Chinese leaders know how their actions are viewed internationally. Eventually, even delusional Chinese officials may have to stop attributing the uproar to Tibetan separatists.

The Olympic games have long been fraught with political implications. French President Nicolas Sarkozy is urging European leaders to boycott the opening ceremonies in August. Many Americans believe President Bush should stay home to indicate this nation’s disapproval of Chinese actions and policies.