Warning Graphic Footage!! BOYCOTT 2004 OLYMPICS/ATHENS GREECE

[Logan]

Leslie, I have no disagreement with any of the points you made (you either QS). It is a shame that the Greek government couldn't listen several years ago when offers of help were coming in, then resorted to this horrible method of "fixing" the problem. I have absolutely no problem with this being a perfect time to heighten awareness through news media, etc to show the disgraceful way that the Greek government chose to deal with this. My only beef was with boycotting the Olympics, thereby punishing the athletes who had nothing to do with this decision.

I was reading the ASPCA newsletter this morning and went to their website and read this:

The international Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) recently sent a representative to Athens and is helping to train Greek officials to deal with the epidemic stray problem humanely.

A little late, but I guess better late than never.

[davidpizzica]

Originally posted by Logan
My only question to all of you is: Do we in the US deal with the stray population in a humane way? Does Canada? Does any country? We hear horror stories from all over. I do NOT condone what is happening, or what could happen, in Greece. I'm just choosing to not penalize the athletes who have worked so hard to get there, as none of this is their fault! There are problems everywhere, especially in this country, as we read about day in and day out through the news, newsletters from animal advocate groups, and the various boards we visit, and we should be voicing our concerns at every possible opportunity, and also doing our part in rescue and placement, but to boycott watching the Olympics because of some stupid decisions of the Greek government seems a bit overboard to me. If you hate sports and the Olympics, don't watch, but my opinion is that watching and supporting these athletes from over 200 countries who have worked a lifetime to get there doesn't have anything to do with the stray population in Greece. They didn't choose the location, they just trained to be there, wherever it is held!

The summer games in 2008 will be held in Beijing, China. Lord knows what human rights and animal atrocities we can already start finding there!

I know I'm not going to change any minds, but if we have our hearts and message in the right place, maybe we can make a difference.

Not looking for arguments, just stating my opinion, with the best of intentions.

Logan

Logan, I totally agree with you. It was a horrible act of cruelty on the part of the Greek government, but the athletes had nothing to do with it. They trained hard to get to the Olympics and for some, their only chance. I will protest to the Greek Prime minister, but I'll support the athletes.

[lizzielou742]

I sent an email to the Prime Minister as well.