THEWULFMAN wrote:So don't you [m'kay]-ing dare say athletes shouldn't be allowed to play because of what their country does. I hate N. Korea's government, but not the country's people.
I serious doubt that they are some of the poor average people competing for N. Korea. And secondly, the Olympics are not about the individual people (although yes there can be some emphasis on it), but it's about the countries competing against each other. It can be sad when the Olympics is used as a game for politics, but I believe this is a different situation then that of the Cold War. N. Korea is still at war with S. Korea, they have an extremely horrible human rights track record, and more than likely they would attack America if they could.
As for Samonuh's point, it may be possible that it will be a step towards opening up the nation, but I doubt it ever will. The only help for their people is a complete change in leadership and style of government. However, the reason for my point was that allowing them in, is the same as symbolizing that the world if fine with North Korea, and a stab in the back to the people of South Korea (in my opinion, I don't know how S. Korea actually feels).
I stick with my position, but I do hope that you are right Samonuh.