As the Olympic Torch makes its' way around the world, there have been protests to send a message to China that people are unhappy about their actions in Tibet and lack of regard for human rights. In France the emotions were running high and the torch had to be extinguished several times and taken onto a bus for safety. In San Francisco, protesters made the dangerous climb up the cables of the Golden Gate Bridge to hang a sign which read, "One World, One Dream, Free Tibet '08". We have also heard politicians chime in and talk about boycotts. Is any of this really going to matter? I highly doubt that the government of China is really going to care. Even if every country in the world decided to boycott the Olympics, I doubt it would change China's stance on human rights. I don't think there is anything that any politician can do to get China to show a greater respect for human rights.

Although there is nothing the politicians can do, the people of the world can do something that might at least cause China to consider changing positions on this issue. That something is not a boycott of the Olympics, but a boycott of all products made in China. This would definitely get their attention. Of course , it is unlikely that there would be enough people who were willing to participate in this boycott. It would be nice to see the people of the world rise up and take a stand, but it is doubtful this will happen. The torch may have to be extinguished more times before it reaches China,  but the big torch will be lit, the games will go on, and the disregard for human rights will continue until a real stand is taken.