Around 80 countries participated in Moscow and around 60 didn't. It proved what, exactly?

The US has an enormous trade with China, and China with the US. The US has many, many common interests with China, and a great number of competing interests.

The Games will take place. If the US doesn't participate, then hundreds of US athletes lose their chance, some forever, of competing in the Olympics. Maybe the Chinese lose a little face. And the US gains what? Chinese cooperation in the future, when it is really needed? Maybe not.

Anne, here's a question for you: What currency keeps rising in value these days? Oh, that would be the yuan (rmb). Which currency is so far down in the cellar that even the Canadian dollar is stronger? Oh, that would be the greenback.

And finally, Anne, when, ever, in the last 59 years, has China ever responded to arm twisting? Would that answer be "never"? And with China stronger, more prosperous than it has ever been at any time in its history, do you really think the threat of a US boycott will alter the government's behavior in any way, whatsoever, that could possibly be construed as helpful?

No, I didn't think you did.

China's prosperity and reliance upon US consumers puts it at its MOST vulnerable position to US action. China is trying to appear as a legitimate country, not the unashamed psycho it was in the 60's. They are exceptionally concerned about PR surrounding the olympics.

China is not a legitimate country? What is it instead, a ham sandwich?

The only PR the Chinese will see is the Western world ganging up against the Chinese while the Tibetan burn down Han Chinese shops. This will set back the autonomy cause for Tibetans for at least 10 years.

who says boycott would not work; I am sure Anne, Richard Gere, Mia Farrow and Steve Spielsberg will all stay away

To YOU China may not be legitimate, but to me it is, and most importantly, you Cons forget, it is more than legitimate to the Chinese PEOPLE. The Chinese people have had a soverign government for over 2000 years.

Unlike you, they know the consequences of what they do, they have endured more than you have even dreamed of, including their "baby boomers" so in this poker game, I don't think they will fold, more like you loonie tunes would.