From FRC …
On the cusp of the Olympic games, we should pause to recall that, in order to win the right to hold the Games, China argued that hosting the Olympics would help it move toward democracy and respect for human rights. Now, the day before the Olympics, we know that is not the case. Human rights have deteriorated in the year leading up to the Games. In particular, religious freedom – for all religions – has been curtailed. Christians have suffered as well.
In a case in which FRC got involved last December, over 200 pastors were arrested, beaten, and 21 imprisoned for multi-year terms. Their crime? Holding an unauthorized Bible study. "House churches" have been targeted in a crackdown called the "strike hard" campaign. Likewise, Catholic members of the underground or unregistered or unofficial Catholic church have been imprisoned.
China remains a "country of concern" for violating the right to religious freedom on the short lists of the State Department and the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. One Chinese Muslim likened these Olympics to Hitler's – both showcased a totalitarian regime. It will be a sad day for human rights and religious freedom when the Games open tomorrow in Beijing.
[From No prize for religious freedom at this Olympic Games (FRC Blog)]
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
This entire situation with China is very disheartening. Why, oh why did they believe that China would ever be truthful? I was sad when I first heard that it was to be in China.
Okay, so on a more positive note, OH MY GOODNESS, Randy you get the “Most Awesome Blog” award! Dude your blog ROCKS! The work and lay out of this blog is beautiful! Love the rotating pictures, the entire lay out, just beautiful. Randy MAN, you are an inspiration in so many ways! I love your creativity!
Thanks for bringing up renewed awareness of China’s inhumane human rights record and your conviction to boycott the Olympics! I subscribe to Voice of The Martyrs: http://www.persecution.com/ where anyone can read about the persecution and perseverance of our brothers and sisters in the Faith. I would encourage anyone that while the Olympics are taking place, to go to prisoneralert.com: http://www.prisoneralert.com/ and send an encouraging letter to Christians who are imprisoned for their faith. It’s so easy!
@Stephen Black – Thanks Stephen! I did do some tweaking. The back ground image and revolving photos are mine. I changed some of the colors on the blockquotes and fonts but the structure itself was built by a man name Chris Pearson and I bought the theme (details in the footer of the blog page.) I think it was well worth the $88. I can barely afford that much less a personal professional custom design.
The other theme I was thinking about buying which is about 10 bucks cheaper was called Revolution.
since I bought this one I bet I stick with it. The photos might change from time to time but I love the structure and don’t feel a need to tweak and tweak and tweak.
Also, thank you very much for your kind words.
@Greg P. – Thanks for the heads up and linkage. Very useful information.
@Randy -
Thanks for the heads up on the information! I am going to visit with our friend David in Ft. Smith on the 25th. He is going to help me complete revamp my blog and give me tips and helps. Truly, your’s is inspiring and all you do in your artwork and photos! Great stuff!
Everytime I check your blog it looks different…. are you really going to keep this layout?
As for China, blah! The human rights issue is huge, but also consider, the environmental conditions the world’s greatest athletes will have to perform in. I was watching the news not too long ago (it’s not a regular practice of mine) and learning about the air quality or I should say, lack thereof where the games will be held. It’s cruel to make athletes compete under such horrible conditions… and China said they’d clean up their air. Yeah, right.
I know I know… will I keep it? You never know. HOWEVER, it must be stated that I have only used three different themes this year. Tweaked them like crazy? yes… but only three structural changes.
.
… as opposed to the three dozen complete overhauls we went through last year. I am seriously tired of tweaking
Also, very good point Joyella. I didn’t think about that. The health of the athletes is another very good point to consider.
[...] am personally not real big into boycotts. I am not knocking them and have joined them before (like boycotting the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics). I am just usually reluctant because I really wonder what the overall [...]