Tibet 'supporters' using the Olympics for selfish gains

How can these so called Tibet supporters sleep well at night? I try very hard to understand the philosophy behind trying to disrupt the only real world peace event this planet can muster. Although there have been a few occasions in the Olympic's 102 year old history where politics has shown its ugly face, generally speaking the event produces some of the most moving scenes of athletes battling it out on equal terms, completely obliterate to the political mayhem of the world.

I would like to emphasize "equal terms" as it is really what the Olympics is all about- being non-discriminatory. On the day of competing it doesn't matter what country you're from, nor your colour, race or religion, or which country your home country may or may not be at war with- it's all about the best athlete (and of course in some cases, as with Steven Bradbury, the luckiest athlete)!!!

The Olympics is an event where nations and athletes come together to compete in good spirit and celebrate human achievements. To use this as a tool for own political gains is a complete and utter disgrace, and rather than raising a debate whether to boycott the Beijing Olympics, perhaps the topic of debate should be whether to disallow Tibet to participate.

The latter does, however, punish the athletes which is a very unfortunate outcome we should avoid at all cost. I do not condone the alleged breaches of human rights by China, but I don't believe the recent approach taken by these 'supporters' should be hailed as anything but a distasteful and reckless stunt.

I would also like to point out that it would appear that the majority of the people inhabiting this planet are very excited about getting a glimpse of the Olympic flame as it passes through their countries, and that for the very reasons as previously mentioned. So who, I ask, granted these 'supporters' the right to attack this symbol of peace?!

The flame will pass by here in Canberra in the very near future and I look forward to taking my kids to see it and fill them with the values and spirit in which we hold the Olympics.