By Set to take place in Sochi, Russia, for more than two weeks next February, the 2014 Winter Olympics have recently attracted criticism from worldwide government officials.
According to CNN, German President Joachim Gauck is the first major European leader to boycott the Olympics due to Russia’s recent anti-gay laws.
The controversial laws that Russia passed earlier this year include a ban on discussing gay rights in public areas where children may be listening, according to CNN.
The laws also prohibit individuals from participating in gay pride rallies, according to CBS.
Some well-known Americans, like Lady Gaga, have also spoken out against Russia’s anti-gay laws, prompting some to believe that the Olympics should be boycotted by President Barack Obama as well.
If Obama decided to boycott the Olympics, the U.S. would not be required to do the same.
This also goes for Germany. Gauck boycotting the games is an isolated incident. Germany and its athletes will still participate in the Olympics.
While we may disagree with Russia’s anti-gay laws, we think it unnecessary to call on Obama to boycott the Olympics.
The Olympics are supposed to bring nations together. For a few weeks every two years, leaders are supposed to set aside their differences and allow their nation’s best athletes to compete.
By not sending going to next year’s Olympics, Obama would demonstrate that he is not dedicated to following the Olympics’ ideals.
Obama would not only disrespect the American athletes, who deserve his support regardless of Russia’s laws, but also Russian President Vladimir Putin.
At a time when international relations between several countries are on the precipice of falling apart, it is in the U.S.’s best interest that Obama attend the Olympics.
By doing so, Obama will ensure that he is dedicated to the Olympics’ ideals.
Obama’s attending the Olympics would not mean he supports Russia’s anti-gay laws.
If Obama feels the obligation to publicly criticize Russia’s anti-gay laws, then it is his prerogative to do so.
What’s most important to remember is that the Olympics should bring the best out of each nation.
The Olympics should not be transformed into a political event where a nation’s decision to participate equates to its view on a controversial subjects like anti-gay laws.
Let’s make the Olympics about sports, not politics.
