Bush's Olympic Hurdle

Michael Abramowitz wrote in Monday's Washington Post: "White House aides said it is likely that Bush, who has focused considerable attention to the cause of Chinese religious freedom, will worship at a church in Beijing during his trip, but they say the rest of his schedule remains in flux. What the president will do or say in Beijing is the subject of considerable debate within the administration, several officials said, but they expressed doubt that Bush would do much to embarrass the Chinese leadership during an event it considers something of a coming-out party for China as a world power.

"Bush has repeatedly made clear his view that he is going to China as a sports fan and does not see the Olympics as a good opportunity to make political points. He is likely to spend much of his four days in Beijing attending various sporting events -- as well as the opening ceremonies Aug. 8 -- although he plans to meet with President Hu Jintao and other senior leaders, according to White House officials. . . .

"Bush's position has disappointed many human rights activists and some of his strongest supporters, who say the White House has been relatively silent in the face of what they consider stepped-up Chinese repression as the Games draw near. Bush delivered a lengthy address Thursday on his 'Freedom Agenda' around the world, but he devoted only one line to China."

And how did Bush's decision to attend come about? Abramowitz explains: "Bush short-circuited the bureaucratic debate over his attendance at the Games by simply saying he wanted to go, according to several administration officials."

The New York Times editorial board writes: "Emboldened by the complicity of Mr. Bush and other leaders, China is harassing or locking up critics, threatening journalists and selectively denying visas. . . .

"Mr. Bush has sought to portray himself as just another sports fan eager to cheer on his nation's team; one who is unwilling to use the Olympics to make political points. It's ludicrous for a president to pretend to be just another fan -- and no one has sought to gain more political advantage from the Games than China."

And an Amnesty International report concludes that China's "crackdown on human rights defenders, journalists and lawyers has intensified because Beijing is hosting the Olympics. The authorities have stepped up repression of dissident voices in their efforts to present an image of 'stability' and 'harmony' to the outside world. This has resulted in the detention and imprisonment of those who wish to draw attention to the other side of the picture, which includes human rights violations perpetrated in preparation for the Games."

Meanwhile, Karl Malakunas writes for the AFP: "China plunged into another Olympic controversy on Wednesday as it announced that the thousands of foreign reporters covering the Games would have to endure Internet censorship."

And Klaus Marre writes for the Hill: "Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) on Tuesday alleged that China is preparing a spy attack on visitors of the Olympic Games, which will begin in less than two weeks."

Justice Watch

In yesterday's column, Culture of Corruption, I wrote about the results of the latest investigation into the overt politicization of the Department of Justice.

Peter Grier and Uri Friedman write in the Christian Science Monitor: "Politics plays a part in hiring decisions throughout Washington. But by law, internal rules, and tradition, the selection of career officials at the Justice Department is supposed to be blind to matters of party.

"That's because the application of federal justice is intended to be nonpartisan. Citizens have a right to expect equal treatment under the law, without regard to their political beliefs, registration, or yard signs."