Madam, - Every country that hosts the Olympic Games will use the occasion to show off its particular genius and in this respect China will be no exception.
Hitler and Goebbels used the 1936 Berlin Olympics to bolster up the Nazi party and no doubt the games were a contributory factor in the consolidation of Nazi power.
Steven Spielberg, in withdrawing from his role in the Chinese Olympics, has made a first step for other people and groups who claim to promote human rights to follow suit.
It is not just a question of China arming repressive regimes in Sudan and Burma; in this respect it is following in the mould of the United States which equally arms repressive regimes in the Middle East in pursuit of its strategic interests.
What is equally to be highlighted is the Chinese government's internal repression of its people. It's no wonder that the "Chinese media ignore Spielberg games walkout" (Irish Times headline Feb 14th) as media freedom is non-existent.
Just as the Irish Times Editorial castigates the Unites States for "Mockery in Guatanamo" (Feb 14th) it equally should use its editorial power to highlight the many "Guatanamos" in China where Chinese people end up as a result of exercising their human rights. - Yours, etc,
BRENDAN BUTLER, NGO Peace Alliance, Phibsboro Road, Dublin 7.