Should Western countries boycott the Beijing Olympics? What are the pros and cons here?

The Olympics has a very long history, its rich, colorful past marks its greatest achievements and maybe underachievements. This summer, at 08/08/08,(china's current lucky number combination) different nations will converge in one city, for the most coveted sports event, but as controversial the event is, the location alone surpasses the event when it comes to controversy. The upcoming Olympic games will be held at Beijing, China. Some associated China with the phrase "Sleeping Giant" or "Sleeping Dragon" for its immense size in population and land but still a developing country, but some also call it the new superpower. Whatever the monikers one thing is for sure, the oldest sports event in recent memory will be held in this country, there maybe some issues about pollution, economy, and politics that some people look into and believe me, there are protest to boycott the games, you maybe thinking, "what if?", what are the implications if ever there was a boycott. Here are MY pros and cons.

Pros:

1. Westerner's Mindset: "Show 'em who's boss"- of course, of course, who would've ever thought? if ever there was a boycott one positive thing that could happen is that western countries become more "Lucrative", if china's chances in becoming host again are slim then Western Countries are more likely to be chosen as host and thus showing eastern countries-not only china- who is boss, it definitely this will affect future choices for olympic hosting countries, it will also hamper china's development, if you think about macau becoming the new Las Vegas, and Now the olympics coming to china, one might really think that, "this is it", this is china's niche to become a worldwide celebrity country, and by these boycotts will definitely tarnish China's reputation, you think that's a con? no, no, no my friend, that's a pro for the Westerners.

2. China Reevaluating- If ever a a boycott occurs then china would really like to reevaluate itself, this would really help them to think "what went wrong?" or "how can we adjust?". As every olympic enthusiast know, pollution has been an issue in china, and by thorough reevalution and a little complaining from the brits, china tried to reduce as much pollution to its "lungs" (that means the city) even though it was not an overnight magic there was significant changes. If this summer games were to be boycotted, maybe china will not only reduce its emissions, maybe they'll decrease in population for all I care. the point is boycott could make china a kind and thoughtful country.

4. Yao can rest- The best thing about this boycott is..... taa daa!, Yao Ming can rest his injury and fully heal for the next NBA season, the Rockets need him more than china does. 'nuff said.

Cons:

1. Disrespect for the Giant- This will definitely be an issue, if boycott was implemented then duh, two point something billion chinese and another 100 million overseas will feel disrespected, they've prepared for this event for years, had sleepless nights, choreograped every dance, every firework then you're gonna boycott? what the hell? why don't you just erase us in the world map?

2. Degrading of International Diplomacy- Olympics is not only about games or playing or who's the highest jumper or the fastest swimmer, these games were developed to promote diplomacy between countries. All of this ties with other nations will surely deflate, if we could not get together in a traditional way, why not in games right? In a world filled with wars, diplomacy is what we badly need.

3. China's tarnished name- from toys filled with lead, pirated movies and music, and fake MP3's, China's reputation is definitely known throughout as the piracy capital or the fake maker, this maybe enough to tarnish china's name but a boycott would really be devastating.

There, the pros and the cons, its definitley one man's opinion, personally I would never agree to a boycott, this only adds fuel to the fire, lets enjoy the games and show respect for the triumph of the human spirit but not in wars or conflicts. If you have reactions or comments, you're very much welcome to indicate them, and i'm surely fine with answering your questions.