PERSPECTIVE ON THE NEWS March 10, 1980 Issue

Spiritual protest—and the Olympics

The United States is pressing for the postponement, transfer, or cancellation of the Moscow Olympic Summer Games if Soviet troops are not withdrawn from Afghanistan. Although the International Olympic Committee has reaffirmed Moscow as the site, it reports that it will keep all options open until May 24. Many feel a decision by the United States and some other major countries not to participate would be a blow to the Soviets, who would like to show off the Soviet Union as a model, modern socialist state.

Some observers feel, too, that nonparticipation might be an effective way to bring home to the Russian people, who put great emphasis on athletic contests, the alarm felt by many countries over the Soviet government's present policies.

Opponents of pulling out of the Games, on the other hand, feel that such action would perhaps shatter the Olympics—already riddled by political controversy, scandals over the use of anabolic steroids (drugs used to enhance strength and endurance), and accusations of biased judging. Not taking part would, they point out, be unjust to athletes who have devoted years to preparing for this event, and would undermine an institution originally dedicated to universal brotherhood. Both groups reflect the general opinion that withdrawing support for the Olympics is unlikely to make much difference in solving the Afghanistan crisis. In light of this, we would do well to explore a form of protest proved effective over centuries: prayer.

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