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Steven Spielberg Takes Olympic Action
Giulia Rozzi February 12, 2008 | 8:58 pm EST
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Steven Spielberg has decided not to serve as the artistic adviser for the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing due to the fact that the genocide continues in Darfur. In a statement released today, Spielberg said

After careful consideration, I have decided to formally announce the end of my involvement as one of the overseas artistic advisers to the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing Olympic Games. I have made repeated efforts to encourage the Chinese government to use its unique influence to bring safety and stability to the Darfur region of Sudan. Although some progress has been made …the situation continues to worsen and the violence continues to accelerate.With this in mind, I find that my conscience will not allow me to continue with business as usual. At this point, my time and energy must be spent not on Olympic ceremonies, but on doing all I can to help bring an end to the unspeakable crimes against humanity that will continue to be committed in Darfur.”

Additionally the organization Dream for Dafur is asking people to TURN OFF
Olympic sponsors’ ads during the 2008 Games and TUNE IN to Mia from Darfur ““ the daily live broadcast with Mia Farrow from a Darfurian refugee camp.

The Dream for Dafur site explains

China can use its influence to bring security to Darfur. The Olympic sponsors can use their influence with China. The people can use their influence with the sponsors ““ some of the most recognizable brands in the world. Until the sponsors tune in to Darfur, the people will TURN OFF the sponsors.

Sign the TURN OFF/TUNE IN PLEDGE at dreamfordarfur.org

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3 Responses to “Steven Spielberg Takes Olympic Action”

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  1. OUTRAGEOUS. I’m an American, and feel Spielberg should - as any famous person in the US - STAY OUT OF POLITICS. Don’t we have enough problems in the world without his adding to our relations problems with other countries? And don’t the Olympic athletes who train for years for these games deserve his respect? Why punish them? I agree with the Chinese people on this one — absolutely disgusting.

    Sharon JacobsNo Gravatar February 14, 2008 | 8:53 am EST

  2. Interesting you feel that way.
    I am getting concerned with athletic ambition.
    Here in Canada we didn’t get enough gold last time
    We are using some secret science to bring home more gold.
    I was thinking of adding Mr. Spielberg to my list of powerful men for the very thing you consider outrageous.

    lora brunckeNo Gravatar February 14, 2008 | 5:10 pm EST

  3. I beleive attitudes like yours are dangerous Sharon. As long as it’s not your son or daughter, your mom or dad being mercilessly tortured and killed, you just want to stay out of it. If more people took a stand we could make a difference. Instead we are a country diluted by cowardice and complancency. It saddens me. People in the Sudan deserve respect and freedom from persecution just as much as your family, remember that. We are our brothers keeper.

    John MarinoNo Gravatar August 18, 2008 | 6:31 am EST

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