[SchTsch]

I don't have the time to read the whole topic now, but I have to comment this, so if you have already discussed the issue before please tell me on which page.

As far as I know, bridge is the part of the Olympic Movement.
Therefore, the relevant documents should be the Olympic Charter and the Olympic Code of Ethics.
If you look at the Olympic Charter, in force since 2004, you can find several statements:
Fundamental Principles of Olympism:
....
5. Any form of discrimination with regard to a country or a person
on grounds of race, religion, politics, gender or otherwise is
incompatible with belonging to the Olympic Movement.

Furthermore in chapter 16 Members it is written:
.....
1.3 The IOC admits its new members at a ceremony during
which they agree to fulfil their obligations by taking the
following oath:
“Granted the honour of becoming a member of the
International Olympic Committee, and declaring myself
aware of my responsibilities in such capacity, I undertake
to serve the Olympic Movement to the very best of my
ability; to respect and ensure the respect of all the
provisions of the Olympic Charter and the decisions of
the International Olympic Committee, which I consider as
not subject to appeal on my part; to comply with the
Code of Ethics; to keep myself free from any political or
commercial influence and from any racial or religious
consideration; to fight against all other forms of
discrimination; and to promote in all circumstances the
interests of the International Olympic Committee and
those of the Olympic Movement.”


So, there is a Code of Ethics that has been violated by this act.

[glen]

SchTsch, on Nov 20 2007, 10:09 AM, said:

... The IOC admits its new members at a ceremony ...

Sadly at this ceremony, team members had a small sign that said "we didn't vote for this charter", thus are off the hook

This reminds me of the nightmare I had the other night. I was stuck in the basement of dreams lamenting my chances of a bridge world championship, when my fairy godmum appeared, turned the pumpkin into Kokish, five mice into teammates, and gave me bifocal glasses. Days later, I was in the finals playing a slam when I noticed the clock go to noon – this was midnight back home. The glasses slipped off my face and broke, causing my partner to squeak. I should have read the small print.

[demeter]

The awards ceremony in Shanghai was a completely inappropriate venue for expression of personal or political views.

Any personal or political view. It didn't matter what the sign said per se, it could have said "Free Mumia" or "Hillary Rocks" and it would have been equally stupid and offensive.

I was reminded of Sally Field's recent unintelligible political ramble when she accepted an award at the Oscars.

You don't take your 15 minutes of fame or moment of glory in the spotlight of your profession or your "sport" to make such gestures.

You demean the grandeur of your moment in the sun.

[klutzygirl]

I think it's up to the individual to decide whether or not their moment of glory is "demeaned."

Although I understand some people being upset, I must strongly disagree with Roland's call for sanctions. When things get so bad that you're hoping your top rulers will be imprisoned, you become distraught and desperate. And confused--remember that few of us ever envisioned what our beloved country has become. Just as we should not equate Muslims with Islamic fundamentalist terrorists, it's terribly important that the rest of the world understands that the American presidential administration does not represent America or the American people. 75% of us want Bush, Cheney, and Rice out NOW!

[gifster]

It's tasteless and inappropriate to such an obvious extreme that no one would even think of passing a rule against it. Why not "VOTE FOR JOE BLOW" or "DRINK COCA COLA" etc etc. ANY sign or personal statement-even "support world peace" just doesn't fit into this kind of event...I'm not proud I'm a bridge player,a US citizen, or an American if this is appropriate behavior for MY representative-- no matter WHAT the sign said. Their views belong ONLY to them---PERIOD

[Walddk]

klutzygirl, on Nov 20 2007, 05:44 PM, said:

Although I understand some people being upset, I must strongly disagree with Roland's call for sanctions.

I recommended a reprimand and an apology in one of my early posts. Sure, you may call that sanctions. On the other hand, it should be something everyone can live with.

Roland

[judy3]

Who but Americans would make such a poster? Can anyone see a group from anyother country making such a poster? Think about it. It is true that we have freedom of speech, but why would Americans act in such a manner? I would hope that regardless of political opinions, we would be Americans first. What has happened to patriotism, but more importantly, manners? How sad that these women would act in such a way. I compare them to the Dixie Chicks. Maybe they should just leave the USA.

[demeter]

I think it's up to the individual to decide whether or not their moment of glory is "demeaned."

Actually, it's not.

[SillyBily]

Americans are lucky. They get to vote every 4 years and their votes count. If this protest was staged by burmese monks or even russians - I mean people who wanted to draw world's attention to the problem which was eating them up, and they simply coudn't do anything by ballot box or couldn't voice their disgust in their own country without being shot at or sent to proson - then I would have understood. But burmese monks or russians - once abroad, they just stay abroad
When u represent your country - you get SPECIFIC mandate. Take it or shake it.

[Aberlour10]

judy3, on Nov 20 2007, 11:06 AM, said:

Who but Americans would make such a poster? Can anyone see a group from anyother country making such a poster? Think about it.  It is true that we have freedom of speech, but why would Americans act in such a manner? I would hope that regardless of political opinions, we would be Americans first. What has happened to patriotism, but more importantly, manners? How sad that these women would act in such a way. I compare them to the Dixie Chicks. Maybe they should just leave the USA. 

I am sure that, Senator McCarthy's The House Un-American Activities Committee (if still exists) would have the same opinion.

Robert

[uday]

Quote

Who but Americans would

Who but Americans would remain calm and well-mannered on the moderated BBO forums, even after that post, if only bec. the moderator needs to bail for the NABC ?

Uday

[han]

Walddk, on Nov 20 2007, 10:52 AM, said:

klutzygirl, on Nov 20 2007, 05:44 PM, said:

Although I understand some people being upset, I must strongly disagree with Roland's call for sanctions.

I recommended a reprimand and an apology in one of my early posts. Sure, you may call that sanctions.

That's what you called it in your very first post in this thread: And I do indeed think that some sanction is in order.

At the time we took almost opposite positions, right now we seem to have the same: it was inappropriate but not worth being banned for. If only the USBF and VCT could follow our example Roland!

[jdonn]

SillyBily, on Nov 20 2007, 11:35 AM, said:

Americans are lucky. They get to vote every 4 years and their votes count.

Are you SURE about that last part? Sounds like someone hasn't been paying attention to recent US election history...

[ladylovejo]

ALL CHARGES HAVE BEEN DROPPED!

(see USBF website for statement)

[jdonn]

ladylovejo, on Nov 20 2007, 12:49 PM, said:

ALL CHARGES HAVE BEEN DROPPED!

(see USBF website for statement)

Drinks all around on me!

Edit: I said something wrong here 1 minute ago. I take it back.

[jonottawa]

Group Hug!

[Walddk]

Hannie, on Nov 20 2007, 07:04 PM, said:

At the time we took almost opposite positions, right now we seem to have the same: it was inappropriate but not worth being banned for. If only the USBF and VCT could follow our example Roland!

Right, and exactly what the USBF BoD did:

The USBF Board has dismissed all charges against the players on the Venice Cup team.

The players of the USA1 Venice Cup Championship team recognize that it is a legitimate request of the USBF, when sending teams to represent the United States, that all players refrain from using the stage for the Medal Ceremonies as a platform for anything other than receiving their medals.

For the future the USBF will make certain that the Guidelines are clearer as to what is expected.

So a gentle reprimand, a well hidden apology, and all is well. Sanity prevailed in the end!

Roland

[keylime]

Well, sounds like there was the give-and-take that was needed for a breakthrough. Let's hope that this can be buried and not have any ill will as an aftermath.

Additionally, we should laud Jan Martel for her leadership and sensible approach to this very contentious issue.

[pclayton]

So what are we going to talk about in the Water Cooler now?

I'm glad they cleared this up before San Francisco.

[mycroft]

[Edit: given the announcement, I think it is best for me to delete this post. Michael.]