re: International Olympic Committee States Kneeling, Political Statements Will Not Be Allowed

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Meh. Tommie and John's protest in 1968 was necessary and is appreciated. I'm somewhat surprised the IOC did this - must be because they expected some blowback from their own sorry history of complete lack of ethics. Also, you know it's possible to protest something "global" and not just your own country, right? I have zero problem with people protesting. I have zero compulsion to shut people up or keep them forcibly from saying something they want to say.

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I think they saw a trend and a lot of media focus on the anthem protest movement. They decided they did not want every anthem ceremony turned into a protest demonstration for every pet cause. They want the focus to be unifying not divisive and on the sporting competitions and accomplishments rather than political statements.

In a way, it is upholding the roots and purpose of the Olympics, which states that the world is to put aside politics for two weeks and come together in the spirit of athletic competition.