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Heidi writes:

"I, too, am appalled by what goes on in some other parts of the world.
But
we Americans are slow to learn that we cannot change other cultures by
boycott--we can only change them by being involved and setting a better
example"
--------------
" Involvement and setting a good example are the only ways of
getting the sort of toehold in another culture from which one CAN make a
difference.  We are not in a position to pass laws there--it is not our
country.  So we have to be more subtle to effect a change."
---------------
"This is a serious issue, and I am not trying to make light of it.  But I
still submit that our absence will do far less to correct the atrocities
than our continued involvement, coupled with the very blatant example of
equality for women in our sport (which is one of the BEST messages we take
with us--and I agree with Gabi--this is often the forerunner of the
improvement of the conditions for children)."
----------------
"Likewise, no one here (least of all me, and I'm the one who urged the
notion of understanding that this DOES have to do with culture, and that
there are better ways to go about changing other cultures than indignant
boycotts) has suggested that we can't influence another country.  On the
contrary, I think we can influence other countries and other cultures a
great deal by our example and our presence--we certainly CANNOT influence
a wealthy nation by our absence!"
----------------

Ummmmm......I don't think being a good example is working.   Aren't most
of the people in the UAE, Muslims?   Even if they aren't the more radical
fundamentalist type, I doubt they would ever look at our "example".
Last I heard, we predominately Christian, Americans rate among the low
heathens as far as their culture is concerned.   Plus, these rich Princes
and Sheihks don't give a rat's hiney about our "example".

Just last week, there was a segment on 20/20, 60 Minutes or Primetime
(can't remember now) about the Saudi Royal Family and how all the little
rich princes party hearty all over the globe.....drinking alcohol and
chasing women.   They go through women like crazy.   Of course all this is
in violation of their religious laws and culture.....and no one speaks of
it back home.   In fact, one group of photo-journalists were threatened
death when they were discovered filming one of these wild parties.  Their
film was confiscated at gunpoint and destroyed.

The only thing that will bring about change is shunning by the very
nations they like to play "horsey" with.   Human rights groups and the
outrage of other nations bringing a screaming voice to these atrocities
may help.

These are people who think they are above ALL and they don't give a flip
about your good example.   By going over there and taking part in their
races, we are giving silent approval of their abuse against these
children.    We can't claim ignorance of the situation any longer.

I agree with the person who said the WEC should be moved to other
countries until the UAE corrects their little slavery problem.   That sort
of shunning just might have an effect because we know how they like to
host these events and show the world what a lavish affair they can
sponsor.

Like Frank said regarding boycotting, "South Africa eventually *got it*".

Linda Hedgpeth
Susanville, CA
lindafh@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
www.sierraserpents.com



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