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Contrary to what's been floating around the Internets, George Takei did not start a petition to boycott the Olympics because of Russia's despicable and dangerous actions against gays and lesbians. He had a much better, more feasible idea, and you can sign the petition here if you agree.
Last night he presented a very convincing argument for moving the games to Vancouver. Here are some excerpts from his segment on The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell.
O'Donnell:
In his latest blog post my next guest George Takei writes, "Nations are not judged merely on their might, but also by how they treat their most vulnerable. Russia's cynical and deplorable actions again the LGBT community have given license to hate groups within its borders to act with violence and impunity against a group based solely on whom they were born to love. It now seeks to spread that hate abroad through its tainted Olympics. the IOC must do the right thing, protect its athletes and the fans and move their 2014 winter Olympics out of Russia."
Takei:
We must get it out of Russia. It is an untolerable [sic] situation. They've stated sternly that the laws will be enforced which has given license to hooligans and thugs to humiliate ...
It's a terrible situation. Vancouver can handle it. They have the facilities there, the hotel capacity, and I've been flooded with Canadians writing me saying, "We will embrace you with open arms, the Olympics."
It's the IOC that's got to stand up on this because they bear a huge responsibility. you know, there are athletes that are gays or lesbians and their supporters are gay or lesbians too and they are being put in danger; and if something horrific happens, and it's very likely given the kind of history of what's been happening there, the responsibility is great.
The IOC can move the Olympics out. There is enough time to do that yet.
The post VIDEO: No, George Takei did not suggest boycotting the Olympics. He had a better idea. appeared first on The Political Carnival.