adult : yes or no : political : OLYMPIAN REFUSED ENTRY TO CHINA [+] serious ballot by JimmyJams ACTIVE Wed Aug 06, 08 - Tue Nov 04, 08 American Olympic gold medalist and outspoken Darfur activist Joey Cheek has had his visa revoked by China, just hours before the speedskating champion was set to fly to China. China doesn’t need a reason to revoke a visa, but in their view they had plenty of reasons to revoke Cheek's. Joey Cheek is the founder of Team Darfur, a peaceful group of 70 athletes whose goal it is to raise global awareness of the human-rights violations that are taking place in the Darfur region of Sudan. China's military, economic and diplomatic ties to Sudan have been well-publicized in the lead-up to the Games. Said Cheek of his ban in a prepared statement: "I am saddened not to be able to attend the Games. The Olympic Games represent something powerful: that people can come together from around the world and do things that no one thought were possible. However, the denial of my visa is a part of a systemic effort by the Chinese government to coerce and threaten athletes who are speaking out on behalf of the innocent people of Darfur. Cheek was going to China to support the athletes on Team Darfur and to promote the cause, which is one that he has championed for many years. Cheek won gold in the Torino Games and donated his $25,000 USOC bonus to Darfur and he implored his sponsors to do the same. Joey Cheek is widely perceived as being on of the good guy and now he is out of China before he even got there. With the Games just two days away, it seemed that the world was ready to temporarily forget about all the Chinese issues in order to focus on the Games themselves. Unfortunately, many believe, China's actions make that impossible. I cannot begin to even understand why the Chinese government would make such a gaff so close to the games. They seem unable to change really. Was their action just, or unjust? China is wrong to do this China is right to do this It's China, what do you expect? Ballot #128902 : SEE RESULTS Comment: show your vote with comment?

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