The View June 30th Recap: Re-run
Today’s episode of The View is a re-run, as today’s episode starts a week-long hiatus from the show. This episode originally aired on May 26th, 2008, and featured Ali and Dina Lohan and Ryan Cabrera. It is the episode that they used to conduct the “behind-the scenes” show which will re-air this Friday.
At first I thought that the producers should have taken some time and gone back and selected those particular episodes that were quite good and re-air those, rather than just picking a few episodes from the last month. I tried to think about what episodes I would choose if it were up to me and nothing stood out. Then I realized that maybe they did take time in their selection and these are the best episodes that they could come up with.
If you want to read my recap of this episode from when it first aired on May 26th click here.
In other news, Whoopi Goldberg went with her grandchildren to Disneyland. Photo below from ETOnline.
Finally, since we all need something to talk about, I thought that I would offer my own “hot topic” question. Feel free to answer in the comments.
What effect will China’s political landscape have on your watching of this year’s Olympic games in Beijing?
I’ll go first. Earlier this year, I told my husband that we should not watch the games because I do not agree with many of the things that China does, like censorship and its financial dealings with the Sudan. However, as I have been watching the Olympic trials a bit lately, I really can’t see myself not watching the Games. I then told him that we would boycott the Olympics in the sense that we would only watch the swimming, gymnastics, and track and field (which are my favorite events). I am a little disappointed that I am not more stronger in my resolve.
Okay, your turn! And in Barbara’s words, “No crosstalk!!” 
June 30th, 2008 at 10:41 am
Winnie, it’s not something I’ve put a lot of thought into yet (because I don’t have TV so I’m not watching them anyways) but what comes to mind to me right now is how everyone says I don’t support the war but I support the troops. (Seems to be the catch phrase of the year.) With the Olympics, it’s not the athletes involved that are making all the corrupt decisions. The athletes work hard to get to that point in their life.
Are people that are boycotting the Olympics also going to boycott Made-in-China products?
This is exactly the type of hot topic that should be on the show. Have they even mentioned it yet? They could also talk about whether it is fact or fiction that money for the stimulus checks came from China at the same time.
I for one thrive on learning about these kinds of issues. It helps me become aware of them and to get different perspectives on it. Although with the current panel they have, I don’t know how enlightened I’d be. Sometimes I think all they talk about it sex and fluff because that is the limit of their knowledge.
June 30th, 2008 at 10:58 am
I love your idea of our own hot topics!!! Count on me to always have an opinion LOL.
I probably won’t watch the China Olympics, but not because of politics. I quit being interested in the Olympics a while ago. They have become too important and too lucrative that now I watch always wondering if there is corruption (drugs, judging) involved. Or I cringe for a poor kid who is going to lose (not just the competition, but lot$ of endorsements) because of a small, or big, mistake.
I also think that the girls are too young (there aren’t that many barely pubescent boys) to be on an international stage. It does funny things to one’s development. So I find it hard to watch the gymnastics. I do like the rhythmic gymnastics and trampoline - but they aren’t on the radar screen for the most part so there’s more differentiating the good from the excellent, not so much a matter of who makes the biggest mistake (it’s not fun watching who will win because which one made the biggest mistake), not so much money at stake; and not so much corruption.
Also, it’s fun to watch someone struggle and win. It’s hard to watch someone struggle, and lose by a statistically insignficant margin.
As far as watching though, I wouldn’t feel too guiltym, particularly if you decide not to watch the commercials, unless you are a Neilson FAmily. The money is from the commercials; no one will know where your TV is tuned.
Also, while I abhor the civil rights violations, history is not clear on whether this is best dealt with at an international level by boycott (worked effectively in S. Africa) or whether by gaining a foothold and letting nature take it’s course (worked in Russia).
June 30th, 2008 at 11:24 am
Hey Winnie,
I’m not going to watch the Olympics. Mainly because of China’s involvement with the Janjaweed militias in Sudan. My cyber pal Erika has also convinced me not to buy items made from China. That’s pretty easy, considering all the recalls we’ve had lately. Darfur is an issue that has fallen under the radar.
Thanks for bringing this topic up.
June 30th, 2008 at 11:46 am
ok so i think it would be more of a boycott if peole did not show up to watch the games and be in the stands and if companies decided not to sponser thing for the games more than people not watching on tv though the stantion that paid money to show the games might not like it( the commericals as lajet mentioned are key). but this point is mute since i think a boycott is not what is needed the games are about the atletes and are about more than anyone nation. in the 1936 olympics (games that may not have happened in todays time.) jesse owens won a gold medal and “forced” hitler to leave early. ( the visual alone make me proud). My point is you never know what magic might happen at these games and the selection committe take a risk whenever they select a host nation they made a mistake the althele should not suffer for it, becasue the games are about them.
June 30th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Lajet, I have felt the same way about the gymnastics as you have, but you’ll be happy to know that there are new rules for gymnastics, the girls have to be a certain age. This years team is much older. This makes me happy too.
As far as the Olympics being in China, I was disappointed that China even got the Olympics, but I’m going to watch for the athletics and hope that more people become aware of the policies of the Chinese Government.
June 30th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Great idea Winnie,
I do not usually watch The Olympics, per say. I’m not not a real sporty person. Both my daughters and husband are though, and watch parts of the Olympics.
I do however often watch the gymnastics with my younger daughter, who loves this competition.
It really isn’t so important to me which country wins, I just love the amazing feats of these young people. (I did give some thought to what Lajat said, and she has a point).
As to the political aspects. I don’t like what China does as far as Sudan, and Tibet.
I feel there should absolutely be protest against that. I don’t understand the United Nations not taking a lot more action against China.
However to me, the Olympics is about the athletes. All the training and hard work they put into achieving what it took to get to the Olympics, is my first thought.
It wasn’t the athlete’s decision to have the Olympics held in China.
So although I do not like what china does, I think there are many other ways to protest China.
I agree with rainlilie’s resolve, not to buy anything made in China. I don’t, and haven’t for some time now.
June 30th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
I fail to see how the athletes will suffer if people decide to not watch. Won’t they still compete?
America can’t say too much since the Bush administration is guilty of torturing people and bringing them to black sites to be tortured. Lets not forget the tons of money that we owe China.
In the end, the medals will be handed out and the people in Darfur will still be suffering, but hey, we’ll be entertained and we’ll see who gets the Wheaties cover.
I’m sure a boycott of the Olympics will have little or no impact, especially when the media doesn’t inform people about the atrocities that China has committed.
June 30th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Winnie - Great Idea!!!
Hi all, I’m not a big sports fan but I hate to see the athletes train for so many years only to be caught up in the politics. I seem to remember that the US team is not very well subsidized (if at all - maybe endorsements?). It feels shameful to punish the athletes after all of their hard work and expense.
Personally, I feel that the committee who chooses the host country should be pressured and held to the highest standard in making that choice. If the host country was chosen based on their humanistic qualities, and expected to maintain those qualities, boycotting wouldn’t even be necessary.
In my perfect world, the Olympics would be a celebrated event where teams of athletes & spectators from around the world join together to remember that we are One Planet, One People (at least for that one week or so!) haha
Again, Winnie, Thanks for bringing this subject up!!!
June 30th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
when i said they would suffer i was think of a boycott where people did not travel to china for there games to give the atheles emotional suport and cheer and all that hoopla that is part of the fun for the athele while there away. and if this boycott took off maybe certain countries would not even send athleles and companies like visa would not give there monitary support to the games and therefor atheles might not get the accomidations that they would otherwise get. hey maybe they would not even boradcast the games. if the sentitment took off the atletes themseleves might feel bad for being there. i guess am seeing a black out of the games of sorts. I don’t think a boycott like this would happen because people are not informed . i think it great to not buy things made in china and to show disapproval in a meaninful way that. i think it would be great if everyone wore free tibet and save dafur shirts during the open ceremony or did not go to the opening night. just as a show of support for these causes and bring needed attention.
June 30th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
Personally, I see no reason to boycott the Olympics. I’ve always enjoyed watching the Olympics both summer and winter. It seems unfair to the athletes who’ve worked so very hard to achieve this incredible goal. Besides, a boycott by not watching or attending the Olympics would be pointless and I seriously doubt it will change any political policies in China. Perhaps you could make more of a statement by boycotting Chinese products rather than the Olympics?
June 30th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
#2 lajet
“I love your idea of our own hot topics!!! Count on me to always have an opinion LOL.”
I ALWAYS get somethng out of your comments. I said something snark-ish to you recently and want to tell you I’m sorry. I don’t remember what the hoo-ha was all about. I had a wild one up my butt that day, as my ex-hub number two likes to say. So Lajet I hope you accept my apologies for opening my fat trap.
Keep up the good comments.
June 30th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
Fighting for human rights is never “pointless.” No matter how small the contribution. No wonder this country is in the shape it’s in.
June 30th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
PRIOR POST: It seems unfair to the athletes who’ve worked so very hard to achieve this incredible goal.
RESPONSE: I agree. It seems to me that the problem isn’t the common people who have made the Olympics political. NAtions have used the Olympics for propoganda and political purposes for decades. The athletes are the pawns of government, and so are the people who buy into it. Doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy it; it juwt means that it isn’t within our control to determine if the Olympics is political or not. Sometimes life doesn’t give us good and fair choices.
If I had an elite athlete (LOL) I would never encourage them to dream of a gold medal. I would encourage them to learn all the good lessons sports has to offer - and it has many wonderful lessons. And whoever ends up on top is on top,and has every right to enjoy it. I so much prefer the motto or the Special Olympics: Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the process. Or as Spock said: HAving is not nearly as satisfying as wanting. it is not logical, but it is so.
(i.e. dreaming of being the best is satisfying and motivating, being the best isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.)
It also isn’t the athletes who have made winning an economic windfall of such huge proportions (for some sports) that it’s just nearly impossible not to get caught up in winning. But the economics of gold medals has corrupted the lessons of sports. I soooo loved the coaches on the teams my son was in in high school. It was all the right lessons. I don’t see the elite athletes learning hte right lessons, and I don’t see the commentators speaking of the right lessons. And I think the atmosphere is not kind or generous to the atheltes - particularly the teens who soooo lack in life experience and perspective. So I really find the competitions so much less enjoyable than my son’s wrestling team (and frankly, some schools were more into a winning team and tradition and I wouldn’t have liked him on those teams too.)
I admit, watching some of the things the athletes can do is remarkable, and I can appreciate the artistry. I’ll probably take a peak despite all my misgivings. When I do I also feel uncomfortable for encouraging athletes to participate in a lifestyle that I don’t think is in the best interst of most of them (I’ll admit, some seem to thrive and grow up to be fine people), and many many more who tried and didn’t make it.
June 30th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
PRIOR POST: I ALWAYS get somethng out of your comments. I said something snark-ish to you recently and want to tell you I’m sorry. I don’t remember what the hoo-ha was all about. I had a wild one up my butt that day, as my ex-hub number two likes to say. So Lajet I hope you accept my apologies for opening my fat trap.
Keep up the good comments.
RESPONSE: That’s very kind of you Carmen. I don’t remember the specifics anymore, and I’m not going to go check it out again (LOL). Thanks for hte apology. Easily accepted. Despite some missteps, I thought it was overall an excellent discussion - the kind that should be happening on Hot Topics at The View - differing views stated in ways that allowed discussion to continue (even with some missteps) and shine sunlight on the various complex issues involved. I soooo understand frustration and impatience with those who cannot see what seems to me hypocrisy. I’m just old enough to realize that all hypocrites are not beyond seeing (took me a whle to get there!) Now, EH, I wouldn’t waste my time. Who knows what she believes, her agenda in speaking has nothing to do with honest discussion of issues.
Hope you are feeling better today.
June 30th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
TWO IDEAS:
1. CAn you put a “thing” on the right column that stays there, where we can make suggestions - I’m particularly thinking of WTV Hot Topics? - like Rosie’s Say What Column? Although you usually make that available when you do your podcasts, so maybe not necessary
2. I should wait for the next podcast, but I’m impatient - I really like your WTV Hot Topics!!
I recommend for a Hot Topic Topic:
a. The 10 best HT discussions
b. The 10 worst HT moments.
June 30th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
# 9 mibi,
i think it would be great if everyone wore free Tibet and save darfur shirts during the open ceremony or did not go to the opening night. just as a show of support for these causes and bring needed attention.
I think these are great suggestions. These are the kind of things that will help bring world attention to some of the things being done by the Chinese government.
I also think it would be nice if President Bush didn’t attend the opening ceremonies, in protest of China’s activities in Sudan and of Tibet.
June 30th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
# 13 lajet,
Loved your comment, ..very true.
June 30th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
“also think it would be nice if President Bush didn’t attend.”
Why shouldn’t he attend, when he’s involved in denying people human rights. That’s why he has been silent on this issue.
June 30th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
“It seems to me that the problem isn’t the common people who have made the Olympics political. NAtions have used the Olympics for propoganda and political purposes for decades.”
Shall we let it continue or try to bring about change. Even in baby steps? I haven’t heard a valid argument as to how boycotting the Olympics is going to hurt the athletes. To be honest it seems rather shallow for some to be more concerned about winning medals than little kids being raped and murdered in Darfur. We all know that a boycott won’t stop this, but it will send a message that we don’t condone or approve of China’s involvement in the slaughter of these innocent people.
June 30th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
Rainlillie #19
I agree with you. I was intending to respond to those who say that we should look at the Olympics as politics, or we should ignore the politics. My opinion is that is naive - the Olympics are political whether we like it or not. As a result, a boycott is a viable option. I still have questions about a boycott, but they are more along the lines of whether there is a slippery slope. However, I agree with you, the fact that the Olympics are political whether we like it or not is a reason to support a boycott, not ignore it.
June 30th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
CORRECTION: I was intending to respond to those who say that we SHOULDN’T (I wrote “should”) look at the Olympics as politics, or we should ignore the politics.
June 30th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
“Fighting for human rights is never “pointless.” No matter how small the contribution.”
Yes, in some ways I understand the justification for “fighting for human rights” but I feel a boycott would fail to change China’s behavior in regard to human rights. There are so many ethical, moral, and political issues that could be debated regarding any country’s governance. I consider something to be pointless when it-(boycotting)- has virtually no effect on the outcome. I think the terrible human rights situation in China has long been sad and very appalling but I don’t think much would be accomplished by a few less people watching.
July 1st, 2008 at 4:36 am
Thanks for clarifying that, Lajet.
“I consider something to be pointless when it-(boycotting)- has virtually no effect on the outcome. ”
You’ll never know if you don’t try.
July 1st, 2008 at 6:24 am
Okay, so is the question really “How can the Olympic Games most effectively be used to bring about political change?”
Why just the Olympics? Why not boycott all sports in the name of [insert issue here]?
I think showing up in t-shirts (Darfur/Tibet etc.) shows more solidarity than just not showing up. Not showing up is merely considered apathy.
If the goal is to pressure countries to raise their standards of humanity, holding the Olympics as a carrot to potential host countries makes more sense to me and would be more directly effective on a larger scale. The very first competition would be which country is the most humane to “win” the host position.
– BTW, This exchange of ideas just feeds my soul! Thanks Winnie and everyone who is participating –
July 1st, 2008 at 7:22 am
Unfortunately, the United States is in no position to preach to anyone about human rights. Therefore, the citizens have to protest in any way they see fit.. Be it T-shirts or not watching. Whatever works for that individual.
July 1st, 2008 at 8:56 pm
I won’t be watching.
July 2nd, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Supreme-Court-annointed “president” Bush has NO CREDIBILITY PERIOD. He is beyond hope, beyond redemption. I’m almost afraid if he does boycott them, it will not help the cause. Lame duck doesn’t begin to cover how dangerously ineffectual this a**hole is. A dangerous, demented fool. Still at the helm for another six months, too. Scary. And to those who will wave the flag, swoon, and tell me I “hate America,” save it. Can it, in fact.
On a nicer note: Thanks to Lajet for accepting my apology so graciously. You are a gem. I wouldn’t have blamed you if you’d told me to shove it. I should not have said you were a hypocrite. who the hell do I think I am to say such a thing to a stranger on the internet. my bad.