Russia 2018: It isn't too early to start talking boycott.

The upcoming 2014 Olympics in Sochi have brought international attention to Russia's despicable treatment of homosexuals, and have raised the question:  Should the United States consider boycotting international competitions in Russia?  The question is much more pressing in terms of the upcoming Olympics, but for my own purposes I will be focusing on the FIFA World Cup currently scheduled to be held in Russia in the summer of 2018.  If Russia does not make significant changes to ensure the rights of their LBGT community, there is no doubt in my mind that the US Soccer Federation should stage a boycott of the 2018 World Cup.

Let me just say: I LIVE for the World Cup.  It is by far my favorite sporting event, and the thought of missing out on the chance to see the Yanks compete is an absolutely terrifying one.  The fact that it only happens once every four years, that it unites the sporting community in a truly beautiful way, that the United States is perpetually trying to prove their mettle to the rest of the world; everything.  It is truly the most excited that I can be for a sporting event, and a World Cup trophy for the United States is the farthest flung sports-fan's fantasy that my mind can muster.

But competing in an event in a country where this is allowed to continue is unacceptable.  Sports are a reflection of the condition of the people that are competing, and are one of the most powerful platforms for social change currently available.  The United States needs to spearhead a campaign denouncing Russian policies toward LGBT activists, and pledging to simultaneously boycott the tournament and sponsor an alternate event that supportive countries can compete in.  An aggressive campaign aimed at pressuring other countries to pledge their support by boycotting the games would put the impetus on Russia to bow to public pressure, and to enact meaningful legislative changes.

Unless things change, The United States should boycott the 2018 World Cup.  We cannot participate in a modern recreation of the 1936 Olympics, when there is an opportunity to use the event as an agent for social good.  I hope very much that by the time 2018 comes around there will be no need for any boycott, but if things don't change then we should have the courage to stand for human rights.