The People’s Republic of China pursued the opportunity to host the 2008 Olympic Games as a kind of “coming-out” party – a symbol of the nation’s economic and political rise to greatness on the world stage. In the words of one official to a skeptical Olympic Committee, the games would be “an opportunity to foster democracy, improve human rights, and integrate China with the rest of the world.”
But, having learned in practice rounds that neither Tibetan Skull Cracking nor Political Persecution (Activist Class) are on the roster of summer games, Beijing is now faced with the specter of protests trailing the Olympic torch across the world – not exactly the image they had in mind.
Instead of coming-out, it appears that the PRC may be “coming in” – to the information age.
Could not have happened to a nicer bunch of guys…….
My sincere hope is that the Chinese teams get their ass kicked in Olymipic competition. It would be the best way to get back at them by humiliating them in front of their own people.
http://adsoftheworld.com/media/print/amnesty_international_shooting?size=_original
Amnesty International has a particular point of view, but this time I think they got it right. See the link and scroll down for the text at the bottom of the poster.
Only – won’t that go very badly for the Chinese athletes? That country takes it’s Olympic prowess so seriously, I have to believe that the Chinese athletes are already being threatened if they have a poor showing on home turf.
Not to mention the fact that China has enlisted some of the scientists from the East German Olympic teams.
At the end of the day, they are still GD commies.
The Olympics for me are about only one thing. Hearing the Star Bangled Banner over and over again at awards ceremony. Forget the “beauty of sport” stuff; its all about nationalism, bragging rights, and medal counts.
Its better than a boycott.