They Summer Olympics have barely begun, and there are already several disturbing reports coming from China regarding spying, censorship, toxic pollution, and broken promises.
It may be the brainwashing inflicted on me during the Cold War, but why did China win an Olympic Berth again? Was it their clean air, quality products, and free society that landed them the Olympics?
No?
Hmmm, very strange.
Okay, now I'm off on a tear.
I really am cheezed off that the Olympics are in China. Yes, I know that they are the biggest country in the world (at least population wise). Yes, I know that the Olympics should be apolitical. But seriously, what the hell?!?
I'm just jaded enough to understand that the Olympics is (like most things in life) all about making money. The Chinese have a huge economy, ergo a huge wallet. But their human rights record is appalling, and that alone should have precluded them from hosting the Olympics.
I've always been a little intrigued by the concept of Communism. At its core, in its purest form, it seems (on paper at least) to be a fair system. Every human is equal, and society is a team, and every member on the team is treated the same way and contributes in the same way.
In reality, I think we all know that the system doesn't work. There's a big variable involved--humans. Money corrupts, humans don't treat everyone the same or equally, and not everyone contributes in the same quantity.
Yeah, I have a problem with the Chinese Government. My problem isn't so much the label attached to their governmental system. My issue is with the actions of their government--laws changed to suit a specifc need, then changed again, workers that are treated horrendously, treated as a means to an end, and the quality of life isn't that great, unless you happen to belong to the 'upper levels' of society.
My problem is that although the Chinese state purports to act in the best interests of the people, there is a distinct class difference in China. And those in the upper echelons stepped on the backs of those below them to get to that 'upper class'. And that, unfortunately, came straight from Capitalism 101.
Tracy Burns
Danica Patrck
Championship Game Fans
BCS National Championship Game
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Ooh. Well done, Kari. I agree. How China got these games is beyond me... which is why I've got the Tibavatar.
thehemogoblin: back…
The University Of, OR
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So here I am again . . . just as a matter of perspective . . .
Remember that Moscow hosted the 1980 Olympics and Communism there fell within 10 or 12 years. I think China is making a very brave step into the international world stage, but I think they might be underestimating the cultural effect the games may have on its own people. Not to say that Chinese Communism will fall in the next 10 years, but there are signs of 'westernization' all over the country. I don't mind having the games there if it means introducing more and more western influence. I'm as not impatient as you maybe, but the change will come . . . it usually does.
As always, I appreciate your thoughts and comments in the 10-spot . . .
Tom, ALRanger
Richardson , TX
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We boycotted those Moscow games in '80, and where did it get us?? The Soviet bloc boycotted the L.A. Games in '84, and where did it get us??
At any rate, good blog, Kari. I think we're in on the ground floor of the (close to) 6 million blogs on here kvetching about the "Commie-lympics" these next 2+ weeks. LMMFAO
DC Sports Nut: Slap…
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