the rix mix

All Olympic games are con jobs, by the Olympic committee, by the host countries. China has made no secret of why it is hosting the Olympics & what it expects to accomplish. There are a few parallels with Berlin in '36, when Hitler showcased the New Improved Germany.

China has shut down factories so the athletes won't gasp from pollution. Ports have been closed for "security" reasons. What little dissent exists outside of Tibet has been silenced, & the repression in Tibet continues. According to Pew polls, the Chinese people apparently don't believe we know or think about this stuff:

Ninety-three percent said they believe the Olympics will help China's image around the globe. A similar number voiced confidence that the games will go well: 96 percent said their hosting of the Aug. 8-24 competition will be successful.

In both cases, the optimism was shared by people of all ages and income groups, and men and women alike.

The findings point to a divergence between the Chinese sense of their image overseas and how foreigners view them. In the new poll, three-quarters of Chinese believe their country is liked abroad. Yet of 23 other countries where Pew has polled this year, China is viewed positively in only seven.

They're as deluded as we are. Of course, the more medals a nation wins, the more admirable that nation is in all respects.

Medals. National honor. Product endorsements. The stakes in the Olympics aren't high enough.
There should be real prizes. Territory. Weapons. Tribute.

Labels: sports