Shane Birley's blog

With many western ideals going to China for the Olympics, I wonder how many Olympians may find their way into the Chinese justice system.  This small look into how China controls access to the Internet is very interesting and worth a look (via Digg/Reporters Without Borders).

I am sure that China won't toss a few athletes into jail for surfing the Internet - but I don't see how an entire world can ignore the lack of freedoms in the country once they touch down for the games.  I certainly hope some campaign will be launched to bring International attention to the cultural and governmental differences.<

As I have been watching the closing ceremonies in Torino, I am curious what China web access will be like for bloggers and citizen journalists (such as Daily Vancouver) during the Bejing 2008 Summer Olympics.

In the last few months, the filtering and access to Google web content has been in the news.  Other stories regarding the "web control" the Chinese government has imposed on their citizens has also come to the forefront of people's minds.  But, what surprises me is the apparent ignorance the International Olympic Committee.  Listening to the president of the IOC during the closing ceremonies made me question whether or not they really care.  I am sure they are aware of the issues but are they setting a poor example by ignoring the Chinese climate or a great example by extending an olive branch in China's direction?  The president claimed the Olympic Games are a symbol of freedom and fair play. I am surprised the values of the International Olympic Committee would wish for the Olympics to be held in a country that doesn't appear to share such values.

It seems they are more interested in doping and healthy sport rather than the freedoms of the people in the country where their event takes place. And, yes, it is very easy for people that do not live in China to say the government there is "bad" or "controlling". I suppose we just don't understand fully how a culture develops and perhaps such issues should not be commented on by organizations like the IOC.  But, where does the responsibility begin?

I wish the 2008 Summer Games well and I hope it goes incredibly well and breaks down some of the barriers many people see in China. Like the president of the IOC has said, the youth of the world should assemble and make a statement.

I think the statement should be about something else other than about sport. It might be an idea to get some other thoughts about freedom of choice flowing in China. And, quite possibly, the environment in China may change before the games. I hope it does. But, even if it doesn't, I hope the Olympics will rub off a little on the powers in China.

I find it very interesting how the Village People were able to unite the people of the world. I have been watching snippets of the closing ceremonies in Torino but my jaw dropped when the dancers in the stadium started to "break out the moves" when the YMCA song started.

The camera work on the CBC was scanning the crowds and, to my astonishment, people were doing the YMCA moves! Flags from all over the world were being tossed around YMCA excitement.  Canada, Italy, USA, Russia, and others were waving their flags to the YMCA.  The friggin' YMCA song!

I exclaimed:  "See! There is world peace in front of our eyes and everyone is missing it!"

How is this possible?  A dance tune has broken down years of suspicion and history in a few seconds?  I am forced to conclude, the human race should play the YMCA song all around the world and everyone will be able to put aside their differences and boogie down.

The amazing things we can discover from the Olympics.