bejing2008

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.