Video: The ChiComs blow everyone’s minds
posted at 3:45 pm on August 9, 2008 by Allahpundit
And for once, that’s meant figuratively, not literally. I’m sending you to NBC’s master page for Olympics video; all four clips in the top row are worth watching but the most spectacular stuff is in the “Sights and Sounds” and “Li Ning soars” segments. You’ll need to install the Silverlight plug-in to see it in high rez, but it’s worth it. If you’re looking for the U.S. team in the parade of nations, they appear right at 1:20:00 — to a surprisingly warm ovation, if not quite as warm as the one for Iraq at 1:07:20.
It’s amazing what totalitarians flush with cash can accomplish when they put their minds to it. The Sun’s headline says it all. Click the image to watch.
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That was the best opening of the Olympics I’ve ever seen. They definitely made me come close to tears by the beauty of the ceremony.
I was so happy to see how warmly the US and Iraq were received.
It was funny to see how the Chinese booed the Iranians.
jencab on August 9, 2008 at 3:54 PM
I knew the opening ceremonies would be fantastic.
I did not know they would be THIS good. Kudos!
bridgetown on August 9, 2008 at 3:54 PM
The opening ceremony was awesome, I really enjoyed it.
The part where the kids gave the flag to the soldiers, who put it on the pole was striking though. A little creepy how proudly NBC said that the state is the guarantor of their future *cringes*
lorien1973 on August 9, 2008 at 3:57 PM
It was fantastic. It was the only opening that I will truly regret forever missing in person. It’s always a big show; this was truly beautiful as well.
Kudos to the artists and to China.
PattyJ on August 9, 2008 at 4:00 PM
Screw them. I didn’t watch the opening, nor will I watch any of it this time. The guru behind it is a government stooge, no matter how artistic. Give them glory, and they’ll destroy us all, soon enough.
Read this, for a real story.
All you need to know is this. It’s still the same today.
Entelechy on August 9, 2008 at 4:01 PM
And, NO, I’m not sorry to rain on your parade, and you can all call me narrow. It would be a compliment of the highest order.
Entelechy on August 9, 2008 at 4:02 PM
Thanks for the links Entelechy. I always learn from your comments and wish you had a blog!
mimi1220 on August 9, 2008 at 4:07 PM
I was somewhat put off by the NBC commentators adding their tidbits of “gee isn’t communism wonderful” during the whole thing. At one point, they were gushing that the Chinese symbol for “harmony” was representative of the current political climate, where they are trying to achieve harmony across the land. These broadcasting jackasses have no idea what the real world is actually like, do they?
Mibrilane on August 9, 2008 at 4:07 PM
While I agree that Costas and Lauer were epic fail in the commentary department, I don’t think it’s fair to knock ‘em for that. It sounded like he was just mentioning how creepy China’s nanny state/totalitarian mentality is and how it’s a part of everything they do.
malan89 on August 9, 2008 at 4:07 PM
GO USA!
Other than that, my family decided awhile back to boycott the China Olympics because of China’s dismal to non-existent human rights record, their jailing of any and all people who publicly criticize China and China’s lack of basic human rights and China’s communism (or any other make believe reason China can conjure to jail detractors), their censorship of all free speech including the clamp down of the Internet, their continuing role as Enabler-in-Chief of the ongoing genocide in Darfur, and their continuing occupation of Tibet and the atrocities China has committed there.
We won’t watch the Olympics. We won’t buy Olympics merchandise. We won’t patronize Olympics advertisers. We won’t watch NBC. We won’t buy goods made in China (which is really tough to do since almost everything non-perishable has the stench of China on it).
SilverStar830 on August 9, 2008 at 4:10 PM
lorien1973 on August 9, 2008 at 3:57 PM
That was at the part with the one chick standing on the cloth, right? It looked like a vertical mosh pit.
Anyway, yeah. You ain’t the only one that was creeped out. They even stuck a reference to global warming in there somewhere.
Ryan Gandy on August 9, 2008 at 4:11 PM
You have no idea, AP, how deep and veracious your statement is, and how many millions, who live and have died, feel, and have felt it, artistic glorified prowess aside.
Entelechy on August 9, 2008 at 4:11 PM
Boycoting… sorry…
Romeo13 on August 9, 2008 at 4:11 PM
Sorry, but I’m not about to watch the
1936 Nazi Olympics2008 Commie Olympics and thus grant even the slightest bit of legitimacy to the worst mass murderers of history.I’m funny that way.
Misha I on August 9, 2008 at 4:12 PM
While all the reasons you listed to boycott the ChiComs are valid, I find it hard to comprehend someone staying away from all things China. That seems REALLY difficult.
malan89 on August 9, 2008 at 4:12 PM
mimi1220, I can hardly keep up with HA. Maybe when I retire. However, I have so much fun in my job that I might die doing that. Being hooked on HA satisfies that other part :)
Entelechy on August 9, 2008 at 4:14 PM
No it was when the kids from each province – those that survived the one child policy – carried the chinese flag; then the soldiers ripped it from their hands. And then raised it up the flag pole.
China is pretty smart too. They have totalitarianism with a cute cartoon face on it. Which makes it easier to ignore.
Throw a little global warming in there and the left swoons.
i also liked one of the events today where the announcers said “oh there’s no smog, it’s just hazy” then they pan away from the people and show the city and you can’t even see 10 blocks cuz of smog LOL. It was the cycling event I think.
lorien1973 on August 9, 2008 at 4:15 PM
“oh there’s no smog, it’s just hazy” then they pan away from the people and show the city and you can’t even see 10 blocks
Yep. And the “patriotic volunteers” who swarmed westerners who tried to lay flowers down on Tianamon Square and had the police haul them away. It’s too creepy.
On another forum belong to, a few people are posting pictures and giving the chicoms tongue baths. When I complain, they say I am the one being political. Bleh.
Blake on August 9, 2008 at 4:22 PM
Who else is watching the basketball game tomorrow morning?
malan89 on August 9, 2008 at 4:23 PM
That commentary was so awful I could only watch a couple of minutes of it. “Wonderfully preserved Buddhist…” WTF???
pedestrian on August 9, 2008 at 4:24 PM
Oh, and did anyone find out what Bushie was saying to PootyPoot yesterday in the stands toward the beginning? It was right after the opening drums thing. We’re they talking about the situation with Georgia or were they just talking about the ceremony?
malan89 on August 9, 2008 at 4:25 PM
I saw this documentary on this the last weekend. Truly heart wrenching.
terryannonline on August 9, 2008 at 4:26 PM
It’s tough sometimes, but it’s not even close to impossible. We try not to consume too much. When we buy what we need as far as non-foods stuff goes, we just don’t buy ANYTHING that mentions China on its label. You’d be surprised how easy it is, actually, once you figure out what they make the most of… which is almost all just plastic crap. Christmas is the toughest time if you have kids. Almost everything Toys has China on it. But we manage to find similar toys that don’t carry the stench of China.
We stick to Johnson family products and other domestic manufacturers for household cleaners and the like. There are some things we can’t avoid because not all things are labeled with China on it, even though it may have the stench of China on/in it. Like containers that hold some non-China products within. But you’d be surprised what you find in the fine print on some labels. Many do label their products; “Made in America. Assembled in China”, or vice versa. That one’s a bit of a conundrum. We just take a few seconds when buying unfamiliar products to read the label.
Sometimes, rarely, it simply just can’t be avoided. Those are the ONLY times anything China every crosses the barcode scanner.
SilverStar830 on August 9, 2008 at 4:29 PM
Lipstick on a pig.
Spirit of 1776 on August 9, 2008 at 4:31 PM
If more people had your resolve, we’d be a lot better off as a country.
jimmy the notable on August 9, 2008 at 4:32 PM
He was sayin… “You may have those cute little gymnasts, but we got HOTTY VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS!”
Romeo13 on August 9, 2008 at 4:33 PM
They danced as if their lives depended upon it which, of course, they did.
viking01 on August 9, 2008 at 4:34 PM
The only hope for Vancouver to top that for their Olympic opening ceremony in 2010 is to have William Shatner perform a live dramatic reading of By-Tor and The Snowdog with Geddy, Alex, and Neil while Cirque du Soleil acrobats contort themselves into a 16m-tall moose.
ScottMcC on August 9, 2008 at 4:35 PM
Me too. At several points, I believed that those NBC color commentators were just reading prepared remarks given to them by the ChiComs. I was disappointed by the fact that the “Modern China” portion of the opening ceremony production didn’t feature a 60 ft tall poster of Chairman Mao. A stunning omission.
Outlander on August 9, 2008 at 4:36 PM
Agreed.
malan89 on August 9, 2008 at 4:38 PM
HA! That got a LoL out of me. You sure know how to paint a mental image… hahahah
SilverStar830 on August 9, 2008 at 4:39 PM
I am not watching them. Don’t have the time or effort… more or less I have other things to do.
But with that… why is it we have to out best the period before the previous? Good lord, it is the Olympics not a who’s country and can make a prettier appearance then the one 4 years before us.
upinak on August 9, 2008 at 4:40 PM
The most Gargantuan pig, along with Russia, Iraq, Venezuela, and few smaller ones.
Entelechy on August 9, 2008 at 4:41 PM
That was awesome. Listen, I know China’s government sucks and all but the people of China deserve their due credit for a lot of hard work. I applaud their artistic and technical creation in this outstanding performance. The government can go and suck rotten eggs but the people deserve a big hand.
Guardian on August 9, 2008 at 4:42 PM
Commie Scum are Commie Scum, regardless of how glitzy a show they put on. These are proto-capitalist cash-accomodationist Commie Scum, but……
They whole show creeped me out, man: it was like East German ‘mass gymnastics’, which were obvious imitations of Nazi performances. There was no sense of individualism, of freedom, of liberty, self-reliance, personal responsibility, etc, etc
feh
Janos Hunyadi on August 9, 2008 at 4:42 PM
Boycott shmoycott. It’s the Olympics…politics are supposed to be put aside for the time being. Plus, no one says anything for years after China was awarded the games, until the last couple of months.
Awesome opening ceremonies. The fireworks alone were worth the watch. Those “footsteps” were very cool as well. It wasn’t the typical cheesy history lesson either. I thought Greece did a fine job with the opening last time, but the sheer number of participants, and the amount of practice, was mind-boggling.
A great, balanced marriage of modern technology and old-world story.
I felt bad for those “cheerleaders” tho, the girls around the inside of the track cheering the nations as they came on. What was it, 2-3 hours of non-stop clapping and dancing around? Whew!
JetBoy on August 9, 2008 at 4:42 PM
That was truly amazing. Loved the story of that brave lad, who rescued his mates.
Hening on August 9, 2008 at 4:42 PM
“I looked the man in the eye. I was able to get a sense of his soul” ~ ~ GWB a few years ago
“Your soul is as deceiving as your bastard philosophy, and these openings” ~ ~ Bush to Putin, 08/08/08 in China
Entelechy on August 9, 2008 at 4:46 PM
Yep. I, too, was impressed what you can accomplish when you have an unlimited supply of expendable labor.
It’s not about the people or the chinese culture. It’s all about the leadership/government.
But did you watch the cycling event this morning? They started out in the olympic stadium. About 2-3 miles out or something, they go to Tianeman (sp?) square, if that doesn’t bring back memories of this leadership, then you have problems. The helicopters fly around and you can see houses and apartments that are absolutely destroyed and people living in total squallor. And let’s not forget that this epic olympic stadium area was built after the government forcibly removed people from their homes and build the stadiums.
End results are nice to look at (I don’t get all the gawking over that birds nest thing – I think its hideous, but anyways) but don’t forget how this came about. It does matter. But, really, it does sum up leftist thought perfectly. Who cares of the individual’s rights when the state “looks good” at the end of the day.
lorien1973 on August 9, 2008 at 4:47 PM
In all fairness, that happens over here as well. It’s called “eminent domain”.
JetBoy on August 9, 2008 at 4:55 PM
Has China passed us up as the world’s only superpower now?
I think so.
Thanks, neocons…
alphie on August 9, 2008 at 4:55 PM
A spectacle that would make Leni Riefenstahl proud.
packsoldier on August 9, 2008 at 4:57 PM
Zhang Yimou produced the ceremony. He’s a talented film maker who has battled with government censors over his career. Amazing stuff, but I’m not surprised given the quality of his film work.
dedalus on August 9, 2008 at 4:57 PM
Lighten up, guys. Life is too short to be so bitter. The opening ceremony was an incredible thing of beauty, and it is wonderful to see the world gather for friendly competition.
The Olympic ideal is for nations to set aside their differences for two weeks every four years and to gather peacefully. Can you not do the same?
Yes, China’s human rights violations are terrible. Yes, China supports the violent government in Sudan. Yes, China has poor environmental controls. etc. etc.
We should not forget these things. However, now is the time to focus on peaceful competition. Do you not think it possible that maybe – just maybe – by opening themselves up to the world like this, the Chinese government might accelerate their change?
Look at Taiwan. When the Nationalists first fled to Taiwan, they, too, were very autocratic. By the late 80s/early 90s, though, they transformed to a truly democratic nation. Mainland China has lost or is losing it socialist economic system on the way towards free market capitalism. Its political system has progressed, but admittedly has a long way to go. These Olympics may accelerate that change.
DCGamer on August 9, 2008 at 4:58 PM
The 2008 Olympics, sponsored by Walmart.
Other spectacular events: these and these and these.
SteveMG on August 9, 2008 at 4:58 PM
I think that quote is often taken out of context (not laying this at your doorstep), but the rest of the quote that’s often left out is telling:
“I was able to get a sense of his soul: a man deeply committed to his country and the best interests of his country.”
All in all, I’d say Bush hit the nail on the head. Everything Putin has done is Russian power first. Russia’s best interests do not necessarily coincide with others, obviously. I think that is Bush diplomatic-speak for saying both things simultaneously – I don’t think he was under misconceptions.
Spirit of 1776 on August 9, 2008 at 4:58 PM
Do you seriously ever think before you type or speak for that matter?
Clinton started it with China, you reprehensible rejectable pond scum.
upinak on August 9, 2008 at 5:00 PM
What’s Taiwan? You mean chinese Taipea that flies a generic olympic flag don’t you?
lorien1973 on August 9, 2008 at 5:01 PM
In one of the Watergate tapes, there’s a conversation between Nixon and Kissinger where they both agree, in great deatal, that the 21st century would probably belong to China and India.
That they both had large populations and an emerging educated class that would, inevitably, lead to tremendous economic progress.
On the other hand, because of cultural views both countries will have tens of millions of young men in the coming decades with no chance of meeting women to form families. Abortion, infanticide is leading to the deaths of millions of girls.
So, you have two countries with millions of frustrated men.
Not good for social calm and cohesion.
Something’s gotta’ give.
SteveMG on August 9, 2008 at 5:02 PM
In America we are sometimes critical of athletes and others who knock the country when it on the world’s stage. We expect individual sacrifices to be made for the greater good of the country.
dedalus on August 9, 2008 at 5:04 PM
Breaking News – two Americans, related to men’s voleyball coach, were killed in China. President Bush just spoke about it.
Entelechy on August 9, 2008 at 5:04 PM
Yeah, great point, DCGamer. The Taiwanese have to spend billions ever year protecting themselves from the chicoms who are always threatening to invade. Lord, I would hate to have seen your coverage of the 1936 Olympics.
Blake on August 9, 2008 at 5:04 PM
Im with you. I will not watch any of it nor will I support it. I also stopped buying products made in China months ago….you know, when they were sending lead paint covered toys and such.
becki51758 on August 9, 2008 at 5:05 PM
I happen to agree with you.
I am wondering exactly how anyone reconciles themselves to putting things like this aside for the sake of beauty. Kind of like the UN and Clniton with Rwanda. I wish I had the ability.
Seriously, where have you been? Every blog I frequent has been talking about this for a lot longer than that.
Glynn on August 9, 2008 at 5:05 PM
I saw that on Fox News earlier today. I was surprised there was nothing here yet. It was the father-in-law and mother-in-law of, I believe, the women’s volleyball coach. He was killed, the wife was seriously injured, and their guide was injured as well. The killer then jumped to his death.
Glynn on August 9, 2008 at 5:07 PM
The balloon of the ‘glory’ was just popped – two Americans killed in China. The event is marred.
Entelechy on August 9, 2008 at 5:07 PM
Good points about the purpose of the games. China has made a lot of changes over the recent decades with a lot of changes to go. We can’t drive their transition to greater liberty and more open markets but we can help.
dedalus on August 9, 2008 at 5:08 PM
Didn’t watch it either. First olympics in my lifetime (56 yrs) that I have personally ‘boycotted’ if you will. But will agree that it sounds like it was truely wonderful. However something about NBC gushing over this ‘magical’ country just turns me off. Like the Soviets were in the 80′s, and likely still are, our enemies so go the Chinese in this era. I just can’t spport them, even minisculy by watching. Sorry. I do however wish all the US team the best and much success..
dustoffmom on August 9, 2008 at 5:08 PM
Yes, clearly their prowess at interpretive dance has forever relegated America to 3rd world status. And it’s all the neocons’ fault. Put the cap back on the glue bottle when you’re done sniffing.
trubble on August 9, 2008 at 5:09 PM
No, Lorien, I mean the Republic of China if you insist upon precision. Do not fault the Olympic committee for something about which the U.S., U.N. and China cannot even agree. In order to allow the athletes to compete, the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of China agreed to the compromise in which the latter is referred to as Chinese Taipei.
We do not have official diplomatic relations with the Republic of China. This is because both sides agree that there is only one China. It is not a perfect solution, but it has kept the peace for over half a century now.
DCGamer on August 9, 2008 at 5:09 PM
That’s not a ‘fair’ comparison, but a rhetorical fallacy
Janos Hunyadi on August 9, 2008 at 5:10 PM
You can look to the life’s work of Robert Moses in the New York area to see large public works projects that used courts to displaced many people for decades against their objection.
dedalus on August 9, 2008 at 5:13 PM
Dont forget the amazing clear air they have! And they can control the weather!
becki51758 on August 9, 2008 at 5:14 PM
No, they haven’t yet, alphie, but they will some day. However, it has nothing to do with the neocons. It will just happen. Nothing can stop it.
If things go by way of normal human nature, the Chinese who’re not free will revolt and take control of their government, and their lives. If your side wins, they will never be free, though some will be very rich, and powerful.
Entelechy on August 9, 2008 at 5:16 PM
And for heaven’s sake I am no ‘truther’ by a long shot. But did anyone else give a big hmmmmmm this morning when hearing the Americans had been attacked/killed and the ‘suspect’ committed suicide? Later today it seems perhaps correct, but my initial reaction was ‘oh, sure he did’.
dustoffmom on August 9, 2008 at 5:16 PM
The official poverty line for China (source).
Under $125 annually. The “absolute” poverty line is $90. That’s ninety dollars. Nine zero.
And the country has no safety net. Elderly are taken care of by their children.
More than 60-80 million live under this line.
Yep, Alphie thinks it’s a superpower that has surpassed us.
SteveMG on August 9, 2008 at 5:17 PM
I’ll tell you what is creepy, all you boycotters who think you are making some kind of political statement. You aren’t. China isn’t being hurt by your silliness, but the American Olympic program and our athletes will be. If you don’t want to watch and support the athletes, don’t, it is you who are the loser. But to try to make not watching into something noble just makes you sound stupid.
Pal2Pal on August 9, 2008 at 5:17 PM
Was I the only one who made a ‘Li Ning/leaning’ joke as he was air-running sideways around the perimeter of the stadium?
James on August 9, 2008 at 5:17 PM
Entelechy, wonderful links. I had no idea that our flag-bearer was a slap in the face to the Chinese, but man I’m glad. I feel like it’s too late to do anything – and I happen to like watching sports – so I’m stuck here rooting on our fencing teams and seething with rage.
That we are so warm to China is distressing. I blame Nixon. I recognize one China, and it’s flag looks like this.
emailnuevo on August 9, 2008 at 5:17 PM
Not stupid in my world, merely principled. But to each their own I know.
dustoffmom on August 9, 2008 at 5:18 PM
“A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to be silent and a time to speak. A time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace.” (Ecclesiastes 3:7-8).
I never quote scripture, but this seemed so appropriate to me. You cannot be confrontational 100% of the time. You cannot make war 100% of the time. You cannot hate 100% of the time.
If ever there was a time for peace, the Olympics are it. Nobody is asking you to forget your legitimate grievances with China, but can you not set them aside for 2 weeks so that our young people can compete on the sports field rather than the battlefield?
Besides, athletic competition can lead to political change (e.g. Ping Pong diplomacy with China in the 70s).
DCGamer on August 9, 2008 at 5:20 PM
I thought the same thing!
emailnuevo on August 9, 2008 at 5:20 PM
Um… that would be a big fat hairy NO.
They forcibly removed entire families from their homes, then destroyed their homes and village, to build their Olympic Stadium and Olympic “Village”.
They rounded up and jailed each and every person that the Chinese government even had an inkling would say or do something “embarrassing” to the China government in advance of the games. IE; they threw innocent men and women into the gulag to keep them out of the public eye during the Olympic games.
They still refuse to allow free speech during the games.
They briefly opened, then locked down the Internet AGAIN, for the games.
No one, but NO ONE, is allowed outside the Olympic Village and nearby area without an official “escort”. China is using “volunteers” to round up and hold for police ANYONE who strays from the area.
They continue to enable and sanction genocide in Darfur.
They murdered Buddhist Monks demonstrating in Tibet in advance of, and during preparation for, the Olypmic games.
Each and EVERY thing China has done in preparation for and during the Olympics so far is solely politically motivated.
Etcetera Ad Nauseum.
“…opening themselves up to the world like this“? Hardly.
Look past the glitz and glamor of the opening ceremony and get the emotion of the show out of your head, and take another look with a clear eyes. Seriously. It’s all an illusion designed to have the effect it has obviously had on you and so many others.
Olympics shmlypics. The IOC made a huge blunder picking Beijing, China to host the Olympics. That is hallowed ground. People died in Beijing not so long ago, run over by tanks and so on, while making a plea for more freedom and basic human rights. Or have you forgotten that so soon?
SilverStar830 on August 9, 2008 at 5:21 PM
It was spectacular. Kudos to the Chinese for putting on the best show ever.
Dusty on August 9, 2008 at 5:24 PM
I am speechless that you went there. You just quoted scripture in essence to excuse millions of people for turning their heads to human suffering all in the name of a game. My God.
Glynn on August 9, 2008 at 5:24 PM
That happens in the U.S. It probably happens in most Western countries. You can lie down in front of the bulldozers when our government decides its in the way of their highway, but the police you pay for with your tax dollars will drag you away so the bulldozer can do its work.
dedalus on August 9, 2008 at 5:26 PM
Wow.
Glynn on August 9, 2008 at 5:26 PM
They also removed all the individual little street vendors whose livelihood depended on selling their goods. The list goes on, but I guess it’s all good because it sure was a pretty show.
Glynn on August 9, 2008 at 5:28 PM
No, I surely have not. Watching the events in Tiannamen while living in Germany was a huge wake up/pride moment for me. And seeing that one fellow standing in front of the tanks lives still in my memories. So Pal2Pal, this, among other incidents, leads to my ‘boycott’ of China’s Olympics. Has nothing to do with the athletes, again, I wish them all success, but China is an inhumane regime and I simply can’t offer them any support at all.
dustoffmom on August 9, 2008 at 5:30 PM
All the money spent in China is NOT going to the people who need it. It will go into the hands of the leaderships who will more than likely buy some weapons with it. Or maybe into more lead to put on the toys of our children or poison for our pets.
THAT is why they wont get a cent of my hard-earned money.
That is neither creepy or silly.
becki51758 on August 9, 2008 at 5:30 PM
I reject that entire post. I reject that opposing a bloody communist regime somehow endangers American athletes more than already would be endangered by being under the thumb of said regime. I reject that you use the Bible to try and get people to overlook their grievances, a book which, by the way, is banned in China. It’s distressing.
Let’s be frank. There is nothing morally clean in Beijing. Wash the blood off the street and close the charnel house door, and all of a sudden it seems clean and acceptable. Graveyards usually are silent, after all.
emailnuevo on August 9, 2008 at 5:32 PM
We are right there with you.
Glynn on August 9, 2008 at 5:32 PM
You do realize that many of those street vendors over there are the biggest scammers, right?
JetBoy on August 9, 2008 at 5:33 PM
SilverStar830 on August 9, 2008 at 5:21 PM
Have you ever been to China?
Silver, I could cherry pick some bad things that happened in the U.S., and then use them to make a broad assumption just like you did. Would that mean the U.S. is a horrible place?
I do not deny any of the things that you mentioned. All of them are bad. However, not everything is gloom and doom. Chinese was my major in college. I studied in Taiwan, and I travelled extensively throughout China. As for China being a police state, it is true to some extent. I would point out, though, that it is much easier to get into China than into the United States. I travelled by train throughout China sitting in the people’s section (much cheaper for a student), not the tourist section. I cannot tell you how many people that I spoke to. I was never once bothered by a policeman, nor was I never told not to take a photo.
Once again, I do not deny that China’s government is repressive, nor do I deny that China has a long way to go. What I am trying to tell you is to tone down your bellicose rhetoric.
DCGamer on August 9, 2008 at 5:33 PM
You have to remind us of this in the midst of the Obama campaign?
Blacklake on August 9, 2008 at 5:34 PM
…and now he’s a stooge, in the center of the government, living high, being financed to tow the perfect line. He’s fully indoctrinated. It worked.
Thank you! I put on the Stupid Hat, with great pride. I’ll wear it until the show is over. When you really, really, know, on your own skin, what communism and totalitarianism mean, come back and display your superior intellect, again.
If I had multiple extra millions, I’d apply them by forcing some of you to live in it for a while, without the notion of a hopeful return to freedom.
Yeah, I know all about the ‘spirit of the Olympics’ – the committee sucks – it’s a nest of Utopian idealist socialist/Marxist sheep. I remember Yugoslavia, fondly, and I’ve read about 1936. Believe it or not, I can read.
Entelechy on August 9, 2008 at 5:36 PM
Yes, those darn noodle sellers!
Glynn on August 9, 2008 at 5:36 PM
No, it’s not. It’s a serious matter.
We in the West are betting on the thought that economic liberalism in China will lead to political liberalism. And with that, the hostility of the government will change and a new leadership will be more friendly to us.
It’s quite a roll of the dice. My guess is that it will; but I’m not sure.
It seems clear to me that both China and Russia are abandoning any international responsibility and dropping the entire onus onto the US. While we have to use our resources dealing with these problems, they sit back and build up their power.
Meanwhile, anti-American types on the left absolve China and Russia while spending all their energies weakening the US.
Miserable fools.
SteveMG on August 9, 2008 at 5:37 PM
What is your solution to China’s problems, Glynn? War? I hate to say it, but your argument today makes you sound like a liberal. Liberals think that symbolic action is the way to solve the world’s problems Do you honestly believe that boycotting watching the Olympics is going to solve anything? What a gloomy world you must live in…
DCGamer on August 9, 2008 at 5:37 PM
I would watch the Olympics if the Godless Communists weren’t involved. I don’t mean the Chinese who, at this point, are just plain totalitarian despots with no coherent ideology beyond the forceful use of raw power. I’m talking about NBC.
Damned commie scum, the whole damned network.
I use the Today show as my wake up alarm. It’s highly effective, I get up on time now. The only drawback is that I’m still late to work every day because I have to clean up the projectile vomit that the show induces.
TABoLK on August 9, 2008 at 5:38 PM
A country that literally gave birth to the modern concept of democracy and freedom cannot be described by failings as “evil” in the same way that a Communist regime that massacred millions can. The simple reason is that, while the sins of the U.S. were deviations from its principles (and really, other than slavery, I don’t know what sins we could be discussing), the Chinese government stamped out lives because that was their ideological goal. Not a means to an end but an end.
That you would take the U.S. and compare it to China in terms of respect for human rights, is disgusting. As a proud American, I’m repulsed by and embarrassed for you.
emailnuevo on August 9, 2008 at 5:39 PM
It’s rumored that John Edwards ordered the Bang Bang Chicken.
viking01 on August 9, 2008 at 5:41 PM
Bingo.
Our injustices were a result of our failure to live by our principles. We all recognize this – all of our school history books do this.
Their injustices were a result of their living up to their principles.
SteveMG on August 9, 2008 at 5:42 PM
Bolded section says all I ever need to know about you. I have a few acquaintances, Chinese, who studied here. They spew like you do, while they live the most Capitalistic life of all…but China is better than the U.S. in all regards, or at least similarly bad. Feh!
Of course. Billions want to come to the U.S. and are free to leave at any time.
Entelechy on August 9, 2008 at 5:44 PM
I’m sorry you posted this here, Allahpundit. I mean that in a sad way, not a sarcastic way.
RushBaby on August 9, 2008 at 5:44 PM
Also, studying and traveling in a communist ‘heaven’ doesn’t qualify for being forced to live there.
Entelechy on August 9, 2008 at 5:44 PM
Drama queen! Reread my comments. I did not compare the U.S. to China. I said that I could provide a list of things that we have done and then make a false assumption based upon that list.
I do agree with your first paragraph. You are missing my point, though. I am not asking anyone to absolve China of their failings. I am just suggesting that in the spirit of the Olympic ideal, we put aside our differences for 2 weeks. Can you not find any value or possible good for doing this? Do you not think that the Olympics could be a valuable tool for diplomacy?
DCGamer on August 9, 2008 at 5:44 PM
Playing the devil’s advocate here…
We frequently use eminent domain to do the same thing. Granted, we don’t threaten to send the families to a Siberian prison labor camp if they don’t cooperate…
The Democrats are rounding up all the homeless and other houligans during the DNC this year. China has a terror problem and they’re going to do what it takes to keep the Olympics safe.
For security reasons, that might not be a bad idea, given the tragic deaths of two U.S. citizens today.
But it’s about engagement! At least the Chinese authorities apologized for beating journalists last week. . .
Outlander on August 9, 2008 at 5:45 PM
DCGamer….I really am trying to figure out what school you attended. Sins? Are you a student of Ward Churchill? Seriously. Can you tell me another country with such high aspirations (at least in public theory), that has offered as much to as many? What has led you to such a negative opinion of our country? I am deadly serious here, I simply do not understand this mindset.
dustoffmom on August 9, 2008 at 5:45 PM
I am not quite sure how to respond to that, but I will take the high road and say that you seem to feel you are the ultimate spokesperson for China because you lived there once. I lived in Japan, Germany, and Saudi Arabia. I lived there for extended periods of time. I would never, under any circumstances, say that I saw the real face of any of these countries. Moral relativity grows by leaps and bounds. You have simplified my actions regarding the Olympics as a silly whim. Am I making a differnce? I don’t know. One never knows until one tries. Don’t worry about my world. Worry about quoting scripture to excuse turning a blind eye to human suffering all for the sake of a game.
Glynn on August 9, 2008 at 5:45 PM
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