A couple of thoughts that have been bouncing around my head, given how much news coverage there has recently been on the Olympic Torch and related pro-Tibet protests.
First, in the Olympic Torch relays I’ve been aware of (from ‘84 on), the torch has been portrayed as a symbol of the ideal of the world coming together in peace and good sportsmanship.
This year, for the first time, I’ve been hearing folks recall that the torch relay was originally developed as an element of Nazi propaganda associated with the ‘36 Olympics.
How come when the U.S., or Australia, or South Korea, or any other country hosts the Olympics, the torch relay is symbolic of peace, but when the PRC gets the Olympics, it’s a resurrection of Nazism?
Haven’t the pro-Tibet/pro-Darfur/anti-China protesters ever heard of Godwin’s Law?
Second, don’t I remember hearing China promise that these would be the Green Olympics?
Seen in Wired:
If people are looking for another reason to be pissed at China, how about this: By the time this pyro parade is over, it will have produced about 11 million pounds of carbon emissions.