I’ve always viewed the Olympic Games as a venue for athletes from around the world to promote “unity as human beings via strength, agility and physical excellence”. These athletes are not politicians, they are a reflection of national pride from their respective homelands. Do the Olympic Committee members interject their own politcal agendas as to the selection process …. quite possibly yes. Although China’s political views are not accepted by most in the United States and elsewhere; it does not justify a boycott! I believe the Olympic Games should not be used as a pawns in the arena of World Politics.

I am surprised at the naievete of the Chinese not to expect that their heavy handed and oppressive treatment of the Tibetans would not come under scrutiny if during the period of hosting the Olympics. How many Potemkin houses do they think they can build?

Political views aside, I seriously worry about the air quality. I have read that oxygen masks are being used for training. I feel that this defeats the purpose of a HEALTHY competition!

I will watch every minute I can of the Olympics……I love all the sports and events. I don’t think you could find anywhere in the World that is perfect. When it comes to rights…….look at Guantonomo Bay. Look at our Native Americans…..we should not throw the first stone. I hope and pray China will improve on their Human rights situation….but the majority of Chinese are thrilled about the event taking place in their Country. Everything doesn’t have to be Political. I’m also with Mary about Our DEBT to China. That’s just plain scary. Here’s wishing wonderful success to all the Athletes of the World. They certainly bring me a lot of joy while I view their abilities. I cancel almost everything else I normally do……..stay glued to the TV and TEVO what I can’t watch in real time.

It is basic for me. Yes, the olympics should be in china. The olympics are not a political tool, it is a venue for athletes to compete against those they may never have met. it can only forge peace. when we start applying our political and ethical ways of thought, then we are not allowing others the rights we hold so dearly. They (members of that nation) must choose for themselves. Until then, forge peace and enjoy a world event without politics saying what we should enjoy and what we should not.

Hmm. I’m not much in to sports but even if I were, the scandals of past Olympics (bribery of judges, bribery of the Olympic committee members, drug-enhanced performances, not to mention the whacking of an opponent’s knee) have soured any romantic notions I may have held of a noble event that could be used to unite citizens of the world in love, peace and brotherhood. Nevertheless, I do enjoy watching the occasional event regardless of the politicking and skullduggery behind the scenes. I’m always interested in the lighting of the flame and the creative means each host country utilizes; it will be interesting to see what China does. Sorry. I’m so out of the loop. When does it start, anyway? I certainly agree with those who have correctly pointed out that few countries are without their own dirty laundry.

h e double hockeysticks YES it is a mistake..china is even more rotten at the core than we are…what a shameless sham….

I love the Olympics, got to carry the torch in 1996. Since I would never be an Olympic level athlete, barely an athlete at all — I like to drive, type and swim — it was a great way to participate. As to China, I was surprized when they were awarded the Olympic games in the first place. But I also have mixed feelings about it. It might be an opportunity to give China incentive to change some of her ways, as they have to some extent in response to the Tibet situation. It could also turn out to be a big mistake. But, along those lines, I think we have little national behaviour with which to criticize. China. Although, perhaps, we could get them to keep George for the rest of his term; possibly he could help them with a little ‘democracy’. But since the dye is cast and the games are there, I’m hoping for some really positive outcome. GO ATHLETES!

I watched the 1972 Olympics. Very pregnant with my first child. I saw Olga Korbut. Remember? The Russian gymnast who re-defined the sport! And then faded into obscurity. She was adorable. But I haven’t watched in recent years. I’m never a target for TV ads, so I pick and choose. I’m not an Idol worshipper either. I don’t know, it’s just, more and more the Olympics have become a media spectacle where each nation submits its finest human specimens. They compete. And on some level, the winners achieve a sense of superiority for the whole nation they represent. We can only hope and pray that our athletes represent us well. And that there aren’t too many disputes among the judges. And that the U.S. cameras will be in good positions come opening night…and the Chinese won’t come up with any outlandish media restrictions. “Hine ma tov huma nahayim, shevet achim gam yahad.” (loosely translated…how good and wonderful it is when we can all live together like family.) Ancient, ancient prayer.

I think that nothing ever gets better by being hidden away in a dark corner. I have heard and seen more people talk about Tibet and the issues in China this year than ever before…if nothing else the Olympics is shining a light on the good and bad in China