>China and the Olympics

>As I watch the Olympics and see records being broken, sweeps in the hurdles and American team sports moving toward medals I try, as the athletes must, to avoid letting the policies of China spoil the games.

All in all the production is great. Credit the Chinese government for that, along with NBC sports. Even the fake “footsteps” and singing in the opening ceremonies were so overshadowed by the 2000 drummers, printing blocks and other effects that it doesn’t seem to matter.

There is an image in my mind (and on my DVR) that shows a proud young Chinese woman, carrying the sign announcing her country’s team, followed by Yao Ming and little nine year old hero Lin Hao. This is the China we are supposed to remember. The new “chairman” Yao, a tiny hero, the future, and elegant grace, proud and traditional.

But outside the Bird Nest and the Swim Cube, there is a lot going on. Or not.

The Chinese government set up three areas for protests to occur, but there are no protests going on.

There are reports of would be protesters being arrested when making application to protest.

China will learn that it can’t have it both ways. They cannot have their cake and eat it too.

Either you allow freedom of speech, or you don’t.

Either you allow freedom of expression, or you don’t.

Either you respect human rights, or you don’t.

I think the Olympics are bringing attention to the problems in China. Will the attention bring change?

Protests in San Fran

I am 100% behind the protests being waged as the Olympic torch travels around the world. Here is video of the Golden Gate Bridge incident. I do have questions like..how did these guys get around the security and all to do this. This report says it took them 45 minutes to unfurl the banners.

Tibet is only one of the many reasons to protest against China. Let’s see, human trafficking, lead paint on toys, dangerous chemicals in prescription meds and toothpaste, exploitation of workforce, baby killing, Tiananmen Square.

I walked across the GG Bridge once, and I felt a little nervous just looking over the edge. I can’t imagine climbing and doing this. I get nervous on a ladder hanging Christmas lights.

About 80 people will carry the torch while it is in San Fran, and one is HIV positive gay Navy Veteran John Caldera. Here is a report.

In this report, the news reporter actually talks by cell phone to one of the protesters, Laurel Sutherlin, as Laurel hangs on the bridge with a flag. No hands, as one is holding the phone and the other is waving to the camera at the request of the reporter to confirm that is who she is talking with.

Now I don’t really support boycotting the Olympics. Let the event proceed, but hold protests every day is what I say.

I promised flower pictures so here they are. Sorry it has taken so long. I no longer have use of my laptop, so blogging is not as convenient, nor is editing pictures, but soon I will get a new laptop (notebook I guess is the preferred term these days).

Dogwoods have been in bloom for the last two weeks, but still hanging in there, in spite of all the stormy weather.

Wisteria Lane…not quite, but close.

Irises are continuing to open, different varieties open at different times.

>Protests in San Fran

>I am 100% behind the protests being waged as the Olympic torch travels around the world. Here is video of the Golden Gate Bridge incident. I do have questions like..how did these guys get around the security and all to do this. This report says it took them 45 minutes to unfurl the banners.

Tibet is only one of the many reasons to protest against China. Let’s see, human trafficking, lead paint on toys, dangerous chemicals in prescription meds and toothpaste, exploitation of workforce, baby killing, Tiananmen Square.

I walked across the GG Bridge once, and I felt a little nervous just looking over the edge. I can’t imagine climbing and doing this. I get nervous on a ladder hanging Christmas lights.

About 80 people will carry the torch while it is in San Fran, and one is HIV positive gay Navy Veteran John Caldera. Here is a report.

In this report, the news reporter actually talks by cell phone to one of the protesters, Laurel Sutherlin, as Laurel hangs on the bridge with a flag. No hands, as one is holding the phone and the other is waving to the camera at the request of the reporter to confirm that is who she is talking with.

Now I don’t really support boycotting the Olympics. Let the event proceed, but hold protests every day is what I say.

I promised flower pictures so here they are. Sorry it has taken so long. I no longer have use of my laptop, so blogging is not as convenient, nor is editing pictures, but soon I will get a new laptop (notebook I guess is the preferred term these days).

Dogwoods have been in bloom for the last two weeks, but still hanging in there, in spite of all the stormy weather.

Wisteria Lane…not quite, but close.

Irises are continuing to open, different varieties open at different times.