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Posted on 08/14/2008 8:01:25 PM PDT by JACKRUSSELL
The Communist regime has spent billions on lavish sports venues, the world's biggest airport terminal, and a huge security operation.
All this while sweatshop conditions are widespread and millions are still homeless after May's deadly earthquake in the region.
Of course, the official line is the country’s 1.3 billion people are delighted that the Games have arrived.
And the groundswell of pride and nationalist fervour in China is obvious.
But privately there is anger from some that the leadership continues to declare that running a successful Games is its "number one priority".
Speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, some in the capital told Sky News the money would have been better spent on helping the country's poor.
A 21-year-old student, gazing out across the futuristic cityscape at the "Bird's Nest" centrepiece, said: "It's terrible the money they wasted.
"Millions of people live and work in terrible conditions, but the government doesn't think of them.
"They have spent our taxes on buildings – and who does it help? It does nothing for the people of this country."
A taxi driver, who has family in the impoverished Guizhou province, said: "It’s all for Beijing – but what about the rest of the country?
"What about those who lost their homes in the earthquake? What about the people who try to feed their families and send their children out to work?"
The estimated £20bn spent on the 29th Olympiad represents nearly £20 for every Chinese citizen – in a country where many survive on £1 a day......
(Excerpt) Read more at news.sky.com ...
Their construction also drove up the price of concrete, steel, and copper.
From what I've seen ordinary Chinese are taking a lot of pride in a job generally well done, certainly the opening ceremonies were spectacular.
But I also agree there is tremendous resentment toward the government, especially seeing all this lavish spending on the Olympics hard on the heals of the poor response to the earthquake and scandals of party officials cutting corners on school buildings to pocket the extra. Plus, I think many Chinese have been surprised how their country is viewed around the world, with the protests during the torch run.
Who knows, maybe this will be a catalyst for change.
I’d like to know how much money the US Government spent supporting these Olympic games (security and such). Anybody know?
Don’t get your hopes up. The harder they try to look good to the world the worse they come off. They just keep sinking lower from where I sit.
BTW, the fireworks were phony too. Surprised?
I haven’t heard of any U.S. money going to support China. The local host committee has to eat all the expenses, except those of the teams. But USOC covers the team expenses.
My old English composition professor, Dr. Ed Cronin, PhD would flunk the writer for that reason alone.
And, no, I was not surprised the "footprint" fireworks were staged because the pollution was so thick they wouldn't have been seen otherwise. The cute little girl was dubbed, too.
The Chinese have also looked very ham fisted to the media and sponsors, who can't get customers through the security. God forbid some Tibet flag might be unfurled.
Buy your stocks accordingly... :o)
BTTT
What is a groundswell of pride and nationalist fervor in a country where dissent with the official party line is a quick ticket to being blacklisted for employment, jail time, and persecution?
Answer: Self-preservation.
I have been to Tibet and have seen how brutally the Chinese treat them. I have not watched the olympics at all.
Not to mention how many people were kicked out of their homes so that the Olympic center could be built.
btt
I’m extremely proud to say that I have watched 0 seconds of this farce they call the Olympics! Haven’t watched them since I last saw them in black and white. That was a while back!
Same here. Mark Spitz era (1972?) was the last time I watched.
You're not alone, bro.
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