confusion, Olympic-style

Hei, Cobrateacher! I viewed most of the responses which conveyed the dissatisfacrion about the Chinese government and their policies. I'm a Chinese. I should say the proplems you said do occur in our life. But your viewpoint is one-sided such like your stand on the Tibet issue. I can affirm you your source on this issue is wrong. I also watch TV stations like CNN. Frankly speaking, some foreign TV stations just confuse the public opinions for some political purposes. Another question you refered to is the "one couple one child" state policy. Can you imagine the the severity of a country with so large population more than 1.3 billion? If we don't take any actions, I think you should feel horrible with so many Chineses and maybe consider it , saving your presence, as a threat. Every nation has their way of life and dos and thoughts. Maybe some habbits in your eyes are incredible but we have lived through thousands of years. For example, you want medium-well steak which in our eyes is intolerable. We would choose the well-done one. I'm glad you care about the issues in China. But we people are not in a situation just as what you said. On the contrary, we feel the progress step by step of our country whether it is economic or political or in some other aspects. We feel happy about our life and we are confident government will do better.

well, your speech makes me dumb, i am really at a loss for words since i come from china. and there is no good or bad as to people of any nation. what really decides is the policy and attitude of their authorities. i don't like and care much about this game, but , just like you, i have to admite that i was deeply touched by the opening ceremony. good job! as to the matter Tibet, due to info.lock, i can not air my view on this since i don't have sufficient proof to say who is right or wrong. unless i stand in an objective position. finally, i am glad you like the chinese people here.

The opening ceremony was unbelievable!!! The 2008 synchronized drummers were completely awesome and it shows that China has been getting prepared for the Olympics for awhile. This year is the first time since 1996 that I was interested at all in watching. The Magnificent 7 on the US gymnastic team was what I loved to watch. This year I'm a swimming fan and Michael Phelps is awesome! Go team USA!!!

I really don't understand why someone would boycott China, if you really think about it,no nation on earth would be able to hold the Olympics because there is a reason to boycott every country, I don't like Bush's policies, does that mean I would have to boycott a US Olympics? Japan hunts whales, do I have to boycott them, etc.? I think the Olympics are meant so people can have a feeling of belonging, of seeing athletes do things one can only dream of doing, in my case my country has never been near winning a medal, but I still root for the athletes we send, and I know the athletes will do their best, regardless of the venue.

It IS a dilemma - and I'm sure many/most Chinese citizens disagree with their government's actions, just as many Australians were opposed to our government sending troops to Iraq. I went to bed fairly early and didn't see the ceremony. I'm guessing they'll replay the highlights in the news later, so I'll see them then. Not being a sporty person, I usually don't watch the Olympics at all - but most years I get sucked into the swimming, as it's so hyped up here and you can't really avoid it.

I really don't know how do you feel about China.Olympic is the greatest feat of all mankind.Everyone should forget politics here.Just enjoy the fantastic Games now.Then you won't be so confused. China has 56 nationalities,it is difficult to manage.I think that every country would try their best to prevent the disunity.I really don't how do foreigners feel about China,but I do know our country's government is different from what you think.Maybe you should pay attention to the earthquake these days

Maybe, u don't really know China. I admit that some Chinese are not so good. However, the problem exists in each country. On the other hand, most Chinese are very friendly especially to American people. Also, u know what, The population of China is pretty large. Therefore, it is a big pressure. In order for people to live richer and healthier. The population has to be controlled. Else, more people will not only be a burden to China but also to the earth. For example, there is only one cake. One People will enjoy it with pleasure. Notwithstanding, a cake is not enough for to people to share. On the hand, they will not be happy, right. Haha, best wishes. We all love peace. Wish people will be happy in each coutry. The more Chinese u really know, the more u will like China.

what else is new? the government everywhere sucks..us govt is just as corrupt and crap as any other countries' govt. so that is not news to me. maybe china is slowly trying to make changes in their lives and this olympics was one of their big steps to open up to the world and hopefully change to a better country to come. lets help them make a transition and welcome them on for a better future...

I am Chinese and I am glad that you watched the ceremony.But i think you may have somewhat misunderstanding about China.We can speak up in a proper way nowaday and will not go to jail. Although in the past it did happen.But it has become history already.About child-birth plan, for a country with a population of around 1.3 billion, imagine that and stand in their shoes, maybe it is not that horrible as you think.For Tibet, as I don't know much about issue, i can not give any comments,but things happen with their own reasons.

I think the best way that China could have been boycotted in this respect is for the Olympic Committee to have refused to award them the oppurtunity to host the Olympic Games. Since it's too late for that, I think you should go ahead and watch the games. Because, now, you're supporting the athletes, and that's what's important.

Hi Cobra, This dilemma is affecting so many of us. Like you I saw a couple of scenes and was so amazed at what I was seeing that I probably would have seen more if not for my husband having control of the remote. I was making dinner or I would have insisted on seeing more. You raised many questions, all of which are valid. I believe you know where you stand. Sometimes we have to let our hearts rule instead of our minds. I think there is a lot to be learned from watching the Olympics and if we turn the station or turn the tv off, we'll never know. Stop torturing yourself and enjoy. Your Friend leenie

I saw the opening also and I loved it. I understand your viewpoint, but I think you should just watch for the people forget government and all that bla, if you enjoy watch it, will be good to see the most talented ones win! Nice to see you!

Yeah i was reading and they out lawed the sell of dog meat during the olypics. I was also reading how they evicted 400,000 people to prepare for the olympics. Sickning.

Yes it is very unfortunate what is happening. I can understand how some people would boycott the olympics but i think we are wrong for the boycott. One thing about the olympics is that it has always been about the athletes. From day one it has been about the athletes. I think that people sometimes forget. I personally do not care where they are held because I watch to support the ones we are honoring. The Athletes. American, Chineese, Russian, and even Pakistan. If the athletes could help I'm sure they would, but the truth is that some of them have no choice and for that I will support them.

Hi,dear friend. Don't be so confused and sad about Olympics being held in China. If it is not now,it will be tomorrow anyway. I am Chines and I have spent my 30 years in this country. I do feel sad about some intransparency of the policies here but it takes time to improve. It's absolutely different from USA where people from other parts of the globe fly to dedicate to found this country. But China has over 5000 years of history. It's heavy and hard to change overnight. And sometimes news can be misleading. I feel that people would change their bad impressions of China if they could personally come and take a look at our region themselves. We do speak up for our rights but in a subtle way and we're trying all the time. I know my English is not good enough for me to explain what i mean, but i do hope that you can enjoy the wonderful games without being so painfully wrought. Have a nice day and wish you all the best!