which I did in my last post (“Lest we forget, part 2”), I want to introduce you to Verum Serum, an interesting website that bills itself as “an eclectic Christian blog run by two guys from O.C.” (that’s Orange County, California, for you non-bicoastal types). John and Scott have posted a very interesting column called “Ten Things To Remember About China (As You Watch The Olympics)”. My recommendation is that you read it carefully and ponder it for a long while afterward. A very long while.
It occurred to me the other day that since China’s population (1.3 billion) is more than four times that of the United States (just over 300 million), that’s enough people so that two people from China could hold down each American while two other people from China beat each American senseless. Or worse. Simultaneously. Not that that would ever happen, of course.
You’ll have to pardon me, my xenophobia (not to mention my paranoia) is showing. But it’s enough to give one pause.
Still, they can sure put on a mean opening ceremony. If you like being a faceless little cog in a great big impersonal machine, China may be just the place for you.
I followed the link in your post and read the article, RWP. Unfortunately, I don't think the writer has exaggerated at all.
ReplyDeleteOn another blog I visited this morning, the writer had wondered how much the Olympic opening ceremonies cost. My acerbic reply was that it was more than likely paid for entirely by the profits made on sales to Wal-Mart; it's almost impossible to find anything in their stores that isn't made in China. I may have cut off my nose to spite my face but I no longer shop at the local Wal-Mart Super Center. I'm paying the (increased) price, of course, but it's what I choose to do. (I'm sure they sorely miss my paltry contribution to their coffers... not!) And..how much is ABC paying the Chinese for the TV rights?
End of rant!
Nice post Bob. I agree with the linked article. I also mentioned some of those issues in my post on the Olympics. But of course, many will not remember given the incredible expense unspared to produce such beautiful pictures. Some of us, remember Darfur and Tibet though, and the myriad other offenses. Nobody mentioned the environmental disaster China is fostering either.
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