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Biggest Headlines of 2008: China Hosts the Olympics

CitizenSugar — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 08:00:00 -0800

Hosting the Olympics was a huge deal for the Chinese government and people. While protesters put their feet down around the world, the Games were a source of pride for the controversial country. Take a look at the biggest stories to come out of China hosting the 2008 Games. Source

Beijing Gets an Olympic-Sized Makeover: In 8 Easy Steps!

CitizenSugar — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:30:49 -0700

Beijing will be dressed to impress this August when the world turns its attention east for the Summer Olympics. Radar lists eight changes in its July/August issue that China is making to ensure the city is picture perfect when the cameras go on.

Reduced traffic
To avoid unsightly traffic, the Chinese government will only let half of Beijing's drivers on its streets. How will they decide who gets to drive? Even- and odd-numbered license plates will alternate days. See, life is fair.
Less spitting
China's government is known for its oppressive quirks, but that does not include prohibiting spitting in the street. Until now. Fines and tissues will be handed to the defiant.
Fewer felines
Apparently, Beijing is like one giant cat lady. And that never did my image any good, so I can see why China is concerned. To reduce the city's overpopulated kitty sidewalks, the government launched an aggressive campaign to ensure people know the truth about cats. You know, like how they carry SARS. Scared pet owners have been sending their beloved fluffies to cat death camps.

There are more upgrades afoot. To see what else is going on,

Would You Go to Tough Lengths to Boycott Chinese Goods?

LibertySugar — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:45:46 -0700

Considering the intimate economic ties many countries have with China, boycotting the Beijing Olympics to protest human rights violations seems like an incomplete and insincere gesture. Yet, some individuals are attempting to resist China on their own by boycotting products made in China. These conscious consumers are finding it nearly impossible to not buy China.China dominates the manufacturing market. BBC writes: Listening to your iPod. Made in China. Fiddling with your key ring. Made in China. Label on the inside of your underpants irritating you a little bit. It more than likely says "Made in China."

Even if you want to buy a TV "made" — aka assembled — in Europe, most of its parts probably come from China. And if you can find the goods, your guilt-free conscious isn't going to be free . . . or cheap. Is a consumer's hands tied when big businesses and governments decide to do lucrative business with China? Is it a luxury to make a political statement with your purchasing power? Source

Would You Go to Tough Lengths to Boycott Chinese Goods?

Yes. Money is power, and consumers should make their position known.

No. It's a lost cause; it's better to petition leaders to change policy.

No. This is strictly business, and countries should not police each other.

Sure. But, what about Western products? No country is perfect, so it's hypocritical.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Quiz Nation — A History of Olympic Protests

LibertySugar — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 12:00:20 -0700

I'm out watching the Olympic torch run in San Francisco right now! While I get the real story for you, check out a little history of the games in question. China isn't the first country to host Olympics under a shadow of protests. The high-profile event, which commands the attention of the world, is an attractive forum for activists.

Today demonstrates that political controversy is as much of an Olympic tradition as athletic competition. Take this quiz to find out how well you know the story of Olympic protests and boycotts.
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Protesters Disrupt Olympic Torch Ceremony in London

LibertySugar — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 03:00:11 -0700

The Olympic torch is coming to North America this week, but not before making a hectic stop in London. Yesterday, 80 English athletes, celebrities, and other respected citizens relayed the torch — and the scene was chaotic. 2,000 police officers lined the snowy route populated with pro-Tibet protesters as well as flag waving China supporters.

At one point the police halted the procession, as a demonstrator attempted to grab the torch out of a torchbearer's hands. Protesters blocked its path and tried to put out its flame. In total police arrested 30 activists.

The relay of the Beijing Olympics torch is the longest torch tour in Olympic history. It began in Olympia, Greece and is expected to meet passionate protesters throughout its journey across five continents. It makes its only North American stop this Wednesday in San Francisco. Stay tuned for our eyewitness coverage!

Would you rather see an Olympics where the world attempts to get along? Or, is it a vital opportunity to call attention to China's very serious human rights violations? Do you think the protesters in London went too far by trying to extinguish the flame?

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