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Long ago in this thread I said that it was obvious that the message and ideals presented in the Opening Ceremony were sugar coated and fiction. That it was what they'd like us to think is happening rather than what is actually happening.
But as sugar coated as the Opening Ceremony version was, the sentiments presented DO exist in China, and they are the sentiments that the world needs to encourage if they are ever to get out from under the shadow of a ruling class that has 4000 years of entrenchment. It's not going to happen now, and it's not going to be bloodless. But it's worth letting the real live people that DO see a path towards a world where their history can coexist with openness and freedom that we agree and would like to see them get there.
ETA: And I'll reiterate I'm not thrilled about Bush showing up. There was no precedent of courtesy that required him to be there and I feel it gives a dangerous government too much credence.
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'He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me.'
-TJ
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