China doing all she can to change image for the Olympics

China wants the world to love her. That means she does not want detractors to have their say while she is hosting the biggest sporting event in the world. The Chinese government will block many web sites during the Olympics. There is a continuous crackdown on human rights activists, with many being jailed without a trial. There is also a huge push to clean up the air pollution. Factories have been temporarily shut down, cars on the roads have been limited, and workers are temporarily able to work from home. All of this is an effort by the Chinese government to show China as a country of harmony and stability. But does the government think we are buying what they’re selling?

A few weeks of clean air and blocking web sites is not going to disguise China’s flaws. You have poor air quality and horrible labor practices. Your treatment of Tibet is atrocious and you have more people languishing in your jails for bogus charges. While we will watch the Olympics and cheer for our athletes don’t let our applause fool you. You have a long way to go China in changing your world image.