2008 Summer Olympics

This summer Olympics in Beijing was held by Chinese successfully. It shows the excellence of Chinese. Chinese made this traditional game extremely successful and China gave the world a very strong signal of its key role in the world.

As a Chinese I am proud of this achievement of the government.

Now there are a few questions. 20 billion pound bill will be paid by the whole Chinese nation, which equals to 15 pound per head. It might be all right for people in Shanghai and Beijing but it could be a month expense in some family in poor area.

Inflation and recession

Currently the global recession is the biggest problem most countries have to face. This is the same in China. The inflation rate is terribly high and people all feel the pressure of living. After the game, to pay back the biggest bill ever we will expect more inflation in the next few years.

Global warming

Pollution has been focused by most of the countries who have athletes competing in the game, but who is thinking about the traffic caused by the Olympics? How many people are travelling from the world into China? The fireworks in ceremony and the flame of the torch also causes the tremendous carbon dioxide.

Poverty

Although China has its very important role in the world, still there are quite a few people living in critical conditions. Pupils in the villages are not always guaranteed to have the opportunities to get the free education as government promised due to lack of money for teachers and resources. A few months before the Olympic the worst earthquake hit SiChuan province. If 20 billion pound can be spent properly, the poverty could be relieved. Unfortunately it is wasted. Leaders felt the success of their leadership but they never felt some poor people's starvation.

Next is Britain

Jacques Rogge wants the London Olympics has the same standard as Chinese version, which means GB needs to pay at least 20 billion pound for the game and due to higher cost of labour in the UK which will push the cost at least doubled for tax payers. How can people afford this game who are struggling paying their mortgages and other debts.

Is it what Olympics for?

The Olympic Motto is "Citius, Altius, Fortius," a Latin phrase meaning "Swifter, Higher, Stronger." Coubertin's ideals are probably best illustrated by the Olympic Creed:
"The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well."
(from wikipedia)

Now for my understanding, it becomes expensive, more expensive and the most expensive. Nobody cares who is struggling for food.