As Games End, China's Luster Is Tarnished

Despite Olympic Stage For Achievements And Gold Medal Lead, Nation Still Faces Concerns Over Human Rights

(AP)  China completed its stint as Olympic host Sunday with a superstar-studded closing ceremony that capped a 16-day pageant of state-of-the-art logistics and astounding athletic feats, set out for a curious world. The Games did little, though, to erase concerns about the emerging superpower's approach to human rights.

Tenor Placido Domingo was on hand, joining a Chinese soprano in a lyrical duet. Soccer icon David Beckham and graying Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page were there, helping London take the reins as host-to-be of the 2012 Games.

Yet even as the International Olympic Committee was praising itself for awarding Beijing these Olympics, the U.S. Embassy urged China to free foreign activists jailed for protesting at the Games. China, the embassy suggested, should have used its moment in the global spotlight to show "greater tolerance and openness."

China nonetheless achieved its paramount goals: a dominant effort by its athletes to top the gold-medal standings for the first time and near-flawless organizing that showcased world-class venues and smiling volunteers to the largest-ever peaceful influx of foreign visitors.

As a bonus, not just one but two athletes gave arguably the greatest performances in Olympic history - Michael Phelps with his eight gold medals in swimming, and Jamaica's effervescent Usain Bolt with three golds and three world records in the sprints.

Delighted with the on-field competition, the IOC insisted its much-debated selection of Beijing back in 2001 had been vindicated.

"Tonight, we come to the end of 16 glorious days which we will cherish forever," IOC President Jacques Rogge told the capacity crowd of 91,000 at the National Outdoor Stadium, and a global TV audience. "Through these Games, the world learned more about China, and China learned more about the world."

"These were truly exceptional Games," he said, before declaring them formally closed.

The head of the Beijing organizing committee, Liu Qi, said the Games were "testimony to the fact that the world has rested its trust in China." He called them "a grand celebration of sport, of peace and friendship."

Before and during the Games, Rogge and the IOC were criticized by human rights groups for their reluctance to publicly challenge the Chinese as various controversies arose over press freedom and detention of dissidents. Athletes shied away from making political statements, and "protest zones" established in Beijing went unused as the authorities refused to issue permits for them and detained some of the applicants.

(Left: Wu Dianyuan, 79, and her neighbor, Wang Xiuying, 77, applied for a permit to protest being forced from their homes during the Beijing Olympics, Aug. 18, 2008. Chinese authorities ordered the two elderly women to spend one year in a labor camp, a relative told the AP.)

But the atmosphere was festive at the stadium as fireworks burst from its top rim - and from locations across the vast capital city - to begin the closing ceremony. After an army band played the Chinese national anthem, swarms of gaily dressed dancers, acrobats and drummers swirled onto the field, then made room for the athletes, strolling in casually and exuberantly from four different entrances.

Two-thirds of the way through the ceremony came the pulsating show-within-a-show by London, complete with break dancing, hip hop and ballet. From a stage formed from a red double-decker bus, Page played the classic rock hit "Whole Lotta Love" as British pop sensation Leona Lewis belted out the lyrics. Beckham, in a stylish black sweat suit, booted a soccer ball into the surrounding throng of athletes on the stadium floor.

Former Olympic runner Sebastian Coe, now chairman of the London organizing committee, was elated.

"What we have witnessed in Beijing is a truly spectacular Olympic Games," he said. "We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build on this moment."

After the Britons relinquished the spotlight, the Olympic flame atop the stadium was extinguished. A carnival-themed segment completed the show, featuring a duet by Domingo and Chinese soprano Song Zuying. There was another, noisier barrage of fireworks and confetti filled the air.

China invested more than $40 billion in the Games, which it viewed as a chance to show the world its dramatic economic progress. Olympic telecasts achieved record ratings in China and the United States, and the Games' presence online was by far the most extensive ever.

Rogge said these Olympics would leave a lasting, positive legacy for China - improved transportation infrastructure, more grass-roots interest in recreational sports, a more aggressive approach to curbing air pollution and other environmental problems. Smog that enveloped the city early in the Games gave way to mostly clear skies, easing fears that some endurance events might be hazardous for the athletes.

American rower Jennifer Kaido of West Leyden, N.Y., said the Games exceeded her expectations.

"We were prepared for smog, pollution, demonstrations, but everything has gone very smoothly," she said.

Rogge acknowledged that China, despite promises of press freedom during the Games, continued to block access to numerous politically oriented Web sites, including those related to Tibet and the outlawed spiritual movement Falun Gong.

However, he contended that media restrictions were looser during the Olympics than beforehand, "and so we believe the Games had a good influence."

Human rights groups disagreed.

"The reality is that the Chinese government's hosting of the games has been a catalyst for abuses, leading to massive forced evictions, a surge in the arrest, detention and harassment of critics, repeated violations of media freedom, and increased political repression," said Sophie Richardson of Human Rights Watch. "Not a single world leader who attended the Games or members of the IOC seized the opportunity to challenge the Chinese government's behavior in any meaningful way."

Led by Phelps and Bolt, athletes broke 43 world records and 132 Olympic records during the Games. Yet Rogge, who visited every venue, said the most touching moment for him came after the 10-meter air pistol event, when gold medalist Nino Salukvadze of Georgia embraced runner-up Natalia Paderina of Russia even as their two countries' armies fought back in Georgia.

"That kind of sportsmanship is really remarkable," Rogge said.

[ubrew12]

Can''t we all just ''Kowtow to the Mao''?

[wardoglrs]

The U.S. Embassy urged China to free foreign activists jailed for protesting at the Games.

But if you go to the DNC in Denver they have a warehouse jail for protesters go figure.

[rohink-2009]

Despite Olympic Stage For Achievements And Gold Medal Lead, Nation Still Faces Concerns Over Human Rights

**********
You think?

[raysimlee]

As usual the west dream out the term human right and WMD to attack now western and non white countries. Do you think you are god? What make you think you have the sole right to define what human right is? Did you consult the citizen of the world the definition of human right? Is the West so glorious according to your definition of human right?. Is torture now define as a human right issue.

Answer all the above questions before you point a figer.

[kelly1101]

We have Concerns over Human Rights in USA. Electric chair, gitmo, water boarding, dirty politics in Georgia supporting the killing of women and children by your out of control puppet. You live in your own fantasy world.

[jenny1233-2009]

May I say, and may I only say because I am free to do so in America, that I personally am happy that China did not allow the Olympics to become a protesters forum.

Best Wishes to London.

The games were safe in Beijing and we viewed the athletes, did we really need to hear everyone''s grievance or could we just enjoy the game.

Protest whenever wherever...... later.

[incog-nito]

"Wu Dianyuan, 79, and her neighbor, Wang Xiuying, 77, applied for a permit to protest being forced from their homes during the Beijing Olympics, Aug. 18, 2008. Chinese authorities ordered the two elderly women to spend one year in a labor camp, a relative told the AP."

These elderly people will be doing hard labor for simply APPLYING for a permit to protest. And the world stands silent against the despicable and criminal act by the Chinese government.

[incog-nito]

jenny1233: So, in your world, protests should be held when and where there are nobody watching. Very effective. Who cares about human rights anyway as long as they''re out of sight, right?

[minnick8-2009]

In case they need them....Wait til the Republican convention...They''''ll need a stadium...

Posted by nrgmizer

Yes, the libs do have a history of staging memborable protests. I do remember the anti war protests in Wash DC in 1969, 1970, 1971. I was stationed in Wash DC at the time when I was in the military. I also remember well, the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. I''m looking forward to the convention this coming week as regarding protests. I can''t wait to see what the disgruntled Hillary supporters do and say, and if the libs demonstrate at the RNC the week after, who will be surprised? I think I''ll take a nap.

[foxmulder33]

The IOC and People of China did a remarkable job with the Olympics and should be commended. They were gracious hosts and did allow a lot of media coverage in places we might not usually see. It is fair now for the International community to criticize them for on-going humans rights abuses.

[hazelknows]

The human rights abuses, leading to massive forced evictions, a surge in the arrest, detention, and harassment of critics, repeated violations of media freedom, and increased political repression will always be there, it is sad to see the world turn a blind eye to the situation and hold the Olympics in China. i.e. the "Godfather", Nothing personal, it''s business.

[minnick8-2009]

And the world stands silent against the despicable and criminal act by the Chinese government.

Posted by incog-nito

The water for the glorious dsplay of beauty and flowers at the games as well as water for showers, baths, eating, dining, and cooking was diverted from Chinese farmers whose fields are bare as the northern hemisphere approaches fall and winter. Instead of harvesting fields of crops to feed 1.5 billion people, they have harvested a box full of gold medals. Congratualtions to China. Where will the food come from this winter when people are hungry?

[formrusmcsgt]

As a matter of principle, I chose not to watch one minute of Olympic coverage on TV.

I''m sure that matters not to NBC or the IOC, but it matters to me.

Rewarding a totalarian regime with such a prize was, to me, inexcuseable.

[formrusmcsgt]

Kim Jung Il must be happy that the IOC will award the games to totalitarian countries which show no regard for human rights, eh?

[gotagrip]

While the games went smoothly (not surprising in a totalitarian nation), China''s response to those who tried to express their opinions was quite telling. At least they didn''t shoot them, which is a step in the right direction. On the other hand, their responses are quite similar to Bush''s treatment of dissent, whether its what your T-Shirt says or who you voted for. We are losing our freedoms, so our government is in no position to criticize other nations. Only we free (so far) American''s have the moral standing to do so, especially this November (or will the voting be rigged?).

[gotagrip]

Athletically, China is the new East Germany with their sports factories taking kids from their families to produce athletes. And notice what sports they are winning medals in? Sports that others don''t take very seriously. Many of our athletes actually have jobs to work between training for the games. They are not on the government dole. Nor should they be. Of course the pros don''t but the government didn''t train them, they worked hard on their own before becoming pros.

[pollroller1]

I am sure that a lot of you will disagree with me, but I just don''t think that Baseball and basketball are Olympic sports.

[rwsmith29456]

Idiotic headline. What progress in human rights to expect just because the Olympic games were held there for 2 weeks. It''s going to be a long and continuous process to obtain human rights in China. Were they supposed to have demonstrations all over the place? It was fortunate that they were even able to get through the games without serious violence. I think the Games were a positive influence because it showed that China could host an international event and do it well. But I didn''t expect miracles.

[walker1209]

Everyone knew that China was a "Closed Society/Country" when they were awarded the Games. I neither accept/or condone their regeime''s way of life. That being said, the not so righteous indignation by the so-called "Free Countries" is laughable. If they all felt so strongly about this, then they shouldn''t have sent their countries athletes at all.

That our country trades freely with this country is also deplorable; but golly gee, if we didn''t get consumables from places like China, then how could we possibly get by on the cheap? (Can anyone say Wal-Mart)?

Get over it!!!

[a8151947]

I think they are at the low end of the pole. They cheat, lie and do every thing they can to be a88 H^^^s. If you think they are so great, go live with the A** H***s

[fibonacci_89]

Spam head.

[lorinkundert]

When will you bleeding heart types actually understand that what goes on within the borders of a sovereign nation is the business of the people living in that nation and none of yours.

[beehive21-2009]

You people are funny,crying over the Chinese abuses,look in the mirror, you killed most all the Indians ,Buffalo,etc. the world is using your playbook ?

[middleman8]

Most of you anti Chinese and anti everything else posting on here, wouldn''t make a pimple on a Chinese Arse.
You had your butts kicked, let it go, Grow up.

[timdgrim]

Good..it''s OVER....Somebody sweep up....

[yongamerica]

When will you bleeding heart types actually understand that what goes on within the borders of a sovereign nation is the business of the people living in that nation and none of yours.

Posted by lorinkundert

What a narrow minded, ignorant thing to say. China is a country who uses its prisons and prisoners, the majority only wishes for the human rights you shrug your shoulders at, as organ farms. China is #1 in the human organ market. Cina is also #1 in repressing a soveriegn nation, Tibet. Russia is a close second today.

With your complete disregard of facts you only show how close humans can become to being pigs.

[jenny1233-2009]

May I say, and may I only say because I am free to do so in America, that I personally am happy that China did not allow the Olympics to become a protesters forum.

Best Wishes to London.

The games were safe in Beijing and we viewed the athletes, did we really need to hear everyone''''s grievance or could we just enjoy the game.

Protest whenever wherever...... later.

[jeremyryan2]

Human rights questions being raised by the country that brought the world Guantanemo Bay that locks up more people than any other and that continues to legally kill prisoners? Odd.

[ocasanas]

"Liu Qi, said the Games were "testimony to the fact that the world has rested its trust in China." He called them "a grand celebration of sport, of peace and friendship." -- I don''t think so. China is soon going to be relegated to their "made in China" products and their lies about "peace". Peace is when everybody has a voice, and doesn''t get hurt for "voicing" it. Bye bye China. As promised, I didn''t see the opening of the games, neither their closing ceremonies, just the competitions, where athletes are individuals who don''t deserve to be involved in politics.

[tapsettle]

What a typically rubbish US headline. The hosts China have BOOSTED their world standing, unlike the discredited US who continue to be regarded as the worlds leading hypocrites. China have opened their doors to the world, and the world is walking in. The US is throwing bombs and hatred around the globe, which is why it has worn out its welcome with much of the world. Well done China, I am sure you will have no difficulty ignoring the nation with probably the worst human rights record in the west.

[yongamerica]

I have nothing but the venomous truth to speak about Communist China. Despite their lip syncing version of Sherlly Temple, and the pre-recorded fireworks, China''s mistakes and Olympic deceptions have punctuated its evil paranoid politics. Despite that, China has hosted a wonderful Olympic Game. Now to work on the other rough edges of a sharp country.

[sistatee-2009]

How could having a billion slaves, most of them children, possibly tarnish a country?

[tapsettle]

There was a time, quite rightly, when the entire world listened carefully at US criticism of another country. As a result of the last 8 years, only the ''poodles'' now listen, and those with US trade dependencies sometimes join in.

Take back your country and raise it back up to where it once was.

[fstop100]

They eat dogs....they are sub-humans

[mygramma]

I totally agree with jenny1233 who said, "May I say,... because I am free to do so in America, that I personally am happy that China did not allow the Olympics to become a protesters forum."

When you consider it was a very, very short while ago that China was a completely closed state, with the people appearing to have few basic freedoms, it is rather astonishing that China opened itself in so many dramatic ways to welcome the world with such graciousness and elegance. The human rights activists need the patience the Chinese are so famous for. If nothing else is learned from the BEST. GAMES. EVER. it is that what the activists want now is coming in the not so distant future.

As an American who has lived through the terms of 12 presidents and some terrible history - some involving China - I am very surprised but proud of how China has been transforming itself, almost a break neck speed.

[toolmangler-2009]

There is not ''one'' nation on this planet that can raise its head above any other nation for any reason. if it has a better record in one thing (Ex. Schooling) it may have a worse record in human rights. If it has better healthcare it may have a history of crime. Look around all you ''smug'' finger pointing people, examine the dirty laundry of your own nation then fix it. Placing blame, finger pointing, never did any good. They merely are false ''Ego trips''. If you see a wrong, ''right it''. if you see pain and/or suffering, ''ease it''. instead of running your mouths to hurt, run toward need and help out. Anything else is hypocritical.

[tapsettle]

They eat dogs....they are sub-humans
Posted by fstop100

Whereas the US tortures, detains without charge, bombs and kills innocent civillians .... so I guess they must be .... sub-whats? .... sub-dogs????

[toolmangler-2009]

(1) They eat dogs....they are sub-humans
Posted by fstop100

(2)Whereas the US tortures, detains without charge, bombs and kills innocent civillians .... so I guess they must be .... sub-whats? .... sub-dogs????

Posted by tapsettle at 06:46 PM : Aug 24, 2008



(1)Nothing wrong with eating Dog, if you get hungry enough you will eat anything you can get in your mouth. I don''t care for it, (too stringy for me)

(2)And China doesn''t? ask the 10 American protesters jailed in China last week about that.

[fjinnw]

As Games End, Americans start talking ***.

[tapsettle]

(2)And China doesn''''t? ask the 10 American protesters jailed in China last week about that.
Posted by ToolMangler

Dont get me wrong, I know China have been pretty bad, as have most countries truth be told. What I''m saying is it aint right for the US to claim the high ground. Ask some of those who were at Abu Grahib, or those renditioned, tortured for 5 or 6 years, then released without charge.

[saigon2]

If you think there is more religious tolerance during the Olympics, once the Olympics is over, many Chinese people will suffer greatly at the iron hands of the devil communists. As a Chinese, I appreciate the Americans, Japanese, Britons and other foreigners who stood up for us. You could see how they are treated. We Chinese suffered tremendously at the hands of the cruel communist dictators. If we dare to say anything, even lightly to the communist China, we get beaten very badly and could get killed. What I''m saying here is the basic law of human rights do not exist in China or other communist countries such as Vietnam, Cuba and North Korea. The communist can beat people, killed innocent people at will. The law they use is called Jungle law. Priest, monks, innocent people who simply asks for simple religious tolerance and a little freedom to help the poor are being beaten, put in jails for years or killed. Many Chinese, Vietnamese and North Korean are so grateful to have the wonderful Westerners and Japanese standing up for us. Again, we''re all human. If a country wants foreigners to respect the laws of their country, but their (Jungle) laws hurt people, anybody with conscience should see that it is wrong and stand up for the less fortunate.

I sincerely thank Americans and everyone who bravely stood up for us. You could see what happened to the two ladies who were sent to labor camp just for applying to protest.

[tapsettle]

Posted by IamChinese

Bull-poo mate. Nice try buy U aint chinese, so says my lifelong friend who is.

[trrrorislam3]

china olympic games are over,,,

dog and cat is back on the menu,,,

[tapsettle]

dog and cat is back on the menu,,,
Posted by trrrorislam3

And the most persistent spammer in CBS history is back on these posting boards. Nobody would mind if you just cut out the offensive piles of K-rap you intermittently post. I think you sometimes make some good points, and then spoil it by overloading with the offensive stuff.

[fstop100]

The bird nest looked like a porta potty from the air.

[n.dave]

Correction for the youtube link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xA6s5r-W8U

[trrrorislam3]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmf5GTALw6o&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WD5MDa1U2nE&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbwVhuSUTIU&feature=related

[incog-nito]

If the news reports are correct, the two elderly women were not protesting unlawfully. They did not even plotted to protest unlawfully. They merely, lawfully applied for a permit to protest. And for that these two women -- old enough to be great-grandmothers -- will be sent to do hard labor for one year. This incident and this alone, is enough to erase any goodwill toward China these games have generated.

[trrrorislam3]

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2008/08/04/sports/olympics/20080804_MEDALCOUNT_MAP.html

[fjinnw]

"The bird nest looked like a porta potty from the air." So the Americans are eating Chinese *****?