Despite being the cause of world wars and countless ethnic cleansings, the Chinese will be allowed to whitewash their lingerie on the world stage. And though there are those who would argue (with merit) the Olympics has always been the world’s bitch, having been pimped countless times by all manner of governments, one has to wonder – why is this a good thing?

The IOC admitted last week that it secretly agreed to allow China to block media access to a variety of websites for the duration of the games (and knowing the Chinese – beyond) even though they had been telling foreign media outlets they would be allowed the same kind of access to the games and the host country that they have enjoyed in other countries*.

So just to recap:

1) Beijing’s air quality makes it nearly impossible to be outdoors – ever.

2) China has “cleansed” the city of as many ethnic groups as it could and has imposed restrictions on those without means to flee.

3) Old style “neighborhood watch groups” popular in communist countries of yore are making a comeback to ensure that everything is pristine and patriotic for the dog and pony show games.

4) The reason that Beijing was granted the games in the first place, as a way to promote openness and foster a sense of democracy, has resulted in the reverse.

Vive l’Olympics!

Perhaps it is time to rethink the purpose of the games? Or maybe just admit that the games are about one- up-man-ship and just a Ghandi like way to poke political enemies in the ass.