The Iconoclast Investor

This weekend I asked readers to comment on the Olympics being held in China. Thanks to all who wrote in and if you didn’t yet, leave you comment here. Here are some of the great responses that I received.

“Dear Elyse,

China is a fantastic place and culture. The basis of all of our modern technology eminiates from China, they are the East, we are the West, therefore different. Just enjoy the Games for what they are a huge event that come once every 4 years for a few reasons, not the least of which is a huge PR stage for the host country.

We do not have the cashe or the right to impose our POV on the rest of the world, our position in eastern Europe has opened us the great devide between us and Russia once again, and lives will be lost, but money will be made.

Have a happy day today!

Peace,

P.”

And another one:

“I’m not watching the Olympics at all, other than the short clips that come on the late night news and sports.  Basically all the Beijing Olympics are anyway is a political circus.  Not that it’s just Beijing.  All Olympics, with their flag waving, national pride at hosting, anthems, medal counts are just too jingoistic.  I’d like a games with all nationality banned - no flags, no anthems (if a winner needs music, choose something from Sesame Street!), no national symbols or medal counts.  Even the opening parade would be organized by athletes, rather than countries.  Imagine all the runners together, all the wrestlers together, all the jumpers, all the swimmers - and not a flag in sight!

Maybe then we could revel in the joy of athleticism, rather than the tawdry jingoism of presenting an image.-L.T”

One last letter:

“I would like very much to visit China some day, although I would have to remember to leave my cap with it;s logo, Korean War Veteran and proud of it, home.”