I personally disagree with using the Olympic games as a protest medium. There are plenty of other ways to voice one's opinions. The whole idea of the games is to put aside such things in the interest of international cooperation.

Yes China does have a lot of things to address before it becomes truly respectable on the world stage but they are slowly making some changes and will likely continue to do so in the interest of economic survival.

As for Americans being apathetic to problems around the world, some are and some aren't just as in any other nation. I'm sure you could find people in just about any country that care only about what affects them directly. Americans get hammered when they stay out of other's problems just as much as when they get involved. Frankly I don't know why we bother at all as we're demonized no matter what we do.

I say let the games begin.

I think if it took an Olympic game to get people caring about it, we are in a truly sad state.

The olympic torch run is just a marketing tool.  It's become a tradition, complete with mythology about ancient times in Greece.  The fact is, the running of the torch began with Hilter's Germany.  Carl Diem (not to be confused with his better known brother Carpe) Commander in the Nazi army and organizer of the Berlin games.  He created the torch and the running of the relay from Greece.  Of course, nothing but the finest Aryans need apply for the running.  The original torch sported the Krupp logo (the biggest weapons manufacturer for the 3rd Rieche).

So, the torch is not without it's controversies... in fact, controversy may be it's only real claim to fame. ;~D

The olympics should be politicsfree (yeah it's know it's not gonna happen...)

ParaTed2k

That was a great story. I had no idea the National Socialists started that tradition. One of many good things they did.