Mt. Everest, China, And The Olympic Torch
Posted by supercynic on May 10, 2008
Yesterday, the Chinese ascended Mt. Everest with the Olympic Torch. I was hoping that they would drop the torch down the side of the mountain. This subject really chaps me. China invaded Tibet in 1950 and took effective control over the country in 1951.
The Olympic Torch is supposed to symbolize peace and unity throughout the world; a time when we can all put aside our differences and engage in sports that very few of us even know what they hell they are — what’s that thing where gymnasts run around a mat carrying a 20 ft. ribbon behind them? Having China carry the Olympic Torch to the world’s highest summit, which just happens to be in a country they took over by military force, is a kick to the nads of the Olympic tradition.
Ten bucks says that Olympic Torch has about 3 layers of lead paint on it now.
Jennifer said
It just gets crazier and crazier, doesn’t it? I heard that China is growing so wealthy so quickly that they are actually losing alot of businesses because it is becoming more expensive to practice industry there. Look for more things made in Vietnam and Laos in the near future. They seem to have become so wealthy by exploiting inexpensive labor that the fact that they are letting some of it go makes me think that they are probably in an even better economic position than we know.
Didn’t they execute some higher-up in their government after they killed a bunch of our animals with their imports??
People have been trying to “Free Tibet” for years but considering China’s track record in human rights I don’t think that it’s ever going to happen. I know people who are trying to boycott China but it’s damn near impossible.
supercynic said
Practically every foreign policy wonk out there continues to scream, “Iraq? Hello. There’s this gigantic country 1/2 way around the world from Iraq called China. They own a gazillion dollars of our debt and our trade imbalance with them is through the roof. If you’re worried about foreign threats, it’s called C-H-I-N-A.” Only they cite stats and use big words.
I know Tibet will never be free. Genocide won’t end either — look at Darfur and the brutalization of women in the Congo. Sure, they’re heroic deeds being done by individuals (Bono, Oprah, etc.) and some organizations (Peace Corp., Doctors Without Tongue Depressors, excuse me, Borders, etc.), but when you look at things on a governmental level, where real and sustainable change has to come from, it’s hard not to be cynical. In fact, it’s hard not to be super-cynical.
BK said
B.
I suspect that what we now have is a reasonable facsimile of the ‘real’ Olympic torch. Kinda looks a lot like the real one only it is a slightly tweaked version….you know, like those sweet Calvin Kleen T shirts from China. Yeah, I am pretty sure that under heavy cloud cover over Everest they pulled the old switcheroo, successfully swapping out the real deal for one made out of high V.O.C. Polymers (with a little lead added for weight). The ‘real’ torch has most likely been sold on e bay by now, possibly to the same group who has the Ark of the Covenant hidden away in some cave.
supercynic said
That’s hilarious. Another friend and I were talking about how you need oxygen for a flame and once you hit the Dead Zone at 26,000 ft., there’s precious little oxygen. We think they had it wearing an oxygen mask like the climbers. Or they just got to Camp 4 and this conversation occurred (but in Chinese of course):
“Aw shit.”
“What?”
“Damn thing went out. You bring your Zippo?”
“Yeah, hold on.”
Guy tries to unsuccessfully block 175mph wind ripping down off the summit to get lighter and torch going.
“Screw it. We’ll Photoshop a picture of it on the summit. No one will notice the difference.”
“I agree. Let’s go home where we can eat bluish rice and swim in the flammable river by the factory.”
larue65 said
I too am not sure the torch ever saw Everest. The Chinese government lies. A lot. Even when they don’t have to. Not to the same level as the North Koreans but a lot nonetheless. The North Koreas would have had a picture of Kim Il Jong carrying the torch up Everest in shorts and a t-shirt. And would have been legitiamately pissed that no one bought it.
supercynic said
You can just see Il Jong screaming, “These crampons won’t fit my platform shoes!” And then they’d shoot the shoemaker.
SBG NYC said
Super B ~ (and other non-conforming infidels)
You have probably just been added to China’s secret watch list. You must apologize! Or you will be shot when they own us.
Kung Pow to you, Sir