Freedom of expression is one of the cornerstones of our rights. It’s what separates us from many societies and what makes us strong. However, does not this right have limitations, albeit not to the extent seen in China ? The classic example is that we are not allowed to yell “Fire!” in a movie theater. I don’t think anyone would argue for that particular limitation of our freedom of speech. However, there is a movement by some to ban the burning of a flag. Why? Proponents of the ban claim its disrespect. Others say its freedom of speech. If we start banning protests against our government, then are we not sliding down the slippery slope of exactly what we are criticizing China for? If you criticize China for clamping down on its political detractors and you support the banning of flag burning in America, I say you are a hypocrite.

Personally, I find the current administrations lack of respect for the constitution more frightening than some of China ’s restrictions. After all, we are supposed to be in a free society. Fear of terrorism has laid way to people accepting their rights to privacy and lack of discrimination. Allowing unauthorized spying on our phones and racially profiling are all signs we have let the terrorist win. While measures must be taken to protect us, when they start to invade the very rights that the terrorists loath, are we not losing the war? People want a guarantee that another atrocity won’t occur.  It takes courage to accept that life has uncertainty and like our fore fathers who took great risk to start this country, we must have the courage to protect our civil rights. Otherwise, how are we different from the Chinese government that is the target of so many complaints?

So while I do not endorse many of China ’s policies, I do not think that many parties critical of China are not guilt free themselves. Let’s all try to remember what the Olympics are supposed to be about, blatant commercialism, right? ;) It’s supposed to be about bringing people together and learning from each other. Maybe we can learn the lesson Nino Salukvadze and Natalia Paderina tried to teach us during the Olympic Games. To me it is the shining moment of the 2008 Olympics. Do you know who they are? Probably not, as they weren’t posing nude or winning eight gold medals. They were a Georgian and Russian 10M air pistol medal winner who embraced on the podium. Putting aside their political differences at a time of war, they reminded us what the Olympic Games are supposed to be about. Let’s try to remember that.

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