A big, warm hug?

The Olympics begin in China today. Who says money doesn’t make the world go round?

There is a lot of talk about the civilizing influence of the Games, the accomplishment and dedication of the athletes, the extension of world records, and the indomitable human spirit.

The other side to it is the tyranny and ruthlessness of the Chinese government, the unmistakable and pervasive pollution, the doping scandals, and the contrast of the opulent presentation of the Games with the struggles of so many of China’s billions. Certainly, we’re not blameless, either.

This situation resembles the stark difference in the upcoming election here. There is a choice between two very different candidates – young versus old, hopeful vision versus a defensive posture, clear thinking versus a desperate confusion, a new kind of candidate and the old, predictable guard, an attempt at a realistic and practical assessment of the problems and challenges that demand action and an unimaginative continuation of the dated and destructive policies that have brought us to the lowest point in our history.

George Bush makes feeble statements about human rights, but won’t really risk offending our biggest trading partner and the main investor/owner of the dollar. China rushes to present a clean, smiling face to the world, while he accepts his box seat and has a hot dog or the Chinese equivalent.

The Games and the competition there are inspiring, but behind the scenes the environment takes its last gasps, while politicians and businessmen are only interested in power and profit.

The state of information made possible by the Internet makes it impossible to hide the facts that result from our actions. Now, that’s true progress. This gives everyone an opportunity to recognize what is actually occurring and make the decision to dedicate ourselves to more basic and necessary matters.

A truly exciting competition would be one where all of the participating countries try to outdo each other in saving the environment, guaranteeing human rights to individuals, creating peace, and extending the brotherhood represented by the Games to a world that desperately needs it.

Pass the torch. Let it begin.