Every major city in the world would like the opportunity to host the Olympic games. The competition to host the event begins years in advance and is of itself fiercely competitive. The venue select years in advance gives the host city and country the opportunity to show the world their best side. They also must open their doors to the world. No matter how closed the government or society, for a period of time the doors and windows are open to the world. Little can be hidden when the world press is gathered together in one place.

In fact, I will make a prediction right here right and now that there will be as much as if not more coverage on life and times in China as there will be on the games themselves. Every investigative reporter from every country will be in China either on assignment or on vacation trying to right the story of a lifetime or the next ground breaking novel and it will have little to do with the athletes or the games themselves. This is exactly what we as citizens of the free world should be excited about and encouraging. This is, in my mind, the real purpose of the modern games. To bring the world together on common ground and have a great big party around one thing that we can all agree upon, regardless of nationality, religion or government. We can all compete in the games.

Instead, this year as in years past there are protest. We want to condemn the country and city that is going to act as the host. We protest the traditional flame traveling from Greece to China. We protest and try to stop the flame when it is being carried by our own athletes. The athletes who have worked so hard and are going to represent our country on the world stage. There are calls for dignitaries to boycott the opening ceremonies. In my opinion this is not a slight to the host country but a slight to the athletes of all countries. The ceremony will go on. The flame will be in China. Our failure to recognize the efforts of our athletes does little to damage Chinas image.

I am an avid supporter of the Olympics and the US Olympic team. I think the idea of the Olympics is near the top of the list as far as things we can do to bring about world peace.Every city that would host the games has some issue that others throughout the world might object to. The Olympics is a time to set those things aside and focus on coming together.

China will be forced to open their doors, and it will be difficult for them to hide the oppression of their people and human rights violations with the worlds eyes watching, for 2 weeks this year they will be forced to be an open society.

Once again the media has not covered well both sides of the issue. Here is a story about counter protesters. Didn't see that in the mass media reports. There are many who talk about how damaging the protest are becoming in Tibet. Many reports are emerging about rioters damaging businesses and homes. I can't image that these are the nonviolent protest called on by the Dali Lama or being reported by the world press.

I wish that we could just enjoy the peaceful spirit of the Olympic Games and bring the world together for a couple weeks without the intrusiveness of politics, religion, and government. Let China open their doors for a couple weeks and the reporters can then show the world what China has been up to. In the mean time lets support those that represent us and show them that we appreciate their efforts. One of the saddest times of my formative years was the boycotts of the 1980 and 1984 games. For me it took away the achievements of the games and left a distaste for the leaders that decided to take that action.

GO USA Olympic team. I'll be watching!