The "Green" Olympics

[Barb]

I am curious what everyones thoughts are on this? Do you think the IOC is doing enough in terms of reducing the carbon footprint of the Olympics? With the Chinese theme of harmony throughout everything, do you think it is just one big marketing ploy to appear more environmentally sensitive?

I am not sure what I am thinking on this. Part of me is happy they are taking the small steps that they are but we are holding the Olympics in one of the most air polluted areas of the world. What sort of statement is that? It kind of evokes the same eco hypocrisy as the Democratic National Convention buying wind subsidies to 'cover' the footprint of the DNC.

Anyway, off my soapbox....time for you to get on yours...

[skyesmom]

IMHO, the Olympics should not be in China in the first place. One really irritating side effect - the fuel used in most remote control airplanes comes out of China and production has been discontinued until after the games. Do you think you can find the fuel anywhere - reasonable price or not? It's methanol based so it's not cheap to begin with ($20/gal), but the little bit available now if ridiculously priced.

[Coupon Daddy]

The IOC doesn't care about the environment. They sort of care about the athletes. What they care about is the money. China has one of the fastest growing consumer bases in the world right now. That is why the Olympics are there. The IOC doesn't care about the integrity of the games. Otherwise, they would never have allowed the professional athletes into the games. Do you have any idea how much the IOC has made off of the "Dream Teams" in basketball. You have the best professional basketball players in the world going against the amateurs from other countries. The scores are a joke! 100+ for the US pros and 20 points for the competitors. The Chinese government has blatantly lied and the IOC doesn't care. They have so many websites that are banned, but were supposed to be opened up for the journalists that haven't been. The IOC does as much for world wide sports as the UN does for world peace. For this reason,not only will I never watch the Olympics, but if they had them in my home town and gave me free passes, I wouldn't go. The best thing the people of the Earth could do is to get rid of both of these useless organizations.