Big Brother Olympics

In China, the Olympics are "not about sport and generosity in victory or defeat, but about showing the world that China is a powerful country that needs respect."

-- James Kynge, author of China Shakes the World



Beijing's welcome is mix of pride, spies and suspicion
By Calum MacLeod, USA TODAY, August 5, 2008

BEIJING — Standing guard in a Beijing alley decorated with dozens of red Chinese flags, Lu Ruzi, 80, proudly patrols his neighborhood to "help bring glory to our motherland."

The great-grandfather is among a half-million Chinese mobilized for the Olympics who include police, commandos, SWAT units — and retirees such as Lu, who acknowledge they are not-so-covert volunteer spies for the communist government, assigned to report suspicious people or protesters.

"If anyone tries to sabotage the Olympics, we will control them," Lu says. "We want to protect foreigners, too. If they are coming here, they must be our friends, right?"

As Beijing welcomes tens of thousands of athletes, dignitaries and tourists from around the world for the Summer Olympics that begin Friday, it's clear nearly everywhere you look that the government is meshing its role as gracious host with its tradition of controlling many aspects of daily life. In a nation known for its tight security and intolerance of dissidents, the security and surveillance — of Chinese citizens and visitors alike — has been increased noticeably. . . .

Complete story here