I, and most of my friends and neighbors, have a common bond with the citizens of Beijing China. Both Beijing and Atlanta share the privilege of being Olympic sister cities.
You may or may not care about the games themselves, but the Olympics are bigger than you can ever imagine. The amount of building and preparation needed for a 17 day event is unfathomable. Venues must be constructed, transportation had to be provided, security has to be implemented and the athletes, fans, and media from around the world have to be accommodated.
I was the broker at CENTURY 21 Intown in downtown Atlanta, and was able to witness every step of the process firsthand. It was amazing to see the permanent changes to the landscape of downtown Atlanta.
And the games themselves were phenomenal. The crowds were orderly, the events were exciting, and everyone seemed to enjoy the true melting pot of culture that collected in our city for two and an half weeks.
It was something I'll never forget. I will be posting more about the Olympics as time goes on. My ancient (1996) report on the games is located at:
http://richardweisser.com/1996.htm
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Richard Weisser, Broker, Associate Broker, Auctioneer, E-Pro, CE Instructor |
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All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Coweta Fayette Real Estate Better Homes and Gardens Metro Brokers, Newnan Georgia. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2009. Richard Weisser REOS, E-Pro. licensed Auctioneer. 770-827-6225.
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RW,
I BELIEVE THE DAMAGE IS DONE!
We have no business as a country to compete in Beijing.
Mel...
Wow, you're an early riser! Thanks for being the first to comment on my post!
Scott...
Once you've lived through it, you understand that this is bigger than politics. Is it about money? Yes. Is it about prestige? Yes. But in the end, it leaves behind something good, and real, and lasting. Who knows, it may bring social change to China! Thanks.
RW,
China is doing better than we are as a country...LmAO..
Charlie...
It was unlike anything that I have ever witnessed! I wish I could go back and do even more. Thanks!
JL...
There's some interesting events all right. My favorites were the cycling road races but that's for another post!
Scott...
Only about 20% of all of the Chinese population are above peasant status and are economically viable.
Simon...
Could we be looking at this backwards? It was within a decade of the 1980 Moscow games that the Soviet empire toppled. The more the world sees of China and the more China sees the rest of the world, the sooner reforms will be implemented. Don't think of this as a reward, think of it as a catalyst.
Simon
Glastnost or public openness permeated the Soviet Union from 1986 onward. It was motivated in part, by American military supremecy. This openness led to reform.
I'll bet the political prisoners would welcone any opportunity for reform. Whether we go or not, the Chinese get the money. But how many hearts and minds can we touch while we're there!
Don't forget, the purpose of the Trojan Horse was to get inside the walls!
Glastnost or public openness permeated the Soviet Union from 1986 onward. It was motivated in part, by American military supremecy. This openness led to reform. THAT was Ronald Reagan!
The far East is all about FACE. NOT going means they lose face, but we cannot do that alone. It is in fact a pointless discussion because we don't have the leaders with the strength to boycott, but I know in my heart that by ging the Chinese will regard it as some form of pat on the back.
Well you can bet on one thing..if there there is money to be made, POLITICS will be close at hand. That includes sports here in our own country. The OLYMPICS are also known as the GOOD WILL GAMES! If we don't go, where is our good will. We are supposed to be the "ADULTS" of the world, We are looked up to by most of the world (not as much today because of stupid internal political fighting). What kind of examples are we sending if we stay home. This country needs to start acting like the ADULTS that the world has come to now or we will be the kids, and where will that get us.
Do we hate people because they hate us...who is benefiting by that?
Simon...
I don't think anyone has the right to force anyone to stay home and not go if they so wish. There is no national threat to the country by a contingent of Athletes. If they want to go, let them go.
Bill...
That's the way I see it. There's nothing to lose and everything to gain. Will the Chinese cheat? Of course, but who cares? At least we're not sending troops over there! Thanks.