China bans patriotic banners during Beijing Games

[cnredd]

China bans patriotic banners during Beijing Games

AUSTRALIAN fans will be forbidden from waving banners supporting their Olympic heroes at the Beijing Games.

In yet another curb on personal freedoms for next month's Olympics, Games chiefs have banned banners and posters from all competition venues.

The new rule, contained in an official spectator guide book, is aimed at stopping pro-Tibet demonstrators embarrassing China by unfurling placards at events during the the Games.

However, Games organisers have extended the ban to include material supporting national teams.

The book, published by Olympic organisers and available to ticket holders, said banners backing individuals and teams were "tendentious (and) violate the fairness principle of an Olympic event", state media reported.

So, banners with messages such as, "Go Tomkins", "Aussie Aussie Aussie" or even "Stephanie Will You Marry Me?" will be prohibited under the new edict.

The ban, which includes posters and pamphlets, has prompted Australian Games chiefs to issue a "please explain" to the International Olympic Committee.

"I have to say I am surprised, but they're China's Games and we will have to abide by the rules. I have asked the IOC for clarification on the issue," Australian Olympic Committee spokesman Mike Tancred said.

So as it stands, terrorists at Gitmo now have more rights than spectators at the Olympics...

[mlurp]

I have only one question. Why do we refer to China as China and not the true Comminist China which it is!?

[dabateman]

Originally Posted by mlurp

I have only one question. Why do we refer to China as China and not the true Comminist China which it is!?

What about calling Japan "Capitalist Japan"? It's similar to calling George Washington "Anglo Male General President George Washington"

[saltwn]

Originally Posted by dabateman

What about calling Japan "Capitalist Japan"? It's similar to calling George Washington "Anglo Male General President George Washington"

In all fairness the People's Republic of China is the proper name.

[saltwn]

I suppose there is a 'big picture' reason why the west is throwing this diamond bone to China. Maybe in recognition of their strides toward capitalism.
But I remind myself here that capitalism does not always equal a democracy.
We in America, in fact, have what can more and more be described as a socialist
republic. So now we have helped China develop capitalistic communism.
Who'd a thunk that was even possible?
Actually China has a dual society. (Don't we all kind of )
The upper echelon of the Communist Party are ruthless capitalists. And a de facto ruling elite. Much like the imperialistic government they once sought to overthrow for the 'good of the people'.
And the rest of the people of China are just serfs.
I reiterate a former statement of mine. I will not be tuning in to the games. And if that dashes the dreams of some aspiring medal winner. Well that's just the breaks.

[dabateman]

Originally Posted by saltwn

In all fairness the People's Republic of China is the proper name.

The call it that. Saying China, people understand what the heck you are talking about.