41 Comments

• 1. bagni  |  March 18th, 2008 at 12:54 am

  grasshopper
  you’ll watch the olympics
  or they’ll call your loans!!!!

• 2. Mark Noonan  |  March 18th, 2008 at 1:05 am

  bagni,

  You know better than that - they can’t “call” their loans…it doesn’t work like that; and anything happens to the US bond rating and China’s economy sinks like a stone.

  Always good to keep this in mind - the world is far more dependent upon the good will and success of the United States than the other way ’round.

• 3. Kahn  |  March 18th, 2008 at 1:13 am

  My dad would periodically have flashbacks of the night the Chinese overran his artillery unit. I remember watching him screaming fir missions into the phone as he watched the hoards overwhelm his friends. The hoards that existed in his mind. It would usually end up with him just saying “Oh my God” over and over as he stared into the distance crying.

  Sorry, I have no interest in going to China.

• 4. kimberly4victory  |  March 18th, 2008 at 1:34 am

  Kahn: That is just awful! :-(

  How do we convince the US to boycott them? Start a petition?

  My thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims and their families. It’s so very sad.

• 5. congressive  |  March 18th, 2008 at 3:28 am

  KING GEORGE will be watching ringside.

  Thank you, WalMart shoppers.

• 6. TiredofLibBullSh**  |  March 18th, 2008 at 6:34 am

  Give thanks to the Clintons for establishing the manufacturing capital of the world in China, among the technological secrets that were allowed to make their way into the Chinese hands.

  Bill gave us the trade agreements. Hill on the board of directors took the “made in USA” the motto of Walmart from when Sam Walton was alive, to “made in China”.

  What else could they get for all those campaign donations?

• 7. CuriousGeorge  |  March 18th, 2008 at 7:11 am

  Once again, Broder–your foot is between your teeth…

• 8. craig hewitt  |  March 18th, 2008 at 7:32 am

  President Reagon would not hesitate here i believe and if the economies of both suffered,the differances of repression and a free society would be amplified for the benifit of the chinese populace as well as younger generations of americans who havent wittnessed times like the cultural revolution. A cooling of relations in the long haul may well improve things for all concerned

• 9. Eric T  |  March 18th, 2008 at 7:34 am

  One day China may expand into a Korea, Vietnam, Japan or some other U.S ally. As China has already expanded into Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Tibet.

  Dependence on Chinese money, manufactured goods, will make it much harder to go protect and defend allies.

  Naturally democrats will want to reduce military spending for more school spending, affirmative action spending, ect.. ect.. and not have balls to take action to protect allies when the time comes. But, They will be busy here confiscating firearms from the American people, to make the job easier for the Chinese troops when they reach our shores.

• 10. craig hewitt  |  March 18th, 2008 at 7:59 am

  Erics comments confirms my previous thought,The last i looked vietnam is still a communist state,although traditional enemy of china, where as taiwan is still a free society.

• 11. JS  |  March 18th, 2008 at 7:59 am

  So when we cut the Chinese imports, who will make our tools and tennis shoes? About the only thing we really make here is food, and then not so much as one would expect….

  After the Demoncrats raised taxes and ran all the corporations to foreign nations so they could compete in America, do we really want them to do it again? Face it, we really havent even been inconvenienced so far in this financial crisis that our Government helped create. Cities are not going bankrupt, unemployment is low, and as long as people have jobs, there is hope. However, when the cost of food doubles and triples and quadruples, then we will find alot of trouble.

• 12. Zach  |  March 18th, 2008 at 8:36 am

  Yea. Go to the U.N. They’ll take care of this..Nooooo Problem..

• 13. Joe  |  March 18th, 2008 at 8:49 am

  I wasn’t going to comment on this thread, but Eric T, what the hell are you talking about?

  a) China didn’t go into Taiwan
  b) When do you forsee China going into Japan??
  c) We spend more on military than all the other nations combined while our schools are running out of money. You are ok with that?
  d) Democrats are NOT trying to take away your guns. We’ve been over that.
  e) I can’t help it… I have to show your quote: “They will be busy here confiscating firearms from the American people, to make the job easier for the Chinese troops when they reach our shores.”
  — What??? Do you really think China is going to storm our shores? And if they do, your handgun ain’t going to stop them.

  This blog just gets weirder by the day.

• 14. Magnum Serpentine  |  March 18th, 2008 at 9:30 am

  Hum,

  Should boycott the next Olympics also.

  I wonder how the British feel about that, especially since the 2012 Olympics is in London.

• 15. sam  |  March 18th, 2008 at 10:21 am

  Mark,

  You are dumb, who cares about Tibet…..the olympics are about SPORTS!!! don’t make it political…..once again, there are more important things in the world than Tibet……..get a life.

• 16. Rich  |  March 18th, 2008 at 10:28 am

  Anyone see the article where the Chinese are rounding up cats by the hundres and leaving them in cages to starve to death? Sickening. These aren’t only strays either, they are tricking the yokels into believing cats are carrying SARS. Sorry I don’t have the link for it, but it is out there. They tried this with dogs last year but stopped after international outcry. This is one reason I will be boycotting, and I am a major Track and Field fan.

• 17. phnx  |  March 18th, 2008 at 10:29 am

  Where is the outrage on the left?
  Where is the outrage from Europe?

  Ohh that’s right, its only China killing innocent people…its not the US killing terrorists.

  Never mind. Let the games begin.

• 18. Michael  |  March 18th, 2008 at 10:53 am

  A boycott will hurt China’s “prestige” which just happens to be the one thing they are trying to build right now. Even a serious threat of a boycott could affect a change in their behavior in Tibet. And, except for leftists who feel a kinship with these socialists, it is the right thing to do.

• 19. Martin  |  March 18th, 2008 at 11:29 am

  You do of course realize, Mark, that the honorable George W. Bush has proudly stated that he’s going to the Olympics in China.

• 20. Eric T  |  March 18th, 2008 at 11:30 am

  Joe-

  Sometimes writing about politics is rather dull. I’m streching it quite a bit and using creativity and imagination to forecast what lays ahead on this topic.

  Clinton Gun Ban qualifies ol Bill for “Worst President Ever”. Hillary and Obama will follow in his footsteps. This issue alone should keep the GOP from going flaccid and limp. If their is a ONE reason to get out and Vote it is because Hillary and Obama will take your 2nd Amendment rights

• 21. bagni  |  March 18th, 2008 at 11:59 am

  markhina;
  you’re right
  the spacetruckers were being a bit facetious
  the point being
  the u.s. is much more intertwined with china
  than ever before
  and should be careful not to p*ss them off to much
  because you know they are quite capable of overreacting
  think…..boycott the olympics?
  you know how much that will cost the u.s. companies that are sponsors?
  unless of course
  they’re counting on a govt bailout too?

• 22. Mike  |  March 18th, 2008 at 12:04 pm

  Speaking on behalf of the aforementioned “leftists” (post # 18 by “Michael”, and the spouse of a naturalized Chinese woman, no one I know feels any kinship with Communist China. Of course, there are those who would say, “Oh he’s a lying liberal — can’t believe anything a lib says…” but I know in my heart what I believe, and that’s what matters.

  That said, am I to understand Mark, that you are advocating the same response Jimmy Carter had to the 1980 Olympic games after the Soviets invaded Afghanistan? If so, would you mind saying, on the record, if you believe Carter did the right thing back then?

  If not, then please provide a contrast as to why Carter was wrong then, and why we would be right today to boycott the games.

• 23. Eric T  |  March 18th, 2008 at 1:39 pm

  Mark’s idea of boycotting the olympics is noble. It shows he cares about people. Will it destroy the economy to have people express their disgust. No, it won’t. As a country to boycott the olympics it might, but as individuals I don’t think it will have a severe effect that will send our economy into a tailspin.

  Joe- if you can find me ONE instance where Hillary has supported freedom regarding the 2nd Amendment. ( I’ll put a Hillary sticker on my truck.) She is Always on the regulate, restrict, ban side of the issue. You really think putting a gun ban person in charge of the World’s biggest gun collection, ( The U.S Military) is a good idea?

• 24. Eric T  |  March 18th, 2008 at 1:42 pm

  Nobel- sorry bad spelling

• 25. craig hewitt  |  March 18th, 2008 at 2:21 pm

  Any time we can get our executive branch to ignore fraticide arguments ,take the higher ground ,with the a clear message america wins. Because of our open society our trully american free speech ideals inspire subtle changes. let us not forget our first and greatest presidents words ,Quoted new york april30,1789 in my edition of Facsimille of Washington’s Acounts From June 1775 To June 1785 or known as monuments of Washingtons PATRIOTISM.
  In his farewell address stated : Observe good faith and justice towards all nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all. Religion and morality enjoin this conduct;and can it be,that good policy does not equally enjoin it? It will be worthy of afree ,enlightened,and [at no distant future] a great Nation,to give to mankind the magnanimous and too novel example of a people, always guided by an exalted justice and benevolence. Who can doubt that in the course of time and things, the fruits of such a plan would richly repay any temporary advantages which might be lost by a steady abherance to it? The experiment, at least , is recommended by every sentiment which enobles human nature. Alas! is it rendered impossible by its vices?” George Washington

• 26. Kahn  |  March 18th, 2008 at 2:49 pm

  I understand that China, along with Europe, and India, and all of Africa are important to the World economy. Honestly, boycotting the Olympics to protest deaths and suppression of a nation seems a futile gesture to me. if that’s all we are going to do - then do nothing.

  My earlier post was just to illustrate how I FEEL about China. Something you liberals should be able to relate to. I know that it’s irrational to expect that we can disengage with China. It’s just that the memory of seeing as a little boy, the effects the Chinese had on my father two decades later is one of those things that affects me in ways I don’t even understand.

  Remember, they have NOT renounced communism. Though they are obviously moving to an authoritarian capitalism (like Singapore?), there is still only one party. The Party.

  Years ago, while growing up in Northampton, Mass - that crucible of insanity I stopped by the local Communist headquarters (yep, right downtown). I picked up a free copy (all the books were free) of Chairman Mao’s “Little Red Book”. Every American interested in politics should get and read a copy of that book.

• 27. BARRASSO  |  March 18th, 2008 at 3:23 pm

  “Where is the outrage on the left?”

  Yes I have never seen the left complain about Tibet, they have never tried to appeal to the US govt for change in policy! Never in my life has anyone on the left tried to bring to light the suffering of Tibet, not one single rally or protest not a hint of awareness.

  Dumbass.

• 28. Gimmic  |  March 18th, 2008 at 4:17 pm

  Barrasso…I’m assuming that was extreme sarcasm. If not, then its complete willful blindness.

  The left has been pretty consistent in its advocacy for Tibetan autonomy and support for the Dahlai Lama. Richard Gere comes to mind as one Hollywood activist who’s been preaching this message for nearly 20 years.

  In fact, DailyKos has been running features on this issue. By example:

  http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/3/14/17727/2439/209/476758

  What we HAVEN’T seen, if we’re being intellectually honest here, is a vigorous condemnation of China’s actions by our President, who led our country to war against “the enemies of freedom”.

  Under these circumstances, wouldn’t that be China?

• 29. congressive  |  March 18th, 2008 at 4:17 pm

  CuriousGeorge, Bush is going to show his support to the Chinese Killer President Mark so vehemently denounces by actually going to the games personally. That puts my foot between my teeth…how?

  Just wondering - how many of you know that when a word in these comments is red, it’s a link to something relevant?

  It’s usually encouraged to link instead of cutting and pasting to save on blog bandwidth, and allowing readers to see the source material for themselves, but if no one knows this, it becomes pearls before swine.

• 30. Joe  |  March 18th, 2008 at 4:34 pm

  Eric T, I don’t know what to tell ya. The chances of Hillary or any Dem “taking away your guns” (as you are so afraid of) has about the same chance as the Bush Administration making abortion illegal… even WITH a GOP Congress.

  It just isn’t going to happen. Guns and abortion are too much of a buzz issue for both sides and the same argument will go on over and over and over again.

• 31. Zach  |  March 18th, 2008 at 4:36 pm

  Joe. Please read comment #21

• 32. craig hewitt  |  March 18th, 2008 at 4:38 pm

  I over time have ignored formats like this because i had an arrogant ,above it all ,arrogance of precieved knowledge. i find what i thought was fringe elements of propaganized sentiment may very well influence elections more than i personnaly thought. If these so called patriotic blogs that promote liberal -conservatisim are studied any where near intellectial conservatism the the correct votes may ye t be cast

• 33. Joe  |  March 18th, 2008 at 4:38 pm

  I reread. What is the point Zach?

• 34. Zach  |  March 18th, 2008 at 4:44 pm

  Your response.

• 35. Joe  |  March 18th, 2008 at 4:51 pm

  To this??
  the point being
  the u.s. is much more intertwined with china
  than ever before
  and should be careful not to p*ss them off to much
  because you know they are quite capable of overreacting
  think…..boycott the olympics?
  you know how much that will cost the u.s. companies that are sponsors?
  unless of course
  they’re counting on a govt bailout too?

  About what? About this line?
  be careful not to p*ss them off to much
  because you know they are quite capable of overreacting

  I would say that they are not going to attack us as Eric T brought up. I think they do have the ability to do some serious damage economically.

  Is that what you are looking for? I’m still not sure what the point was since I didn’t write that post not do I know what that persons intent was with that line.

• 36. Zach  |  March 18th, 2008 at 5:08 pm

  Sorry, Apparently my comment hasn’t gone past moderation. My computer shows my comment as post #21.

  My apologies. No wonder you’re confused. I’ll try again tommorroww.

• 37. Kahn  |  March 18th, 2008 at 8:06 pm

  So what do you liberals think we should do? Anything?

• 38. brett michaels  |  March 18th, 2008 at 9:38 pm

  Well I dont know what liberals or conservatives are going to do….but perhaps you should follow my lead: Stop buying chinese products and buy american made products.

  I have posted this many times:
  You guys scream about the ‘tyrants’ in China…yet blithely buy chinese made products. When you go to Home Depot…you see that garden tool that has the American flag and a sticker that says “Proudly made in American”

  Yet in the name of consumerism and the want for granite counter tops…you guys buy the cheaply made in China product..

  Admit it Kahn..you have done it yourself.

• 39. brett michaels  |  March 18th, 2008 at 9:40 pm

  Yes…lets boycott the Olympics…we can sit at home on our lawn chairs that say on the bottom “Made in China”
  ;)

  Fantastic post Mark.
  lol

• 40. Kahn  |  March 19th, 2008 at 2:03 am

  Brett, well I try not to. You have also, I bet. It’s unavoidable.

  Look. I buy cars every few years. They’re usually Hondas - but I’ve been to the factory in Ohio where they’re made. I collect guns. I own no Chinese guns and no Chinese ammo.

  I in fact do look for non-Chinese stuff. But also, I have an 8 year old. Find a non-Chinese made toy! He likes lego’s - I guess they’re still from Denmark?

  The real cheap brands of electronics at Wal-Mart and elsewhere are Chinese. But I don’t usually buy them. Even when you don’t - there’s a good chance there are chinese components in some stuff you buy.

  It’s not so easy Brett. But yes, I try to avoid Chinese stuff also,

• 41. Macker  |  March 19th, 2008 at 10:56 am

  I didn’t give a rat’s a** about the Athens Games and watched them on TV…I also will do the same for Beijing (or should I call it Peking just to piss off the Chinese?

  Dirty F**kin’ Communists.