To the Point
The Beijing Olympics: Promises and Realities
Athletes from all over the world are preparing for next month's Beijing Olympic Games. But, as always, it isn't just about sports. Has China made good on its promises of clean air and open media access? Will production spectacles have to compete with protests over suppression of human rights? Also, a tour extension for Marines in Afghanistan, and patriotism and the presidential campaign. NOTE: This edition of To the Point will not air live on KCRW as it will be pre-empted by special holiday programming. It will be archived and available online.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenAthletes from all over the world are preparing for next month's Beijing Olympic Games. But, as always, it isn't just about sports. Friday, on To the Point, has China made good on its promises of clean air and open media access? Will production spectacles have to compete with protests over suppression of human rights? Also, a tour extension for Marines in Afghanistan, and John McCain, Barack Obama and two strains of American patriotism.
In this episode
3 storiesTour Extension for Troops in Afghanistan
Twenty-two hundred Marines who were scheduled home in October, will have to stay in Afghanistan for as much as thirty days longer.
Read the story6 minThe Beijing Olympics: Promises and Realities
"Beijing Welcomes the World" is the slogan everywhere in China's capital with the Summer Olympic s scheduled to start just over a month from today. In order to get the Games, China promised it would be clean, green and accessible, but not all its commitments are being kept.
Read the story37 minPatriotism and the Presidential Campaign
There is no better time to talk about patriotism than the Fourth of July in the middle of a presidential campaign. John McCain and Barack Obama represent two different but very important patriotic traditions.
Read the story6 min
