I don't often agree with The Nation, but it's hard to argue with this:
When the International Olympic Committee formally awarded Beijing the privilege of hosting the 2008 Olympic Games seven years ago, they accepted assurances from the historically repressive government of China that the country would dramatically expand its commitment to protecting human rights within its borders.
[. . .]
China has failed.
The IOC has failed.
The Olympics will open without progress when it comes to upholding even the most basic standards for individual liberty in China.
But we should not lie to ourselves about the healing power of the Olympic spirit.
That spirit has been crushed
