Like today, when we learn that the IOC has been complicit with the Chinese government in censoring international journalists' ability to use the Internet while reporting on the Games:
Since the Olympic Village press center opened on Friday, reporters have been unable to access scores of Web pages — among them those that discuss Tibetan succession, Taiwanese independence, the violent crackdown of the protests in Tiananmen Square and the sites of Amnesty International, Radio Free Asia and several Hong Kong newspapers known for their freewheeling political discourse."Sufficient." How about, "so repressive that they're even blocking Fire Joe Morgan," as the Rocky Mountain News reports. FJM (via Mose Schrute) responds: "What's the matter, China? Can't handle EqA? Big fans of bunting over there? Love Livan Hernandez, hate Johan Santana?We will not stop blogging until every Chinese citizen has the right to read curse-filled nonsense about Dusty Baker."
A government spokesman initially suggested the problems originated with the site hosts, but on Wednesday, he acknowledged that journalists would not have unfettered Internet use during the Games, which begin Aug. 8.
“It has been our policy to provide the media with convenient and sufficient access to the Internet,” said Sun Weide, the chief spokesman for the Beijing Olympics organizing committee. “I believe our policy will not affect reporters’ coverage of the Olympic Games.”
These Games were awarded to Beijing with the promise that China would improve its record regarding human rights and the environment, vowing to "be open in every aspect to the rest of the country and the whole world." "We are confident," claimed the head of Beijing's Olympic bid committee in 2001, "that the Games coming to China not only promotes our economy, but also enhances all social conditions, including education, health and human rights."
They lied.
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