Beijing to Airbrush Pollution from the Olympics

American Thinker ^ | July 19, 2008 | Rick Moran

[Man50D]

Ever wonder (in your worst nightmares) what it might be like to live in a totalitarian state like China?

This is the kind of power government has in the Communist country - they are shutting down a modern city in order to cut pollution levels for the Olympics:

Half of Beijing's 3.3 million vehicles will be pulled off the roads and many polluting factories will be shuttered. Chemical plants, power stations and foundries left open have to cut emissions by 30 percent - and dust-spewing construction in the capital will be halted.

In a highly stage-managed Olympics aimed at showing off the rising power of the 21st century, no challenge is greater than producing crystalline air for 10,500 of the world's greatest athletes.

The commies are giving the term "draconian" a bad name. They are doing this sort of thing in the 5 provinces surrounding the venues and it still could backfire says one atmospheric scientist. Winds could blow pollution from other provinces right into Beijing.

That's because China has 16 of the 20 most polluted cities on the planet as far as air quality is concerned. Water is worse with 75% of it flowing through urban areas being undrinkable.

Olympic officials still reserve the right to cancel some of the long endurance events in track and field, swimming, and cycling among other sports if the air quality is poor. Somehow, I have the feeling that even the Chinese government's herculean efforts to clean up the air will fail and at least some events may have to be cancelled.

Couldn't happen to a nicer bunch...

[Nathan Zachary]

Otta be interesting to see what happens to global markets during that period. Or maybe not. The commies probably over produced exports to compensate for the shut down

[Sacajaweau]

I predict that in 20 years, the Olympics will be no more.

[JACKRUSSELL]

A ping list dedicated to exposing the quality, safety and security issues of anything “Made in China”.


Please FReepmail me if you would like to be on or off of the list.

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[DemonDeac]

Beijing is a nasty city. Buildings a few hundred feet away just vanish into the haze and you can’t see the sun on some “sunny” days because of the thick smog. If I lived there i’d be transformed into an environmentalist wacko.

[polymuser]

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So, is Denver doing this, too, for the Dem convention?

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[Chode]

China Industries International

Made in CHINA!!! their new corporate logo...

[Libertarianize the GOP]

Our own Government claims power to regulate or ban cars, close polluting factories, and construction activities. The only real difference is that China is doing it temporarily and in one big shot while we do it in little incremental steps but never reverse things or allow more freedom.