China and Censorship with columnist Caroline Overington(07/31/2008) 
12:01
Hello, and thank you for your company. We welcome your contribution, too.
Today, China, and its great Olympic firewall  
Readers will already know that China has blocked access to such sites as the BBC and The New York Times.
There are restrictions on what you can search for on Google, too.  
People taking part in the opening ceremony are threatened with up to seven years jail if they  speak to the media.  
Access to  Tiananmen square is restricted, too.
China believes it can shape the coverage of its Olympics, by censoring the press.
In fact, censorship is  sign of a nation's lack of confidence in itself.
China currently looks weak, and afraid.
 
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:01 
12:04
[Comment From John HumphreysJohn Humphreys: ] 
One of the ideas behind giving the olympics to China was the hope that it would encourage a move towards greater civil freedoms. Do you think this is realistic? And if not -- then should China have been given the games?
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:04 John Humphreys
12:05
Do you think that is why the IOC gave China the Olympics? I think it would have more to do with money.
The IOC has no interest in human rights.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:05 
12:05
[Comment From arcoarco: ] 
Did anyone really think the Chinese, after suppressing human rights for more than 40 years, would suddenly open up their country because of the Olympics. The IOC must be stupid.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:05 arco
12:06
Yes. And the only valid censorship should be the right not to listen.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:06 
12:07
[Comment From roddy rodentroddy rodent: ] 
Caroline, i won't be watching or listening to the beijing Olympics.If ever an Olympics needed to be boycotted it's this one!
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:07 roddy rodent
12:07
[Comment From RhysRhys: ] 
Welcome to the Information Games.. according to the Chinese press foreign journalists are by and large very impressed with the efficiency and preparedness of the city....ha.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:07 Rhys
12:08
The Chinese press would say that, of course.
The Australian press - this newspaper included - is saying something quite different.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:08 
12:08
[Comment From TonyTony: ] 
Two points. Certain sites have been blocked well before the Olympics and will remain blocked well after and the New York Times is not blocked here.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:08 Tony
12:08

Are you currently in China?

Thursday July 31, 2008 12:08 
12:09
[Comment From ptpt: ] 
A shame really. This time around, the olympics seem to be more focused on the hosting country than the athletes themselves. I'm with Caroline.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:09 pt
12:09
[Comment From John HumphreysJohn Humphreys: ] 
By the way -- I think it's great that you've taken on this issue. China needs to know that free people from friendly countries do not approve of their censorship.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:09 John Humphreys
12:09
[Comment From MarkMark: ] 
Funny, I thought the media was in China to report on the Olympics, not surf the net looking for info on Tibet. Poor old journo's.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:09 Mark
12:09

The media should be allowed to examine the issue of human rights, wherever in the world there are human beings.

Thursday July 31, 2008 12:09 
12:10
[Comment From MichaelMichael: ] 
Let them censor to their hearts content. With so many people from so many places swarming on Bejing there will be no secrets. Whatever they want to hide will become public and then they'll just look (as you said) weak and afraid.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:10 Michael
12:11
As Voltaire said: think for youself, and allow others the same privilege.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:11 
12:11
[Comment From RhysRhys: ] 
Though to be fair I think the infrastructure seems to be pretty well prepared.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:11 Rhys
12:12

On one hand China is obsessed with controlling its own image, and on the other, a Korean cameraman claims to have footage of the opening ceremony. It's on The Australian's website and sadly, it's the usual fare: hundreds of people cavorting about, with ribbons.

Thursday July 31, 2008 12:12 
12:12
[Comment From billbill: ] 
As a parent I believe that I should be able to censor what my children have access to in the home. I also think it is realistic that governments can censor access to certain material. I see nothing wrong in the chinese government providing restrictions. Personally , am surprised at some of the internet sites that are restricted.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:12 bill
12:12
The government is not your parent. The government ought to be your servant.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:12 
12:12
[Comment From TonyTony: ] 
yes
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:12 Tony
12:13
Well, tell all, Tony. Please, speak to us from Beijing.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:13 
12:13
[Comment From SBSB: ] 
I think if boycotting the games is the worst possible solution. The more focus that is on China then the more pressure they'll be under to 'open up'.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:13 SB
12:14
And then, when the cameras are switched off,  the more people will be crushed underfoot, metaphorically speaking.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:14 
12:14
[Comment From BrettBrett: ] 
When will we learn, the Chinese will be laughing at us .... again.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:14 Brett
12:14
Why so?
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:14 
12:14
[Comment From RhysRhys: ] 
Yes actually most of these sites are always blocked - they aren't blocked for the Games, and in fact internet restrictions have been lifted on some sites like blogspot.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:14 Rhys
12:14
It makes the blood boil, doesn't it? What do they fear?
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:14 
12:14
[Comment From John HumphreysJohn Humphreys: ] 
While in China a while ago there was a CNN doco on censorship. The first half hour was about Iran, then about Nth Korea, then about Zimbabwe... and in the last half hour the screen went blank. Brilliant. I wonder what the chinese word for "ironic" is... :)
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:14 John Humphreys
12:15
[Comment From TonyTony: ] 
I can assure you that the Chinese are neither looking weak or afraid. It seems to be a handful of mainly Oz journos that have taken to stirring the pot here. Do the journos also want China to unblock all the porno sites or just selective sites that report negatively on the Chinese government?
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:15 Tony
12:15
They shouldn't block anything.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:15 
12:15
[Comment From John HumphreysJohn Humphreys: ] 
Bill -- The truth doesn't have anything to fear from free speech
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:15 John Humphreys
12:15
[Comment From TonyTony: ] 
This was a great opportunity for the Chinese Government to throw the doors open and show that things are changing. Unfortunately, they have lacked the courage to do so.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:15 Tony
12:15
[Comment From John HumphreysJohn Humphreys: ] 
Rhys -- and wordpress? I'm be there tomorrow and don't want my blog banned... :\
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:15 John Humphreys
12:16

Are you going for the Games, John?

Thursday July 31, 2008 12:16 
12:18
[Comment From arcoarco: ] 
What are the Chinese going to do when a bunch of medal winning althletes get liquored up and start hooting and roaring around the village? Will they roll out the tanks again?
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:18 arco
12:18
That is a real possibility, given there are Australians there.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:18 
12:18
[Comment From RhysRhys: ] 
No I think wordpress is still blocked! It happened to me when I came too...
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:18 Rhys
12:19
[Comment From John HumphreysJohn Humphreys: ] 
Going to practice my chinese... but might try to watch australiay play soccer in shanghai
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:19 John Humphreys
12:19
[Comment From billbill: ] 
Different cultures have different values - should not visitore repect the culture of the country that they are in.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:19 bill
12:20

It seems they have no choice!

Thursday July 31, 2008 12:20 
12:20
[Comment From KeithyKeithy: ] 
I look forward to the games: we all abuse Human Rights so I don't think we should be getting to hypocritical but I suppose censorship shouldn't be condoned: though propaganda is to democracy what violence is to a dictatorship so...um, I think I've just done a Brendon Nelson actually and confused myself immensely...
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:20 Keithy
12:21
He is confused, isn't he? But you are lovely.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:21 
12:21
[Comment From JimmyJimmy: ] 
France now censor pornography material, why cant China censor the net?
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:21 Jimmy
12:21
I find it difficult to believe that you cannot get pornography in ..... of all places .... France.
Is this not the nation that has a first lady who has posed nude?
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:21 
12:22
[Comment From John HumphreysJohn Humphreys: ] 
arco -- the Chinese generally treat foreigners quite well. It's the locals that you need to be worried for. Many of whom still don't know about tiannamen, and think that Mao beat the Japanese in WW2.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:22 John Humphreys
12:22
[Comment From billbill: ] 
If you got drunk and started cavorting in public - then you can expect the law to intervene. The sort of intervention might be different to what you get at home.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:22 bill
12:22
[Comment From GarryGarry: ] 
The IOC may harp on about being out raged over Chinese censorship, but they knew full well that the Chinese would censor media coverage about China. They are just hypocrites who line their own pockets through deals with Bejing.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:22 Garry
12:23
Yes. The IOC did not give China the Olympics in the hope of fostering improved human rights.
It gave China the Olympics for the oldest reason: money.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:23 
12:23
[Comment From John HumphreysJohn Humphreys: ] 
Bill -- there is a big difference between culture and government law. Falun gong is a part of some peoples culture -- shouldn't that be respected to? Even if it is as wacky as scientology. :)
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:23 John Humphreys
12:24

China's obsession with Falun Gong is odd, indeed.

Thursday July 31, 2008 12:24 
12:24
[Comment From JimmyJimmy: ] 
Why the Journalis want to access the Amenesty International site? isnt it they went to China to report on the Olympic?
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:24 Jimmy
12:25

There is a principle at stake: a vital one.

Thursday July 31, 2008 12:25 
12:25
[Comment From billbill: ] 
The IOC is not a democtatic organisation. It is a wonder that it has been allowed to continue in its present form for so long.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:25 bill
12:25
That's quite right. It's a strange organisation, with decisions made by people like Princess Anne, and Prince Albert of Monaco.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:25 
12:26
[Comment From InscrutableInscrutable: ] 
Kevan Gosper has apologised. Isn't that enough?
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:26 Inscrutable
12:26
It seems that he, too, was misled. He has said that China promised open access, but it has not been provided.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:26 
12:26
[Comment From GarryGarry: ] 
This live blog is a brilliant idea. Us mortals get to chat with you journalists.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:26 Garry
12:27
We are mere mortals, ourselves.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:27 
12:27
[Comment From Gary EvansGary Evans: ] 
What are the odds of China getting just a bit belligerent militarily after the Games?
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:27 Gary Evans
12:27
[Comment From John HumphreysJohn Humphreys: ] 
Is The Australian banned in China? If not... and after this discussion -- will it be?
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:27 John Humphreys
12:27
I shall make inquiries. This blog is live, and currently Australia wide, and we have visitors from China already, so I assume it's up there.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:27 
12:28
[Comment From IanIan: ] 
I think this event truly shows China up for what they are - a dishonest and dishonourable nation (government). There is little that can be done now with the games a week away, but sports bodies should think very carefully before EVER giving China another global event. I hope the FIFA World Cup never goes there
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:28 Ian
12:28
[Comment From TonyTony: ] 
I live in Xinjiang and can only tell you the feeling from this end of the country. That said, western journos know darn well that the Internet in China has and always will be regulated by the government . If western jourmos really need to access these sites then they can do so at their leisure in their own countries. Why wait until they come to China where as I said they know full well the rules and regulations regarding the Internet in China. Western journos also ignore the fact that allowing for the few dissadents in China at least 1.2 billion Chinese fully support their government.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:28 Tony
12:28
That is the most hilarious thing I've heard today.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:28 
12:28
[Comment From IanIan: ] 
Any chance the IOC is taking the fall for BOCOG on this one to try and protect their advertisers!!!!
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:28 Ian
12:28
Yes.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:28 
12:28
[Comment From John HumphreysJohn Humphreys: ] 
Not yet Gary... they can't win yet. Wait 20 years and then be scared.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:28 John Humphreys
12:29

I'm not sure that the human thirst for knowledge can ever be quenched.

As China continues to develop, its people will yearn for freedom and that desire, to control one's own life, will be difficult to restrain.

Thursday July 31, 2008 12:29 
12:29
[Comment From ChrisChris: ] 
The idea that you 'give' a major event to a totalitarian regime to prove it's worth is insane really. The IOC must have been loopy to think otherwise
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:29 Chris
12:30

The money making opportunities are endless, however.

Thursday July 31, 2008 12:30 
12:30
[Comment From Gary EvansGary Evans: ] 
I was really referring to perhaps some sabre rattling, a minor skirmish in the South China Sea, a collision with a US destroyer etc
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:30 Gary Evans
12:31
[Comment From billbill: ] 
Do you believe that there should be unfettered access to the internet?
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:31 bill
12:31
[Comment From John HumphreysJohn Humphreys: ] 
Tony -- nearly all Nth Koreans support their govt. It's easy to control people if you cut off their access to information. And 1.2 billion people do not support the chinese govt. They just don't speak out. The rural areas especially have lost faith in their government.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:31 John Humphreys
12:32
If we spare a thought for anybody today, let's spare a thought for North Koreans.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:32 
12:32
[Comment From InscrutableInscrutable: ] 
Was Gosper misled, lied to, or maybe he chose not to ask the right question? Does he do interviews, himself? Would he table the advice he says he received?
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:32 Inscrutable
12:32
[Comment From MattMatt: ] 
Just stumbled across this chat. I'm in Beijing right now
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:32 Matt
12:32
Hello! Google something for us - say: China human rights - and let us know how you go.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:32 
12:32
[Comment From IanIan: ] 
How is the smog there today?, any more news on events being postponed if pollution too high? I hear that in Hng Kong last year a marathon was run in pollution similar to Beijing and 2 people died and 20 were rushed to hospital with severe respiratory problems.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:32 Ian
12:33
[Comment From IanIan: ] 
Hey Bill - if they promised unfettered access to the internet - they should honour their promise - end of story
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:33 Ian
12:34

Censorship defeats its purpose.
The idea, presumably, is to control the message. China wants to display itself in a positive way. The world is watching. So it censors the Internet. It therefore looks weak, and afraid.

Thursday July 31, 2008 12:34 
12:34
[Comment From KimKim: ] 
when they control everything - from the number of children you have to the access to the internet, what chance to the people have to speak out in protest??
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:34 Kim
12:34

None.

They jail journalists, too.

Thursday July 31, 2008 12:34 
12:34
[Comment From GuestGuest: ] 
The Chinest probably wouldn't be happy that Matt was looking at this live blog. The Australian itself might find itself banned by the end of the day.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:34 Guest
12:34
[Comment From MattMatt: ] 
alright
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:34 Matt
12:34
[Comment From PeterPeter: ] 
Ahh yes, but was it a core or non-core promise
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:34 Peter
12:34
[Comment From John HumphreysJohn Humphreys: ] 
True Caroline (about desire for freedom)... but that is going to be in conflict with another strong desire -- the desire of the communist party to stay in power. I am worried that the government is going to increasingly play to a nationalist card to prevent internal strife. The more internal strife, the more they will need to play up nationalism (and especially their conflicts with japan & taiwan). I hope that analysis is wrong, but it's a possiblity we should at least be watching.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:34 John Humphreys
12:34
[Comment From TonyTony: ] 
What information exactly are the Chinese cut off from. They're not cut off from this blog. If someone has any evidence that the Chinese govenment promised unfettered access to the Internert I'd be glad to hear it.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:34 Tony
12:35
It was promised as recently as April. The Western media demanded it, and it was promised.
But not delivered.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:35 
12:35
[Comment From arcoarco: ] 
Kevan Gosper wasn't told? Is this what the US president's office calls deniability?
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:35 arco
12:35
Depends what the definition of is, is.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:35 
12:35
[Comment From billbill: ] 
I agree that by undertaking censorship they do appear weak and afraid. We should send as many people as possibe to the games - especially chinese speaking , so they can dialogue with the locals.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:35 bill
12:36
Security guards prevent journalists from speaking to Olympic volunteers.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:36 
12:36
[Comment From MattMatt: ] 
well there was search results for it on google but the first link i tried didn't work
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:36 Matt
12:36

How interesting! Would you mind doing another one: China Censorship Olympics? Would you put that into Google?

Thursday July 31, 2008 12:36 
12:37
[Comment From IanIan: ] 
For those of you watching this in China - Your government are a disgrace, the world does not respect them, they are making a laughing stock of you in our eyes - RISE UP and get rid of them!!!!!!
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:37 Ian
12:37

Now, a mature nation could handle that comment.

Thursday July 31, 2008 12:37 
12:37
[Comment From PeterPeter: ] 
China must have loved the leaking of the opening cermony. Would be a slap in the face to their censorship aspirations.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:37 Peter
12:38

There is a whale in the opening ceremony. A whale!

Thursday July 31, 2008 12:38 
12:38
[Comment From billbill: ] 
Do the guards also stop conversations with other locals?
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:38 bill
12:38
[Comment From MattMatt: ] 
it's still smoggy. it was alot worse over the weekend
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:38 Matt
12:38
[Comment From billbill: ] 
Maybe a censor leaked it?
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:38 bill
12:39
[Comment From billbill: ] 
The whale must be a concession to the japanese.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:39 bill
12:39
[Comment From ObserverObserver: ] 
The whale is for our Japanese neighbours?
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:39 Observer
12:39
Ha! You both came in with the same observation at the same time.
Not a real whale, I don't think
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:39 
12:39
[Comment From MattMatt: ] 
i tried the search and this was link no. 3 on results. i tried it and it worked
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:39 Matt
12:40
It is heartening to see that link available in China.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:40 
12:40
[Comment From MichaelMichael: ] 
I find it absurd that Kevin Gosper didn't kow of the arrgngements by other members of the Executive. Is this not the real story?
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:40 Michael
12:40
[Comment From DaveDave: ] 
Is it followed by a harpoon ship
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:40 Dave
12:41

I'm not sure the viewing public could stomach a harpooned whale.
Over at the Telgraph, Garry Linnell is eating penis in Beijing. The video is the funniest thing I've seen for a while.
(For the record, he says it tastes fatty.)

Thursday July 31, 2008 12:41 
12:41
[Comment From billbill: ] 
Good nes I wonder how the chinese will deal with a western sense of humour
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:41 bill
12:42
[Comment From IanIan: ] 
Any workd if Chinas friend Robert Mugabe will be attending the opening - maybe he will be sitting next to Kevin Rudd - try and get a photo of the handshake. I am sure Mr Rudd would not want to offend Hu Jintau by snubbing Mr Mugabe!!!!!!!
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:42 Ian
12:42
How offensive that these people - Mugabe - are feted.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:42 
12:42
[Comment From KimKim: ] 
Of course there is a whale... lucky the games are not in Japan, everyone would have to eat the poor thing!! In China they only eat their ahh penis's to make them more viril don't they??
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:42 Kim
12:43

Garry ate donkey penis, and some other kind of penis. It looked revolting but it was very amusing.

Thursday July 31, 2008 12:43 
12:43
[Comment From John HumphreysJohn Humphreys: ] 
I don't think they eat the whale in the opening ceremony... :)
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:43 John Humphreys
12:43
[Comment From aussieudo@hotmail.comaussieudo@hotmail.com: ] 
...we should have known, that china wouldn't be ready for the bejing olympics yet...but a few people will make a hell lot of money again...and the chinese government will cash in and laugh about the rest of the world...
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:43 aussieudo@hotmail.com
12:43
[Comment From DazDaz: ] 
No the whale is a trojan horse, full of armed guards to fix the infidels the same way they did in the square not so long ago!
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:43 Daz
12:43
A mature country could handle that criticism, too.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:43 
12:43
[Comment From bemusedbemused: ] 
I think the IOC are probably wishing they were back in sydney
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:43 bemused
12:44
The moment when the lone stockman rode out, into the darkened stadium in Sydney, cracked his whip and kicked up dust, was pure poetry.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:44 
12:44
[Comment From ObserverObserver: ] 
Gross, Caroline. I was just about to start lunch!
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:44 Observer
12:44

I didn't eat it. Garry ate it.

Thursday July 31, 2008 12:44 
12:44
[Comment From DaveDave: ] 
I just read that in the paper. He said the Donky Penis was the best. How unusual, but good on them for trying it
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:44 Dave
12:44
I'm sure when the Olympics was in Seoul, the journos ate dogs. All part of the service.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:44 
12:45
[Comment From billbill: ] 
Maybe penis will become on the endangered list
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:45 bill
12:45
Heaven forbid.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:45 
12:45
[Comment From MichaelMichael: ] 
When will the IOC admit sport and politicis are inextricibly linked....
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:45 Michael
12:45
Never. But they must know it.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:45 
12:45
[Comment From JimmyJimmy: ] 
Mugabe feted by the Chinese, same as the King of Saudi, President of Eqypt feted USA
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:45 Jimmy
12:45
True enough.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:45 
12:45
[Comment From roddy rodentroddy rodent: ] 
Do we know if the Chinese swimmers have been eating dog-stew, again, to muscle-up?
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:45 roddy rodent
12:45
I thought we decided it was steroids, after all?
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:45 
12:45
[Comment From AdamAdam: ] 
All Olympic cities engage in one form of manipulation or another. Sydney shipped their homeless off to Melbourne, plugged all the pipes going into the harbour and Midnight Oil had to put their “Sorry” pyjamas on in the dark. It’s surprising they were not sheep-hooked off stage by Gosper & Co.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:45 Adam
12:46
[Comment From andyandy: ] 
there seems to be some confusion over which news sites are available and which are blocked. can we make a list and get one of the contributors in china to confirm? ny times, washington post, wall street journal, guardian, times uk, news.com.au, smh, etc...
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:46 andy
12:46
[Comment From daledale: ] 
caroline what is your preferred way to eat penis?
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:46 dale
12:46
Garry's was all sliced up. He picked it up with chopsticks and dipped it in something.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:46 
12:46
[Comment From RichardRichard: ] 
Believe it or not there are plenty of mature chinese who can handle such criticsm. I live in Beijing and our internet isn't blocked (at work) and all our local colleagues read foreign media and make up their own minds.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:46 Richard
12:46
Excellent news.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:46 
12:46
[Comment From KimKim: ] 
Good on them for trying it! Are you serious...
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:46 Kim
12:47
[Comment From DaveDave: ] 
And in Aussie I know more than a few overseas people tried Skippy, er I mean Kangaroo.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:47 Dave
12:47
I have myself eaten Skippy. He's disgusting.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:47 
12:47
[Comment From John HumphreysJohn Humphreys: ] 
I tried whale when I was in Japan. Not so good. Horse was worse. The best was goldfish. Dog tasted like mutton. None of it beats KFC. :)
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:47 John Humphreys
12:47
Goldfish?
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:47 
12:47
[Comment From RichardRichard: ] 
I can always get smh and other australian papers on my internet at home in Beijing. Wikipedia is currently ON but often OFF.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:47 Richard
12:47
Wikipedia should be banned everywhere.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:47 
12:48
[Comment From ObserverObserver: ] 
Perhaps, despite the restrictions on the media this time around, China will learn that to truely participate means granting a bit more freedom - and allowing its people to know about how things work elsewhere?
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:48 Observer
12:48
[Comment From DaveDave: ] 
I like Roo, but its too ritch for me to have often. Yes I have also tried dog - ONCE, and wont do that again.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:48 Dave
12:48
What kind? Dalmatian always looks nice.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:48 
12:48
[Comment From billbill: ] 
Actually snake and goanna taste ok .
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:48 bill
12:48
[Comment From GuestGuest: ] 
Wikipedia should be banned everywhere. ?
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:48 Guest
12:48
It's hopeless.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:48 
12:48
[Comment From annann: ] 
I don't think China should have been given the Olympics in the first place. The destruction and displacement done to their country for this over hyped show on earth is disgraceful The games should always be in the one place, probably Greece, then we would not have this internet farce at all!!
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:48 ann
12:49
It's an opportunity for growth, however. There are many companies that would like to sell products to the Chinese, and good for them.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:49 
12:49
[Comment From IanIan: ] 
The Tiananmen Sq page we see here would be good for Chinese to see though!
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:49 Ian
12:49
[Comment From ChrisChris: ] 
I love snake wine. A venomous delight.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:49 Chris
12:49
I would try that.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:49 
12:49
[Comment From RichardRichard: ] 
But the improvements to Beijing as a place to live can't be denied either - much better public transport for starters
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:49 Richard
12:50
[Comment From IanIan: ] 
Anns comment is good - the games should be permanenetly in Athens
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:50 Ian
12:50
No, I don't think so. It provides an excellent marketing opportunity. There are many Chinese lives that will be infinitely improved by the Olympics.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:50 
12:51
[Comment From John HumphreysJohn Humphreys: ] 
Is there any way to get around the firewalls? First few times I went to China I could use a router to get around the firewall... but the last few times I haven't been able to. Can the locals inform?
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:51 John Humphreys
12:51
[Comment From IanIan: ] 
Comment to Richard - not for the 1.5 million peo[ple who were kicked out of their homes!!
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:51 Ian
12:51
[Comment From KeithyKeithy: ] 
Emu is much better!
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:51 Keithy
12:51

Leg or breast?

Thursday July 31, 2008 12:51 
12:51
[Comment From ObserverObserver: ] 
I disagree. Allowing China to host the Olympics helps "bring them inside the tent", so to speak. Sure the arrangements are not perfect, but the exposure on issues such as this will have a "ripple" effect internally in China and on its leadership. At least I hope so.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:51 Observer
12:52
[Comment From AdamAdam: ] 
If it walks, flies, swims or crawls with its back to heaven; it must be edible
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:52 Adam
12:52
[Comment From bemusedbemused: ] 
Your right in a way Caroline but there have been many Chinese who have lost homes and a way of life too.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:52 bemused
12:52
[Comment From DaveDave: ] 
I think having them move about is good - lessens the financial burdon on each country, leaves excellent gear for others to use after the games, and shows off the country for tourism etc.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:52 Dave
12:52
[Comment From nigelnigel: ] 
"whatever it takes", is the only catchphrase of the Chinese Communist Party.The comrades continue to support most of the vilest regimes on Earth to obtain whatever they need.Oppression and censorship is nothing new to them.They continue to give a two fingered salute to the World in the security council and in most world climate forums.They should never have been awarded the Games.Boycott them now!!!
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:52 nigel
12:52
[Comment From Comment from JJComment from JJ: ] 
I won't miss the opening of the Olympics... I am so prond to be a Chinese
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:52 Comment from JJ
12:53
[Comment From DaveDave: ] 
Unluckily while there will be winners, there also will be those who are displaced or lose their way of life as Bemused said
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:53 Dave
12:53
[Comment From billbill: ] 
The more people can be encouraged to interact - the better we chance of coming to some understandings of each other. From that point of view - censorship should be limited. But , you cannot beat meeting in the flesh ( so to speak)
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:53 bill
12:53
Nor eating the flesh.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:53 
12:54
[Comment From JimmyJimmy: ] 
Wonder what will be the comment when India host the Commonwealth Games
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:54 Jimmy
12:54

India has been touched by the British. Ergo, it's a better place.

Thursday July 31, 2008 12:54 
12:54
[Comment From ObserverObserver: ] 
Nigel, there are plenty of other regimes that can be cruel, distasteful and oppressive.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:54 Observer
12:54
North Korea
Cuba
Zimbabwe
Most of Africa, actually
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:54 
12:54
[Comment From KeithyKeithy: ] 
Emu leg or breast: I can't remember...hmmmn?!?
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:54 Keithy
12:54

Just wondering how you hold an emu leg, to eat it.

Thursday July 31, 2008 12:54 
12:55
[Comment From IanIan: ] 
Athens would be fine as a permanenet venue if this was a sporting event, but as you point out it is not - it is a money making exercise and nothing else. It is not a sporting event - 2nd rate competition - The world marathon record holder cant run the marathon because of the pollution. Most endurance events will be a lottery rather than an olympic event!
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:55 Ian
12:55
[Comment From billbill: ] 
Easy - just run fast.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:55 bill
12:56
[Comment From DaveDave: ] 
you hold it with BOTH hanbds - it's darn heavy lol
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:56 Dave
12:56
Hmmm .....
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:56 
12:56
We are struggling a little with the volume of comments coming through ....
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:56 
12:56
[Comment From ObserverObserver: ] 
Emu leg - with two hands, Caroline? Or is it a dish for two?
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:56 Observer
12:57

I'm not sure I could eat a whole emu

Thursday July 31, 2008 12:57 
12:57
[Comment From John HumphreysJohn Humphreys: ] 
JJ -- are you a chinese citizen? Or do you mean you're proud of your race?
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:57 John Humphreys
12:57
[Comment From ObserverObserver: ] 
Type faster, Caroline.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:57 Observer
12:57
I have an emu leg in one hand
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:57 
12:57
[Comment From andyandy: ] 
is this an emu debate or something? get back on topic!
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:57 andy
12:58
Yes. Okay.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:58 
12:58
[Comment From IanIan: ] 
Athletes can train for heat, humidity and altitude, but not pollution. I can guarantee there will be some complaints from down here if an australian athlete succumbs to pollution when he/she may hve medalled
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:58 Ian
12:58
Who will be the judge of such a thing?
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:58 
12:58
[Comment From DaveDave: ] 
Change your font to a smaller one - that means you can type faster (Grin)
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:58 Dave
12:58
[Comment From RichardRichard: ] 
every athlete's inthe same boat though right?
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:58 Richard
12:58
Yes, that's right. They are all choking on smog, equally.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:58 
12:59
[Comment From JohnJohn: ] 
Ofcourse censorship should be boycotted
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:59 John
12:59
[Comment From andyandy: ] 
caroline has any aus journo over in beijing provided the best story on internet censorship yet? like which sites they can and can't access, etc.
Thursday July 31, 2008 12:59 andy
1:00
The Australian has a good piece today, natch.
Thursday July 31, 2008 1:00 
1:00
We have only seconds to go, readers. Thank you so much for your company.
Thursday July 31, 2008 1:00 
1:02

I'm afraid I have to do some censoring of my own now. There are comments pouring in but we are out of time.
Thank you all again, and see you next time.

Thursday July 31, 2008 1:02 
1:13



 
 
 
English  English
简体中文  简体中文
Dansk  Dansk
Deutsch  Deutsch
Español  Español
Français  Français
Italiano  Italiano
日本語  日本語
Nederlands  Nederlands
Norsk  Norsk
Português  Português
Русский  Русский
Svenska  Svenska
Close