Free Labor > Free Tibet

Came across this interesting history of how the Beijing Olympics logo was designed. Normally, this would be no more than somebody with a lot of free time and an Image processing software. I must admit, though, it had some sort of an impact on me... and I thought of all those kids mowed down at Tianamen square. Those were China's own children, brutally and unrepentantly shredded by their own government. Imagine what humanity would be shown to someone treated as an "outsider" and a "rebel" by China? And then this graphic will not look so far-fetched.

It was a pity that nations and societies that lend lip service to justice and freedom took ultimate pains to ensure that Tibetan protests were quelled during the Torch Run. Nations that overun sovereign states in the name of "freeing" their people (weren't they happier without the daily bomb blasts?), chose to believe China's assurances on human rights being preserved. Oops, did we just knock that monk over the cliff?

Whether it is the village landlord, galli ka gunda or diplomacy, the bottomline stays the same. Respect is not earned, but bought. Either with fear or with cash. China is extremely important to all global economies at this time. China allows everyone to "cut costs" and "stay competitive"-- and sell to their burgeoning middle class. India could learn this from China, how to take its own "size" seriously-- and refuse to take bu**sh** from kindergarten Presidents about her food habits!

In the calculation of morals and ethics, it appears that Free Labor has greater value than a Free Tibet.

Enjoy your triathlons!