Games of the XXIX Olympiad

The Olympics…what’s not to love? The grandeur! The international community! Michael Phelps’s bod! As I watched the Beijing opening ceremonies on Friday, I could not help but be overtaken by China's organizational skills, for one, but moreover, as vast and diverse our world is, we really are all connected. To watch the Opening Ceremonies was to be reminded that, politics aside, we are all equals in our global community. I cry and I did so while watching the opening ceremonies. To watch Palestinians, Iraqis, Afghans, Sudanese, Zimbabweans march into The Bird's Nest arena, symbolizing hope, walking proud despite carrying the weight of their war-torn countries on their shoulders; to see Iranians and North Koreans march as athletes, not enemies or terrorists in the “Axis of Evil;" to see women in hijabs and women in pants, as athletes, not victims or objects; to see a Sudanese Lost Boy carrying the American flag and a 9-year old earthquake surviver carrying the Chinese flag was hopeful indeed.

Yes, China has massive human rights abuses. I want to cry “What about Tibet?” And while the Sudanese athletes marched so proudly, I am so ashamed at China and the international community for watching them march by while we watch systematic genocide march by. And don't get me started on NBC's perpetual boner for Michael Phelps and the Women's Gymnastics team.

There is still a place for this ancient athlete competition. Furthermore, there is a need for this athlete competition. While most Americans don't know Georgia is not home to Atlanta, we need to be reminded that everything is connected and we need compassion for each other.

My father said, "I hope these athletes from different nations have a beer together after the competition." Me too.