 Letters and Blogs
(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-08-08 07:52 China did it It was everything but an easy task. Many clouds attempted to darken the Olympic sky and conjure away the five-ring constellation. But the strength of an ancient civilization boosted by an unprecedented challenge was such that no one, no entity, could have stopped its course by means of violence, blackmail, intimidation, up and down moods or just politically correct bad will. The power of a collective dream turned into a universal reality! It galvanized a proud people behind its national flag and it raised, in particular, the enthusiastic support of the developing countries behind one of their most faithful, generous and reliable brothers. Yes, the Games are all about the full re-appropriation of one's dignity, freedom and sense of accomplishment through sports and an equal rule applying to all. Yes, China did it! China set the stage for the Games to start on time, this evening, and promote that beautiful spirit of warm togetherness and emotional solidarity that we also need to build a sustainable "better world". I am happy to be one year older on this auspicious day and I wish all athletes and all peace and sports lovers in China, in Seychelles and round the world an unforgettable experience of breath-taking efforts, glorious tears and smiles, fair-play and vibrant harmony. Philippe Le Gall, ambassador of the Republic of Seychelles to China, born on August 8, 1954 via e-mail Olympics leads to smoke-free China One summer afternoon I walked into a restaurant near Beijing with spectacular food with my dad. Although the environment wasn't as good, we had a hearty meal. There was just one problem. Almost everyone in the restaurant smoked. I think China should ban smoking in all places, not just in Beijing. That is why I support the "Green Olympics". It's the absolute first step into banning smoking throughout the whole country. If the capital is smoke-free, other regions may follow. China has already banned all smoking in public areas and cut down car pollution in Beijing for the Olympics. Beijing only lets odd numbered license plated cars on odd numbered days, and even numbered license plated cars on even numbered days. It was a very creative idea to reduce air pollution in Beijing. For the past few years, I visited China during the summer. I have noticed a lot of changes in the sky color this year during the Olympic season. The skies have become much clearer and I can see the drifting clouds clearly in the deep blue sky. I think the government efforts have really made a difference in the Beijing environment. I think that is very important because it will give foreigners a good impression of China. After smoking in public areas was prohibited and half of the cars were only allowed, the air pollution in Beijing dropped dramatically. Now imagine if all of China could do that and smoking is banned, the pollution will be cut to a new level. China would be a better and less polluted place. I am not saying that this will be an easy task. But, the task is not impossible. Strict enforcement is required to ban such a large hazard. I think the first step to ban smoking across the whole nation is to impose fines for smoking in public, which the government has already done in Beijing, but not in all other cities or regions. They should also set up public speeches and advertize banning smoking. To oppose tobacco-producing companies, the government should not allow any smoking advertisements. Worldwide, people are also starting to help ban smoking. I believe that these combined efforts shall succeed one day and in a couple of years, China will be smoke-free. I am praying for those who try to quit smoking and to protect non-smokers from smoking. I am routing it on every second. Go China! Go World! James Towne, age 11, from the US via e-mail Readers' comments are welcome. Please send mail to Letters to the Editor, China Daily, 15 Huixin Dongjie, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029 China. Send faxes to (86-10) 6491-8377. Send e-mail to opinion@chinadaily.com.cn or letters@chinadaily.com.cn or to the individual columnists. China Daily reserves the right to edit all letters. Thank you. (China Daily 08/08/2008 page11) |
