I feel very strongly that China should not have invaded and be oppressing the various freedoms of the people of Tibet. I feel this is totally wrong at a fundamental level. Listening to Chinese Authority arguments to legitimise the situation which go along the lines of Tibet was never independent anyway, I still think there are far better ways to get the job done. Does the regime really have to exercise such control over the region to make it part of China? I possibly need to do more reading up on this, but unbiased sources are hard to come by (from either point of view).

The whole thing just feels properly wrong, though, and makes my chest tight in the same way that homophobia does.

I was determined to personally boycott the olympics. Given the amount of Five Live that’s listened to in our household, this was always going to be hard. I am, however, happy for Steve to present the wonders of the games to the kids, so long as I can mutter “where’s my Free Tibet?” at frequent intervals without being deported from the country.

Given how I feel, how is it that the magic of the olympics still made me well up as the torch was lit. It was majestic, well thought out, and man that flame is BIG.

The opening ceremony also reminded me that China is so much more than the communists who rule it. It’s a country with a massive population, diverse culture, and many people who are justt rying to get through the day.

I might have to go and think a bit more, although I still resist wall to wall sport for 2 weeks – for the love of pete, I try as hard as possible to avoid it the rest of the year – why should this be any different??!?