Over the past few weeks we have heard much discussion on which city will be chosen to host the 2008 Olympic games. The three finalists so to speak were Beijing, China; Paris, France; and of course Canada’s own Toronto.

For over a hundred years, the Olympics have been a symbol for human equality and personal greatness. They originated in Marathon, Greece, over two millennia ago. I guess now you know where the phrase “run a marathon” came from - it was actually a Greek city-state, back in that time.

Back to the present, Beijing has been selected as the city to host the games in 2008. Being chosen to host the Olympics is not a light privilege by any means. It’s great a responsibility, to the city who is fortunate to host the games, and there is also a lot of money which stands to be made. Can you imagine how much money is earned in a city that hosts the games? Me neither! But I can see how many people would take an overly strong approach to assuring that the games get in their city. Now I’m not going to mention anything about bribery... Oops I just did!

Besides, China after all do deserve this, they have put a lot on the line to get the 2008 games. They are even swearing to an improvement of human rights and better living conditions for their citizens there.

So all in all I believe that bribery is a reality when deciding hosting cities. But I guess it’s all part of it. And every city deserves the privilege of having something as great as the games in their homeland. The Olympic games have been bringing nations and different peoples together for over a century. And I believe that this is a great thing...something which should be shared and experienced all over the world!

---HuDson