The 8-8-8 Beijing Good Luck? It's Already A Joke

A women’s soccer match was held at the Beijing Olympics on Wednesday, marking the unofficial start to what is certainly going to unfold as the most controversial Olympiad in memory.

Norway defeated the United States 2-0. According to all official presentations, of course, the Beijing Games don’t actually begin until Friday on the “shoulders” of the Chinese hype of the “good luck” date of 08-08-08.

We’re less than one full day into the competition, unofficial and all, and already there’s plenty of fodder for pessimism.

Chinese Olympic officials revoked the visa of American Joey Cheek, a 2006 speedskating gold medalist for his activism against the tragedy that is Darfur.

Four members of the U.S. Oiympic cycling team gave what one prominent U.S. journalist called a “forced apology” after they wore breathing masks soon after arrivng in China.

And then came word via international news organizations that security forces at the Olympics will be 100,000 strong, and that the national stadium is being protected in part by anti-aircraft weaponry.

Gee, what can President Bush possibly have on his mind to say Thursday when he speaks in Bangkok?

According to information released Wednesday and published on CNN.com, President Bush in part will say:

"America stands in firm opposition to China's detention of political dissidents, human rights advocates and religious activists.”

So, let The Games begin on Friday, officially. And that 08-08-08 stuff? Seems like eights just ain't going to be enough.