Initially announced this week was the fake fireworks that blasted over Beijing during the opening ceremony August 8. While most of the panoramic colors were real, officials admitted that some of the fireworks were computer-generated, three-dimensional images. Over 91,000 people attended the ceremony and witnessed the images shown on the National Stadium's giant screens. Did they not look overhead and realize the footprints marching on screen were not over the Beijing stadium?

Here comes the ultimate betrayal, a pompous, arrogant, and ostentatious act committed against a 7-year old girl named Yang Peiyi. She is the cute little singer who sang "Ode to the Motherland". China's officials decided that little Yang did not resonate the true beauty of China's landscape. Lip-syncing went out of fashion long ago yet they cut and pasted Yang Peiyi's voice with Lin Miaoke's appearance and bang, perfect voice and the perfect face. Both of these young girls are adorable and obviously talented. Why would the government want to be part of such a ridiculous scheme?

In yesterday's news, a story unfolded about the Spanish men's basketball team and the politically and or socially incorrect gesture made in a picture of them making "slant eyes" for the camera. Maybe I am being too sensitive to all of these charades taking place during the Olympics. The Olympic oath is a symbolic gesture of sportsmanship. The Olympic symbol of five interlocked rings represents the union of the five original major continents of Africa, America, Asia, Australia and Europe. Thus far, I have not read that national television has banned bucked tooth 7-year olds. Hu Jintao, President of the People's Republic of China since 2003 was not in People magazine's issue of sexiest men. Why not relax and play a quick game of horseshoes?

What I do find amazing about this year as well as other Olympiads is the competitors' determination, dedication, skill, and poise. Often time great stories emerge from the event and I am sure this year will be no different. We have heard about the 41-year old US women's swimmer and the 49-year old British women's cyclist. For very unfortunate reasons the men's volleyball team and coach have made the headlines with the murder of Todd Bachman.

Going into this summer's Olympic Games were sure to be a challenge due to theories of China's social culture, moral values, and political position. The athletes' tolerance of the thick and less than desirable air quality of Beijing is gold medal attributes alone.

Take a deserved break China dwellers. Get a better grip on the millions of products made and shipped internationally, double check those children's toys, let 7 and 9-year old girls be themselves, and enjoy the national publicity of your great land. For those of us "Born in the USA", reflect on our great nation and pay tribute to our homeland and freedom.