We don’t think we need to say just how many people in the world are calling the Beijing Olympics a coming-out party for China, an exultation of its modern power, a return to its former glory, and a symbolic achievement. China presented a 639-athlete delegation during the opening ceremony and, for the first time in its Olympic history, might defeat the United States in the number of medals awarded.
With news that the United States will play against China tomorrow in the first match of the men’s basketball tournament, the competition between these two countries has heated up. Basketball is more popular in China than Americans might think; ask teenagers in remote provinces such as Hunan or Sichuan for their favorite athlete, and at least once you will get a Kobe Bryant or a LeBron James (and, of course, a Yao Ming). Some people even name themselves after NBA players. The Chinese hope to pull the upset tomorrow, and such a defeat for the US “redeem” team would give China its “Miracle on Ice” moment, symbolism included. The US team already has enough pressure as it is due to its embarrassing defeat in the 2004 Athens games. Now President Bush has confirmed that he will attend the US-China game on Sunday.
How can the United States defeat China and keep its symbolism intact? Better, how can the United States win the symbol-off against China? Kitsch-Posh has thought long and hard about these questions, and we have finally arrived at a solution:
DRAFT BARACK OBAMA TO THE USA BASKETBALL TEAM
The United States Olympic Committee must send the Illinois Senator to Beijing to take part in the basketball competition. Senator Obama is clearly up to par with the likes of Kobe Bryant and Yao Ming, and his political stature will serve to showcase America’s enduring greatness. It will also allow him to be a late entry into the tournament.
Please participate in the effort to get Obama to Beijing for at least part of the Olympics, even if he doesn’t play in tomorrow’s game. With his help the US Basketball Team can edge out the competition and win the gold in the final match. Our symbolism depends on it.
“Yao Ming will face Kobe Bryant in the opening match of the Olympic basketball competition on August 10. By what margin (number of points) will the new US ‘Dream Team’ win its opening game against China?”
That’s the poll question being asked to online readers of China Daily, a widely circulated English-language newspaper in China. Needless to say, it doesn’t appear that the newspaper editors have faith in their basketball players. Who knows? This could be China’s “Miracle on Ice” moment, political and national symbolism included. China Daily commenter “people” believes his countrymen can pull the upset:
“you will wrong !we believe china ,chinese men !come on !”
