Don't blame this on the commies because the rules banning posters and banners with a political or religious message were promulgated by the super-annuated mummies that make up the International Olympic Committee. And by far the most powerful members in that organization are Europeans.

Personally, I think it would add a little color to the games if they allowed everyone with a gripe against anyone to wave a flag or make a banner shouting their defiance to the heavens. There would probably be better athletic competition in the stands than on the field of play as sprinters, boxers, wrestlers, and hurdlers would show what they could do when authorities or perhaps some aggreived minority got in on the fun.

Actually, the way the commies are going about shutting off dissent or political speech is pretty weird. They have started two typically socialist efforts to thwart free speech advocates, naming them "Spectators House Rules" along with a "Good Habit for a Good Games" campaign. Like their draconian campaign to ruthlessly cut the number of children allowed per family, these are not suggestions. They are orders.

The docile Chinese people will no doubt dutifully follow these rules. And most of the starry eyed "Olympics movement" idealists will gladly sacrifice freedom of speech for the glory of sport and the movement toward a one world government.

But for me, give me the cacaphony of dissident voices any time. It is a far more interesting world when people disagree than if they all insipidly hold hands and sing "Kum-by-Yah."