In this weeks issue of Time magazine there is an interesting article about the 2008 Olympics.

This article doesn't give a run down of who won what or even mention medals for that matter. Instead the article gives a new perspective on how China was able to host the games in the first place. Believe it or not Bush had a lot to do with it..... No not that Bush, George H.W. Bush (the one people actually liked).

The author of the article, Bill Powell, took a different approach to the reasoning behind China being selected to host the games.

Americans think China has developed all on its own, however as stated in this article the country got a big boost from America, especially brave people like George Bush senior. He put his name on the line to ensure China / U.S. relations were strong starting back when he was appointed special envoy to China by President Gerald Ford.

Former President Bush is not the only person to strengthen relations with the communist country. Many others have risked their namesakes and fortunes in China. The article in Time also mentions Maurice Greenberg (former AIG chief executive) and Henry Kissinger.

The article takes a unique look at exactly how China was able to be selected to host the games. The article contributes China's success to the western world developing China into something great. China is known for ancient history and ancient customs. Normally people would think of a bunch of celebrities and internet bigwigs gathering at a party as an American tradition. Bill Powell tells of these kinds of gatherings in China to celebrate the start of the Olympics.

It is simply amazing to think that a select few forward-thinking Americans are still having their efforts rewarded and recognized thirty to forty years later. Just think, someone in this journalism class may visit a developing country one day soon and see some way to improve it. That one thing could be a lasting legacy that their children and grandchildren will feel the effects of.