Olympics in Beijing

Re “Beijing Wins no Moral Victory,” editorial, July 14: Although giving the Olympics to a repressive regime is perhaps sending the wrong message, if history is any guide, then China may change for the better in the years following the Olympic Games.

The 1936 Games were held in Nazi Berlin. Less than 10 years later, the Nazis would fall from power, although at a terrible price. In 1980, the Games were held in the former USSR. Less than 10 years later, the Berlin Wall would fall, bringing down the Communist Soviet Union with it. In 1988, the Games were held in Seoul, in autocratic South Korea. About five years later, South Korea would elect its first civilian president in 30 years. For whatever reason, if history can be used as a guide, perhaps the IOC decision is a positive sign for China and for the rest of the free world.

Andy Hsiung

Santa Monica