Fragment from Globe and Mail Editorial Contrasting Beijing and London Olympics

Beijing's Olympics were the most dramatic demonstration in history of the raw power of the totalitarian state, bulldozing and building anything it wanted in the service of sport and spectacle. China's leaders are undoubtedly pleased.

. . .

In London, the authorities will, alas, be unable to carry out mass uncompensated evictions in order to build a monumental Olympic plaza. Their budget will be only half that of the Chinese Games, and they will have to rely on performers for the opening and closing ceremonies who are not conscripted "volunteers."

The full editorial can be found at: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080828.ELONDON28/TPStory/Opinion/editorials