CNN

I don't think my passport could reach me in time. But I would love to be able to travel to see the great wall and the other interesting scenes of China.

No thanks! I've seen enough good people hit the wall during this campaign season,to last me for a while.

I value my lungs too much to spend a couple of weeks in Beijing.

I'd definitely go, Jack. Despite the pollution and the human rights abuses in China, the Olympic games still symbolize one of the few things that the different nations in this world can agree and work together on. I think we need as many things to cooperate on as we can get.

No. I like to breathe.

Hell yeah I would.

Beijing? Not a chance.

But after seeing a recent foodie excursion (on another network) to the countryside and backwater villages of China, esp in Sichuan, I would gladly do that. Hot peppers galore!

No.

Nope. Nada. Negative. Nein. No Thanks and Not gonna happen.
I am perfectly content sucking in the pollutants in this country without having pay to go abroad to import them into my lungs.

Nope. With every move I would make under scrutiny, why spend all that money, when I can be scrutinized for free here at home? Thanks to Bush, I actually saved some money!

Are you nuts? Who in their right mind would want to go to a communist country that is trying to kill us, thinks nothing of throwing people in jail for nothing and is full of air pollution worse than Los Angeles

Have they improved their human rights record recently?!

Have they shared some of their recent wealth with their citizens?

Have they gotten rid of the green slime/algae and excessive pollution?!

No! Thanks anyway, I'll rough it out here at home!

Jack,
Not on your nellie. I have enough respiratory problems, thank you. Besides, I have no wish to further contribute to the financial well being of the People's Republic. Georgie Bush has done quite enough by allowing them to buy up between 58 and 80 BILLION DOLLARS worth of T-Bills to finance his idiot war in Iraq.

Pablo In Arlington, Texas

No. I like my lungs the way they are.

Only if Betty and Kyra would accompany me!

Wildwood Crest, NJ

Absolutely! Watching the Olympics live is one of the truly enchanting public events you can experience and cheering on your country's athletes in person?Priceless!

Not a chance in Hell! The IOA is corrupt and China should have never been awarded the Olympics. China's abuse of it's own people is to scary for travel there. when you're one in a billion, you have no rights!

China is a magnificent country with a fascinating history and culture. But, no Jack, I not interested in visiting the Olympic Games there. I don't think you'd see life as it really is and that's due to the communistic rule. At least Disneyland lets you know you're entering a fantasy world.

Hi Jack! No Thank you, the pollution is horrific!! I will stay home and watch on TV, without having to use a gas mask

Of course, wouldn't most people if they were granted the chance?

Ordinarily, I like to see things for myself and make up my own mind. But to leave the paradise I live in to go half-way around the world and fight the pollution and the crowds would seem more like a punishment than a vacation. I also don't think governments like China ought to be encouraged or supported in any way. They are a horrible "model" for the rest of the world, politically, economically and environmentally.

I'd love to go. Being from Los Angeles, I'm already used to terrible weather quality. Of course, my dollar doesn't go as far as it used to and I'd have to take out a loan to afford accomodations and such since Olympic events are incredibly pricey.

Jack: I wouldn't mind if someone would foot the bill......but then again I'm at the Beijing Olympics everytime I walk into WAL-MART.....made in China.......and I know how much love you feel for China.....ps....me too.

Back in 2004 I worked for an electronics department that insisted on playing the Olympics on every TV, 24/7. Trust me when I say that the quarterfinal round of floor exercises between Algeria and Denmark has all the inherent excitement of drying paint. Not only would I not go to Beijing if you paid me, I wouldn't go to the Olympics if they were being held in my backyard. Okay, maybe if they were in my backyard, but I can breathe and drink the water there with full peace of mind.

Yes, but only if I can bring a gas mask. But there is always that pesky money problem.

No thanks, I will stick to good the good old home grown smog. Besides, what could I find to eat since they have taken dog off of the menu....Rat on a stick maybe........?

My goodness Jack, is that an invitation your giving me? I'd only go if you were inviting me.

Yes. I'd like to go visit our money and see what China is doing with it. It might be fun to tour some factories and see how all of our products are made too.

Jack

No, because by the time I book air, hotel, tix in the next 10 days, they probably will ban cnn.com access from china and then I would have a miserable 10 days without you.

Let alone walking around in a mask, eating things i cant even spell or spending more money in a country that already controls the US economy

enough....I am happy enough in the good ol' US of A

Krishnan
Atlanta, GA

Yes. In fact Olympics in any country. But only if I can get there in 4 hrs. or less. People are basically the same world over, only governments differ.

Going to any Olympics is still a great honor, visiting China and getting a better perspective on world events is another bonus, but any time you have the opportunity to be present at a location where President Bush appears, you have the chance to be made into a real genius by comparison!

No way I like my colors of red white and blue better than smoggy red

I've visited China, lived in India and Chinas' smell is an improement -, hurray for that !

Smoke NO.. I'll sit home and watch. Thanks.

No, I got enough smog when I lived in the Los Angeles area.

Yes! If it was on your dime. With the increased prices of food, gas, electric and everything else, I'm not sure if I can continue to afford to feed my cat little alone take a vacation. I'll watch the games on television unless it is Pay Per View.

Dave
Burkburnett, Texas

I've give up endorsing sports of any type. I used to be an avid baseball and football fan until they both went on strike in the same year. It was then I lost all respect for the games.
I went on my own strike and they never called me back so I figure they don't really need me anyway.
I come to the conclusion that competition in all aspects of life has led to all of our economic problems and any war that was ever waged (My god is better than your god syndrome.)
But hey, have a good time in China. What's a little emphysema amongst friends.

No. The only thing I have an allergic reaction to is smog. I had to leave California, my birthplace, thirty years ago because of this allergy.
If I went to China I would have a bronchitis attack that I would never recover from.

Geri – Mead,OK

Absolutely NOT! The Chinese get way too much of my money already, I'm not going to bring it over there and deliver it in person. Also, pollution, repression and the fact that 98% of the Olympics consists of sports I NEVER watch anyway..... I won't even watch on TV. cy arlington, va

Jack, I have no desire to visit a country that treats their own with such little dignity, ever.

I'd rather watch it on TV, as long as it isn't Smellavision.

Not particularily, I think the crime rate there is somewhat greater than North America and Americans travelling to China will be huge targets as they will stand out like sore thumbs.

We have a hard enough time putting up with the crime here in North America even though we generally know how it works.

Over there criminals will not be easily recognized.

Lose your passport, credit cards or whatever is in your wallet, then what do you do?

It would have to be a tour in a group and no individual travel.

Jack,

Oh yeah, I'd love to go to the Olympics. I could catch some of the games while breathing in that awesome Beijing smog. Who cares if I permanently destroy my lungs or my breathing capacity?

Jack,

No. Price of fuel is too high.

Jack B.
Bloomington, MN

Not in a million years. Too much smog, no concern for human rights, and Communist. I can't understand why they chose to have the Olympics there–looks dangerous to the health of the athletes.

Sure, I love chinese food.

no,i wouldn't ,i hear the smog there is worse than here in los angeles and besides i value my lungs and also i want nothing to do with a communist country

mmmm let me think mmmm... I'm still thinking
would I want to go... I'm still thinking Jack.... I guess by the time I make up my mind the olympis will be over with.... come to think of it that would be a good ideal.

No, sorry, China is not on my Bucket List!

definitely ,the Chinese came here during our Olympics so we return he favour and also both country suck on human rights

No thanks. I would go if I wanted to see what it was like in 1900 in the U.S. when all the factories belched black smoke. Some people speak of the "good old days" that air wasn't part of it.

I don't care much for the Olympics, I realize that China has some human rights problems, but I would go anyway. I would love to look at the sights, talk to people, go way out into the country and see how they live, eat Chinese food (I realize it probably isn't like OUR Chinese food). and see what there is to see. I wouldn't want to go to Beijing, I'd want to stay as far from those crowds as possible.

Why bother when I have a 47 inch flat screen high def TV to watch....and at home, China can't monitor my computer, give me asthma, or take my personal money...

No everything they make I can buy here at a superstore.

The Olympics is no place for politics, protests, or whining. If I could go I would, and I would not complain about the air quality or my lungs until I’m back here in America.

There are few things I could never say no to. Going to the olympics is one of them. The others: Going to the Super Bowl, World Series, Final Four or BCS Championship. Oh yeah, and having my answer read on the Cafferty file, but that one's up to you Jack, the others would probably be on my dime.

No thanks. Not only is the air quality bad, they removed dog from their menus. What else besides Rat on a stick is left to consume?

The Olympics is a once in a lifetime experience and I would love to go.

Are you kidding Jack? Go in my place and enjoy the smog.

Sure, I'd love to go. After all, they saved our Olympics when the a lot of the world was going to boycott us. I would be happy to return the favor.

In regards to the human rights abuses, we need to remember the spa treatments at Gitmo and our invasion of a country because their leader tried to kill our president's daddy.

I forget, are we the pot or the kettle?

Somerdale, NJ

No !

The Olympics don’t do much for me but I would like to visit China after the games when things get back to normal but not without ample supplies of Imodium, Pepto-Bismo, Benadryl, Advil, water purification tablets and lots of cash or American cigarettes to bribe local officials.

I would love to go. I too believe in Obama's vision and understand that communication with people can be the best ambassador for understanding. I lived in China for a year in Sichuan and I was a great ambassador for America to the common people. Now, there are many that grew to see that not all Americans are what is described by party leaders. In return, I fell in love with the people. I would love to take you in coutry there, Jack. As a fellow Renoite, you too would change your point of view of China and Chinese people.

I would love to go to China but have no interest in seeing the Olympics.

"going to beijing"
jack, no i wouldn't. i work at a factory here in new york, i get enough smoke in my lungs everyday.

alex santiago
brooklyn, ny

No way! The way their air problems are over there I would be dead in a day of breathing it!

Jack, after working in a poor ventilated machine shop for 35 years and breathing in polluted air, I definitely do not need to be exposed to anymore.

YES

Jack – I'd love to visit China just for the experience, and I'd love to see the Games, just not the two of them together. I don't feel that China should have been awarded holding the games there this year. I think they only got them because of the U.S. debt. Maybe we could kill two birds with one stone and give them New Jersey in payment.

I would love to go to China, get a job teaching English for a few years, and learn about a part of ltheir culture at length.

However, if I were teaching in Beijing in August I would not go to the games unless that little Dutch girl who participated in diving a number of years ago were there. Since then, those games have been some sort of a denouement – or, well, maybe I just got older.

China, yes! Olympics, no!

No, who can afford to go? Not everyday Americans, the rich and powerful can go...maybe the Chinese can put them to work capitilizing their country.

Not interested in Olympics period. I have this nagging feeling that the elite use these games to promote their financial interests and the taxpayers foot the bill after the dust settles.

Also I have to wonder what happens to the many thousands of athletes that just fall short of qualifying after dedicating their lives to their respective events. The medalists will do fine with endorsements but they are just a few of the many so my question is where do the many end up?

I live in Texas the air is pretty clean here. They might not let me back in to the state if I go and breath in that nasty polluted air, so I guess that is a big fat NO, for me.

NO.

I think i'll save up for the games in London, thanks. I prefer visiting countries where I have rights.

No Jack. First of all I would practically have to empty out my bank account to go. Secondly the threat of air pollution and demonstrations could make it a nightmare.
The Olympics have become way to politized over the years. There should be permanent sights held in as neutral countries as possible. Switzerland would be the obvious choice for the winter games and perhaps Canada for the summer games.

Jack –

My idea of an ideal vacation is not spendig it with a billion of my best friends. I can see what I want to see on TV.

I would love to visit China someday, just not during the olympics.

If I went to the Beijing Olympics, I would take up smoking so I could get my air through a filter. – Mike

It wouldn't be worth the expense and the hassle to get there. Besides, you can see the events better on TV, and don't have to put up with the police-state atmosphere or the killer smog levels. Also, personal security, or lack of it, would be a big issue in Communist China.

Sure Jack, That's on my "To Do" list. It's right up there with attending lectures by McCain and Bush, on how to manage my money.
M Gallo N.Y.

We can't change where the Olymics are located... It's in Beijing. With that being said, we can't allow the location to cheapen the spirit of the games. The Olympics could be held in Darfur, and that still wouldn't change the fact that they are still the Olympics. I realize that its an extreme example, but our athletes train for years just for this opportunity. For us not to support them during the time when they need it the most is a crime against the unity the games try to bring to all of us. I would go... GO TEAM USA!!!

Clint
Harrison, AR

Nah.
I’ll watch the Olympics on TV, plus I’ve got everything I need from China right here at my local Wal-Mart, and without all of that horrible smog.

El Paso, Texas

Jack, I'd rather watch the Olympics on TV. You get the best view that way, and you don't have to worry about travel expensive or pollution.

Heck no, cough cough cough.

Of course I would want to go to this multicultural, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Polictics should not be a part of this event. We should find a way to include as many countries as possible, even those we don't agree with most of the time. It is a wonderful way to expose ourselves to each other.

Toronto should have won those games since they had the better plan, will make a profit, and don't have the political and health problems that China has.

I would love to attend Olympic events. I would love to return to China. However,I don't think I would want to be in that already crowded city during the Olympics. The city is unimaginably large – is it 11 or 13 million people? The pollution wasn't bad when I was there in October. I loved the Chinese people – I don't care for their government, but the people are like people everywhere – they want to be happy and to spend a little more money than they have. (They embrace capitalism with great enthusiasm.) They are very proud of their culture and they like show it off to visitors. I found the parts of the city where our tour guide took us to be spotlessly clean. The Forbidden City was very interesting (to me) and I was absolutely overwhelmed by The Great Wall. My conception of China changed completely after our visit.

OK I'll moderate. The new ad for John McCain featuring Brittany and Paris brings to min questions regarding the kind of people he is willing to hire to get his message across.

I'm packing right now!!! Thanks Jack!!!!!

This sounds like another time share gimmick. No thanks.

No not in China. But, I'm one that thinks that there should be a permeant site back in Greece where it all started. All countries could help pay for it. Maybe then there could be a chance to get some of the commercialism and politics out of the Olympics.

I don't support repressive Communist regimes.

Jack, I can care less if you don't like it.I saved all of my vacations to watch this beautiful event in china.

Jack,

Yes I would as its one of the events in this world where politics and Religon dont matter, as its a tribute to the young athletes from all over the world, so this is their game and everyone should let them play it.

William N.B. Canada.

No I wouldn't go to Beijing to watch the Olympics. If I wanted a truly polluted Olympic experience, I would rather drive a few miles to the Olympic Training Center and watch the athletes practice while my lips are wrapped around my exhaust pipe. But that would cost too much money to let my car sit at idle that long.

Jack,
The only reason I would go to that cesspool of a country for the Olympics is so I could sit next to President Bush and mock him. O' boy would that be well worthwhile...

C.I., New York

I was at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984, so I know the magnificence of the experience. But now? Absolutely not. I shudder to think of the background checks and investigations that Homeland Security would undertake in connection with such a trip. 4 Different agencies would open files and gather information and intercept phone calls and emails prior to granting approval. Since the Bil of Rights has been unofficially suspended I'll just stay home and watch it on TV.

Not on your life or mine! But, we should send Bush, McShame, Cheney and their whole cancerous group!

No, Jack, I wouldn't. I can't see putting money into that country and my lungs probably couldn't stand the polution.

i visited china last year and the pollution in beijing did not really seem that bad too me. it is a beautiful country and the people were very nice and friendly. i did not like the long flights over there though. and i would suggest to any american who is going that you make sure you do not get into a chinese taxi unless you are certain your life insurance is up to date. everyone drives like a maniac there but the cab drivers are completely insane.

Why not Jack? Maybe we could find some good American food.

Kenneth Chadbourn, N.C.

Yes. That would that be an expensive plane ticket.

no thanks, Jack. if I want poisonous air, questionable Chinese food, people that can not or will not speak English and nasty policemen I can just go to Los Angeles.

Jack, from the way it looks, I would love to go as long as I would be provided with an air filtration (portable) system and or an oxygen tank.

NO! I live close to LA and that smog is bad enough. I also feel that's not the safest place on earth.

No. I would go to Detroit before I'd go to Beijing.

Of course – who wouldn't want to support their country? But I think it's very sad that because of regulations on political protesting at the games – from a country that considers itself to have 'free speech' – that we will never again see such emotion as displayed by Carlos and Smith in the '68 games. They were heroes in their own right, and it is a shame that we will never be inspired in such a way again.

- Chris M, Apple Valley, MN

Jack, I would rather see you go with Nancy Pelosi. You need a break.

Don't want to go....not planning to watch. Maybe hitting them in the pocketbook with low ratings will guide some media decision makers to have socal awareness. In the end this will help the IOC as they want to follow the money as well.

Absolutely not! Considering the exhorbinant number of counterfeit products of all types coming out of China, you have to wonder if these are going to be Counterfeit Olympic Games.

Jack

Gas and the hassels of transportation, (bags lost, costing an arm and leg for each)

It's like paying child support for your baggage. LOL

Anyway, the expense is too much when you have cable at 10 dollars a day.

And the latest reason I'd not want to go was just reported on CNN's main news sites: internet access in Bejing is being censored or blocked. Not a good indication that anything that could remotely be considered derogatory of the Chinese government will be making it out of the country THAT way!

China, a free China, I'd love to see...this travesty of an outdated Communist government that is so hypocritical as to go back on their word to the IOC, I have no desire to support.

I'd very much like to visit China, but I'd rather go when the government isn't so nervous and anxious and when there isn't a golden opportunity for something dangerous to happen because of the increased attention being placed on China.

I have never been interested in traveling abroad, especially to China. I like to be in the comfort of my own home watching the gazillion hours of olympic coverage on tv . There's enough spying going on in this country. I don't need it in China,too.

Why go? I can get tainted food, medicine and toys right here, along with air pollution and cheap Chinese products. In fact' that's about all I can get here, junk from China! I pity the athletes!!

I will Jack. But only if the TV news anchors that travelled with Senator Obama will come travel with me.

Hi Jack,

If I had tons of money and could go first class, I would love to go to China for the Olympics. But, since I don't, I will have to depend on NBC and the other networks covering the games to give me my Olympic thrill.

Jack,

Go and do what, breath that toxic air? No thank you, I will watch what I want from the TV.

I want to go to the Bejing Olympics about as badly as I would have wanted to go to East Berlin during the Cold War.

Monitoring web traffic in hotels, detaining bloggers.......sounds like something the Stasi would have done had the internet been available behind the Iron Curtain.

In a word: NO

Even though Communist China is of course Communist, I'd still go even though the smog will most likely shave a couple of years off my life and the fact I will have a Chinese officer breathing down my neck every waking second while both of us are wondering how did China ever got the right to host the olympics.

Sure! I'll call my travel agent. After Beijing I'll make stops in Baghdad, Kandahar and North Korea too.

I would not go to China to attend the Olympics.

Hey Jack, I would like to, but I like to know where my president stays first.

Ya right? I wouldn't want to be a victim of anything and end up in there custody. Just remember I wouldn't have no security privacy for my idenity because all it takes is that credit card swipe and my info. may be hack and released. No way Jose

Gabriel Rodriguez
Glendale,AZ

Hotel spyware? I'd be too afraid they'd find out what kind of porn I'm into. Ha. But on a serious note, all travel is an eye opening learning experience. Being able to experience the situation there (good or bad) would give you more room to discuss it, rather than sit in a TV station half way around the world and just make assumptions about experience.

How is the China hotel spying different than Bush and the telecomms wiretapping my internet activity without a warrant?

They don't have a Constitution and the Republicans ignore ours.

Only if they let me throw out the first javelin.

Tapping phone conversations, intercepting e-mails, imprisoning people without charges. it used to be the hallmarks of communism that Presidents from Jack Kennedy to Ronald Reagan fought against. Unfortunately in George Bush's America, it doesn't sound so foreign anymore, does it?

No. There's enough corruption and chaos in the States. Why would I want to dish out thousands of dollars for meager accomodations equipped with spyware? No thanks!

yes, just to learn, listen and see that part of the world and the people.

Get off your high horse, Jack. I've lived in China and yes they do censor the Internet, kind of like Bush's wiretapping program except they focused mainly on keeping immoral content off the Internet, like porn.
You shouldn't worry though because China is becoming Capitalistic very quickly and soon all the smog will be shipped off to Mongolia.

Not when the smog looks like coastal fog. The wrong city
for a athletic event.

Simply....nope

I would like to go for the adventure and spirit of the games. I'm hoping the Americans who do attend the Olympics come home with a new appreciation of their country. Having visited many countries around the world, I laugh when people talk about how polluted and corrupt the US is.

Hell No. China does not represent anything the Olympics are suppose to represent. The IOC was easily fooled into thinking China is a "caring partner." In the end commnism is still communism no matter how pretty China sweetens up their image.

I'm writing in from Greenville, SC. I lived/worked in China for a year and a half on two separate occasions in 2000 and 2002. I would go back for the olympics to see the athletes perform, even though I do not agree with the "limitations" China has put forth. I prefer (right or wrong of me) to not use the olympics for any political agenda. On any given day, one can choose to visit China or not based on politics. Why has it become such an issue now (because of the international attention that comes with the games) and not so much before (or after as you will see). I don't see where China is doing much of anything different than it usually does, it just happens to be put right on our front porch now. On some of the issues mentioned, China has actually lightened up for the games even though it doesn't seem so to people who have never lived there. All these rules sound so smothering to the West, while the Chinese live it everyday and for the majority of them, it feels normal even if it is not liked. China the country is beautiful and the Chinese people are welcoming and friendly despite the suffocating government policies they live under. By the way, until you have eaten Gou Rou (go ro, dog meat), don't knock it...it's delicious in noodle soup!!!

Not unless they're going to offer a product endorsement contract to me. Isn't it just a free vacation to the well-heeled crowd of swimming pool owners, yacht owners, horse owners, archery/gun land owners, etc.?

I'm guessing privacy in web browsing is limited... What are they planning to do with this information on the web? Try to identify people that are going to commit an illegal act ? Millions of other use it to search for information on the town... So looking up and researching local hotspots for the night may indicate that you are a terrorist plotting to blow up a populated area but in fact you just want to know where the local hang out is to go drink.

WTF... NO CAMERA'S... That is really stupid not to be able to bring a camera to take pictures.... We're tourist wanting to capture the moment but to them I'm guessing they think that we would take picture to plan or thwart an event with a bang....

I wouldn't want to go there since the no camera, the drinking limitation, the web browser pyware, no bottle of water or soft drink...(their plan is to make money with that and suck people dry of their money and have it at over inflated prices). The dog meat??? huh??? I really don't care or would want to consume such a product... but the ban for them seems over the top... and all the bans that they are imposing is ruining the world uniting I'm going to cancel my flight to see the Olympics and just watch it in the comfort of my own home naked drunk and without my gas masked..

Woodbridge, NJ

The awful problem of polution aside, the culture of spitting at will whenever and wherever, filthy bathrooms, dog on the menu just to name a few makes China the last place I would want to go for any reason much less the Olympics.  In a word hell no!!!!!!!

What, no dog meat being served during the Olympics!!!!
Say it isn't so!!! But will I still be able to get a good
Blowfish meal is what I want to know.

The spirit of the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part; the essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well. If i may quote Morgan Freeman, "There are 6 billion of us. We all come from unique places with unique ways of looking at the world. We don't always agree. But for a shining few weeks we set it all aside. We come together to stand and cheer and celebrate as one. We forget all the things that make us different and remember all the things that make us the same."
E pluribus unum – God Bless America, God Bless the World.

Jack,

Before i make a comment, i just want to say love your show.To be honest with you, even if i am offered an all expense paid trip to the Bejing Olympics, i won't attend.Chinese government has just proven to the world that, they donot care about humans and their rights.But they expect to be treated as humans when they travel to other foriegn countries.I think the world and USA in particular should set an example an boycott the Olympics. They are not different from countries like north Korea, Zambabwe etc....just to name a few.

atlanta,ga

No thanks! The treatment of humans and animals alike is abysmal. We can experience China right here in the US with tainted drugs, poisoned pet food and leaded kids' toys. When Bejing was decided upon, the committee forgot to consider the atheletes' lungs. We have had over a month of smoky air here from the fires in California, and every time I see a clip of Bejing it looks worse than the day we had a level 2 alert.
What does one eat there? I would be afraid to eat the food or drink the water.
And don't forget to remind viewers that "fake" fur trims on clothing made in China is often dog or cat fur.
Need I say more?