China wants this coming-out party to be the greatest show ever held, but fake fireworks, lip-synching, and fielding pubescent girl gymnasts by faking their ages (and whatever else they are doing to dominate the medals) cast China's whole Olympics into question ("Olympic opening uses girl's voice, not face, igniting 'lip-synching' scandal," Tribune, Aug. 12). It's institutionalized cheating, right up there with doping!

According to Bloomberg.com: "Minutes before the ceremony, directors replaced a 7-year-old singer with an older girl considered prettier, musical director Chen Qigang told Bei-jing Radio on Aug. 10. 'The reason was for the nation's interest. The child on camera should be flawless in image, internal feelings, and expression.'" Like the rest of their athletes? This whole show is for the consumption of China's billions, who are censored from knowing real-world news and how the world perceives this repressive government.

I celebrate honest athletes from every nation and cheer the honest accomplishments of legitimate competitors, but as for showcasing the People's Republic of China, they merely demonstrate they are still a secretive, deceitful dictatorship.

L. Cameron Mosher

Salt Lake City