Spirit of the Olympics
I walked past a bank recently and saw a long queue outside. It turned out that people were queuing for the newly designed Olympic banknotes.
The banknotes were printed to commemorate the Beijing Games.
I think all Chinese people feel honoured about the Games being held in Beijing and many would want to get the banknotes as a souvenir. But is it really all about national pride?
I believe some people are out to make a profit. They plan to sell the banknotes at a higher price later. This would destroy the message behind those banknotes - the Olympic spirit.
People should not use the banknotes to make money.
Lorraine Lo
From the Editor
Thank you for your heartfelt letter, Lorraine. It is true that many people are only getting the banknotes to sell at a higher price later.
Banks, and post offices, release limited editions of notes or stamps to commemorate special occasions. Once those occasions are over, the items gain value and are traded on the market.
I don't think you should feel bad about this. It means the legacy of the Beijing Olympics will live on all over the world for a long time, rather than being put away in someone's bottom drawer or tossed out into the rubbish as with most 'souvenirs'.
In a few years' time, the colour will fade from Fuwa dolls, the sticks will long be broken on flags, and fridge magnets and T-shirts will be headed for the trash bin.
However, the Olympic banknotes and stamps will be well preserved and so will the spirit of the Games.
Susan, Editor
