While IOC repeatedly denounces the political protests, it fails to realize the history of the Olympics in marred in political controversy. Governments have stakes in their athletes, and stand to benefit economically and socially. The legislative actions of past host countries have led to serious ethical and civil rights violations.

While the IOC made clear it’s guidelines for how the host country should conduct itself, it turns a blind eye when it comes to enforcement. The condition of unfetter access to the global internet still hasn’t been satisfied, with easily the most obvious terms blocked. The mass displacement of residents for tourists is another sign of the trampled guidelines.

While legislation recently calls for a dialog between China and Tibet, the official response of China was not surprising “Unequivocally No”.

While thankfully the protests in San Francisco were peaceful, the phrase recently coined by the media is surprisingly fitting. Being dubbed the “Torch of Shame” was the Olympic torch as it played a game of hide-and-seek with the public. As if to defeat the purpose of a “public” ceremony, the mayor of San Francisco decided it was best to smuggle the torch through the city as quietly as possible and on to its next destination. The fact that the torch now requires body guards and secret routes speaks volumes of the lack of judgment by the IOC.

Faced with protests, torch bodyguards, forced extinguishments, poor air quality, secret routes, governmental boycotts, incarcerated monks, and the overall disapproval from every human rights group, the IOC will not admit its made an error. While the Olympic Games will pass, the lingering consequences will probably haunt the IOC for decades to come.