I have been watching the Beijing Olympics with more than a passing interest. I've been fascinated with China since I was a kid. I've particularly enjoyed getting a glimpse of China beyond the competitions.

China has held a special place in my family lore. Some of my fondest memories of my dad were when he would talk about his adventures in China during World War II when he was stationed there in the Army Air Corps.

The connection to China goes even further back. To my grandmother's everlasting regret, she used to threaten my dad when he was a small boy and misbehaving that she would send him to a Chinese family that lived nearby. Apparently, to an Idaho boy in the 1920s, that was enough to prompt immediate good behavior.

When my grandmother learned that Dad was being shipped to China for the war, it mortified her and she never forgave herself. Dad said it never really bothered him, and that he found China both interesting and depressing.

Most of his stories about China were either adventurous or humorous. He described in detail the fierce lightning and thunderstorms that would roll over the base, causing everyone's hair to literally stand on end. In the air control tower, which was constantly assaulted by lightning strikes, he described how the room would be electrically charged as the bolts of electricity would shoot down the ground wires.

He would have us all laughing as he described their frantic races to a nearby cave that served as a bomb shelter during Japanese attacks. He said that after a few of these attacks, he and his buddies quit going to the cave because the Japanese were such poor bombers. They figured they were safer staying put because the Japanese never hit what they were aiming at.

Another story was about an ill-fated deer-hunting trip. He said he and his buddies discovered there were small deer in the surrounding mountains and thought a little venison would be a nice change from their regular Army diet.

Their hunting ended after the first shot. Dad said people started popping out from behind almost every tree. They quickly retreated, fearing they might shoot someone.

Mixed with all of his stories was an element of sadness. The poverty among the Chinese people was so oppressive and widespread that, by the end of his time there, he would seldom leave the base. It got so bad and dangerous that they were under orders never to leave the base alone or unarmed. Those orders were issued after a soldier left the base alone and was later found stabbed to death and stripped of everything he had.

Like most who served in World War II, Dad seldom talked about his experiences. That's why they probably stick out so much in my memories because they were so rare. I can't say for sure how he felt about the Chinese people, but I do know he thought the conditions were so appalling that the only way out was an authoritarian government.

As I watch the Olympics, I wonder what he'd think about China in 2008. I wonder if he ever could have envisioned China as a world power. Could he imagine the progress the Chinese have made socially, economically, technologically?

I'm sure he wouldn't be surprised by China's lousy human rights record. He probably would think it would be worse than it is. Of all the changes that have occurred in the 60-plus years since his service there, the thing I think would impress him most would be the change in the people.

It is mind-boggling to think about how far the people have come. The transformation of millions of people from a life of ignorance and poverty to an educated, technologically advanced citizenry of a nation on the rise in such a short period of time is almost inconceivable.

There is still much to be concerned about with China. It remains a communist-ruled nation. The government continues to be oppressive to its own people as well as others. But the rapid progress it has made presents a dicey proposition for the government. The Chinese people are progressing faster than the communist government can keep pace. One can only wonder how long it will be until they shed that vestige of their past.

The Olympics have not only allowed us to get a good look at China, they also have provided us with a glimpse of the future.

— Joe R. Howry is editor of The Star. He can be reached by phone at 437-0200 or by e-mail at jhowry@VenturaCountyStar.com.