Is it just me, or is the sociopolitical environment of Beijing 2008 an awful lot like Berlin 1936?

Minus the troops on display with goosestepping boots; perhaps your observations is correct. Stories of visitors are very similar. In essence they all agree that China in Beijing, did a wonderful job with the Olympic venues. However; as most visitor are inclined, would like to venture and see other aspects of China. What was allowed appeared sterile. The same scenario indicated historically from those who encounter the Berlin Games under Nazi control.