Despite Recent Negativity, Olympics Hold Inspirations

Despite recent negativity about the upcoming Olympics, there is still alot of inspiration to hold on to.  Our athletes did not choose the locale of the Olympics, and they deserve our support.  These men and women have trained most of their lives for a chance to compete in the games.

 

The video is about Ryan Hall, a US man, who at the time, was training for the Olympic Trails in marathon.  Not only did he make the Olympic team, he won the race and broke a record.

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Ross
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I agree. If we want to make our voices heard regarding China's actions, protesting the Olympics is not the best way to do it. Let's hear it for all the athletes who have been working so hard to make it to the pinnacle of their sports' contests.
Lady Ozma
There is negativity toward the Olympics? Why? I have to admit I don't follow sports-related stuff so I don't even know where the Olympics are. Only reason I know there are olympics is because somewhere in the back of my head I know that election year means olympics. I usually just rent a lot of DVDs during olympic season.

Seems silly to be upset about anything. The Olympics move around the world so that everywhere gets to host it. Everyone deserves to host it. As a dancer with 18 years of training behind me (why is this not an olympic sport? Maybe I'd watch if they had my sport) I know how hard those athletes work. They deserve the respect and admiration for their dedication and hard work. I may not watch the things, but those people have my utmost respect. Let them do their thing in peace. Sheesh.
JudgeBob
OK then, let me catch you up. The Olympics are being held in Peking er, excuse me, Bejing China. People are upset about China's human rights violations so they have been protesting everywhere the flame goes, trying to put the fire out, try to take the baton the fire is on, etc., The main complaint is China's treatment of the Tibetans, but there are lots of human rights violations to protest. I probably don't have to go down the list for you. Some have called for the president to forgo the Olympics, he has made no comments on the matter, but no president has ever attended the Olympics outside the U.S. This would be a bad way to set a precedent. I don't think the competitors should boycott this session, but I wouldn't go as leader of the free world.
Lady Ozma
Seems to me that there's some human rights violations in other countries that probably shouldn't be griping. Just my personal view. I just think there's plenty of countries that could be doing more than they are so *shrug*

China's problems have been around for a long time, far longer than the planning for the olympics. Why are people in an uproar NOW? Seems this is just another complaint du jour for people who just need to realize there's more than The Daily Show out there.

Is China perfect? No. But neither are we or Russia or anywhere else. Those athletes still deserve respect and support. They have nothing to do with politics. Frankly the Olympics deal with more than just politics.

As for the president, does anyone really want him at the Olympics? Heck he threw out the first pitch at the Nationals first game in their new stadium a few weeks back to boos and the like. I would think the president should just skip it just because he's surely got more important things to do.
Blockhead
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People who wish to boycott the olympics,just because they are

located in China this time,are simply hypocrites.Especially Americans,

the display in San Francisco was a disgusting disply of this,on a par with

the code pinkos and the city of berkely.They bitch about China's domestic

policies,and at the same time love Chinese restaurants and clog wal-mart

parking lots to fill their SUV's with cheap Chinese goods.They don't seem to

care about the athletes themselves,who devote entire lifetimes to their

sport just for the chance to be an olympian,they just wish to make

themselves feel good.Seems like everywhere the torch goes,it

is besieged by these types,who would not be making such a stink if the

olympics were being held in their countries.The Chinese have gone to

great lengths to accomodate this event,Ross is right,if one does not

like Chinese domestic policy,there are better ways to show it besides

robbing young athletes of a lifelong persuit.These athletes don't get any younger

in the 4 years it takes for them to get another chance.

Elton Moose

It is my hope that the repression of Christians will cease. We buy much goods from China that is probably produced by imprisoned Christians. I agree, we need to think of the athlets before anything else.

It is so sad what has happened to China. They had the gospel in the 1800's, but rejected it and look where they are today. In spite of the imprisonment of pastor's the house churches are thriving in China.

bluesingincat
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I agree that trying to protest the Olympic flame isn't the way to go either. China's treatment of Tibetans should be addressed directly through diplomatic channels. It would be more effective anyway.
joezsgopamerica
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GREAT STUFF !
Patricia Volonakis Davis

if one does not like Chinese domestic policy,there are better ways to show it besides robbing young athletes of a lifelong persuit.These athletes don't get any younger n the 4 years it takes for them to get another chance.

Very well said in my opinion and sums up what everyone said here, more or less. . I don't like China's human rights record. And perhaps we should examine the motivations of the Olympic Committee more closely in choosing China. It was ill-timed to say the least and smacks of bribery, perhaps. Yet, every time we've had an Olympic boycott or interference, it accomplishes nothing except to destroy an athlete's career. I, for one have a lot of respect for what athletes bring to the human spirit and for their dedication, intensely hard work and willingness to excel. And these are the people who get punished, not the ones who ave violating the human rights.

Well, I said the same thing Blockhead said, but it took me twice as long. Who's the real blockhead, then? I guess - me.

Blockhead

LOL,"Blockhead" is what I use as an internet "Handle" because of

what I do for a living,which is Masonry construction.

Thank You for the kind words,though.

Patricia Volonakis Davis
You're welcome, indeed. I meant them. I have a son who is in construction in Colorado. Not masonry, though. He is working under a contractor, building homes. He absolutely loves it so far, though he's only been at it for two years.
Blockhead

I'm not a contractor either,just a Mason by trade.In fact,unemployed

as We speak,I hope things pick up soon down here.I've seen in the

internet where there is a demand for stone and bricklayers in Colorado

still,damn temped to move up there,but that would be hard to

implement,and I'd only come running back down here in November

anyway,LOL Hate the cold.

Patricia Volonakis Davis

I have trouble in the cold, too. That's why it was a bit of a disappointment that three out of four of my sons are so far amking Colorado their permanent home. However, I will brave the cold to see them.

I know building work is slow right now, but it looks like things will be back on the upswing soon. Stay put and keep warm. ; )

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