With all the media hype about Armstrong's Tour de France win Sunday it's disappointing that there hasn't been much MSM coverage of his remarks about Iraq. Luckily for us, Dave Zirin's
Edge of Sports column fills in the details...
"Lance is an incredible inspiration to people from all walks of life, and he has lifted the spirits of those who face life's challenges," Bush said about the fellow Texan and "old friend". "He is a true champion."
Wow...kind words from our president concerning Lance's latest triumph. Funny to hear this praise from Bush considering Lance Armstrong's comments about the war in Iraq....more below the fold.
"The biggest downside to a war in Iraq is what you could do with that money," Armstrong said through gritted teeth. "What does a war in Iraq cost a week? A billion? Maybe a billion a day? The budget for the National Cancer Institute is four billion. That has to change. Polls say people are much more afraid of cancer than of a plane flying into their house or a bomb or any other form of terrorism." His timing was fortuitous. A report came out of the Congressional Budget Office the next day that indicated the war in Iraq will cost more - adjusted for 2005 dollars - than any war since the Second World War, with a price tag that may near 800 billion dollars.
Zirin always writes inciteful commentary about sports and politics, and this week's column is no exception. He challenges Lance to take the logical next step...
... Armstrong should ride among the critical mass bikers and anti-war couriers at the national anti-war protests on September 24th in Washington, DC. Consider this an invite, Lance. Consider this a way to continue to "live strong."
Sounds like a good idea to me...if you think so as well you can
suggest it to Lance via his
Livestrong web site.