As we marveled at the Beijing opening ceremonies, many of us felt that competitive drive to show how the US could also wow and inspire the world with our presentations and organization for the 2016 games. To see so many people divided over these games makes me worry about how America views itself.
When has the Olympics ever been about money? Sure they cost a pretty penny, and maybe cause some inconvenience to the locals as their infrastructure gets an overhaul. But where is the sense of honor? The sense of pride? I remember going to the Atlanta Games as a kid, and watching my parent's homeland of India face their rival Pakistan in an epic field hockey match that resulted in a tie. I remember walking around Atlanta, near the Olympic village and meeting Shaquille O Neal, and Grant Hill....and also remember waking up in the hotel and reading the newspaper, about the bombing....which happened in the exact spot we were standing about 2 hours before we left. But the games went on.
Are we that shaken, and divided that we think the olympic games need this much skepticism? What has shaken our confidence? Does Brazil have a better economy than Chicago? I doubt it....there are some of the worst slums on earth there. And everyone in that country will gladly clean up their act because they realize how much of an honor it is to be that place where sportsmanship and true talent can thrive.
I am happy for Brazil, but very disappointed at the reaction of everyone who didn't give this bid a chance because of traffic concerns, taxes because it would lead to more corruption. Stop being dorks.
Republicans have completely lost this country's purpose, if they think rooting against an American Bid for the olympics is a good idea. Bad move republicans, you will suffer politically.