Posted by DipNote Bloggers on Aug 08, 2008 - 01:57 PM
![2008 olympic games opening ceremony in Beijing, China August 8, 2008. [AP photo]](http://blogs.state.gov/images/UNGA/field/2008_0808_olympics_bh_m.jpg)
To what extent are the Olympic Games more than an athletic competition?
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Question of the Week: To What Extent Are the Olympic Games More Than an Athletic Competition?
Posted by DipNote Bloggers on Aug 08, 2008 - 01:57 PM
August 8, 2008 marked the opening of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, officially known as the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, in a ceremony viewed on television by more than an estimated one billion people worldwide. About 11,000 athletes from 205 countries and other areas will compete in this year's Games.
To what extent are the Olympic Games more than an athletic competition?
Posted by DipNote Bloggers on Aug 08, 2008 - 01:57 PM
To what extent are the Olympic Games more than an athletic competition?
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Eric in New Mexico writes:
For China it would seem that the hosting of the Olympics is their great national "coming out" party on an international social level.
The more China interacts with the rest of the world, the more they will have to adapt to meet its challenges and accept that they too are an interactive society that is inherently on the march towards becoming a free society as an inevitably by product of the basic common desires of all individuals for a better life.
Posted on Fri Aug 15, 2008
For China it would seem that the hosting of the Olympics is their great national "coming out" party on an international social level.
The more China interacts with the rest of the world, the more they will have to adapt to meet its challenges and accept that they too are an interactive society that is inherently on the march towards becoming a free society as an inevitably by product of the basic common desires of all individuals for a better life.
Posted on Fri Aug 15, 2008
Eric in New Mexico writes:
@ Zharkov in U.S.A. -- Zharkov wrote:
NATO isn't the problem, America isn't the problem. Independance of former Soviet states isn't the problem, nor their limited defensive capabilities.
If Russia's fear of freedom of others is manifest as armed oposition to it, then it's like holding a gun to their own head and saying, "Stop or I'll shoot."
Hope they find the courage in time to get a grip on their fear before they have real reason to be concerned by whatever collective therapy may be forthcoming from the U.S. and EU as a result of their actions.
Their perceptions are getting them into trouble.
Posted on Fri Aug 15, 2008
@ Zharkov in U.S.A. -- Zharkov wrote:
"Russians are more frightened and suspicious of the Western powers than we are of them. This is why ordinary Russians demand strong leaders for Russia. They still relive the Nazi invasion of Russia as if it happened yesterday. Russians are afraid of invasion today. Nearly every Russian has a relative who died in WWII."Look Zharkov, don't you think 65 years of collective paranoia is enough? Folks should be demanding group therapy, not fear-based leadership that can only draw example from the last century to deal with problems in this one.
NATO isn't the problem, America isn't the problem. Independance of former Soviet states isn't the problem, nor their limited defensive capabilities.
If Russia's fear of freedom of others is manifest as armed oposition to it, then it's like holding a gun to their own head and saying, "Stop or I'll shoot."
Hope they find the courage in time to get a grip on their fear before they have real reason to be concerned by whatever collective therapy may be forthcoming from the U.S. and EU as a result of their actions.
Their perceptions are getting them into trouble.
Posted on Fri Aug 15, 2008
Roger in Florida writes:
@ Ronald in New York and Stanley in Texas -- I've been enjoying these Olympic Games (Go Team USA!) but I can't help but agree with you. I understand that corporate endorsements help make the Games possible...but has it gone too far? I guess economics trumps politics (again). Read about Coca-Cola's "Red Around the World" campaign in "Coca Cola's Communist Tribute" by Mike Boyer at http://blog.foreignpolicy.com/node/8697.
Couldn't have said it better than Boyer myself:
"I'm all for the forces of capitalism and target-specific marketing. But somehow, kowtowing to Beijing by trumpeting the spread of Communist red just doesn't feel like a victory to me."
Posted on Fri Aug 15, 2008
@ Ronald in New York and Stanley in Texas -- I've been enjoying these Olympic Games (Go Team USA!) but I can't help but agree with you. I understand that corporate endorsements help make the Games possible...but has it gone too far? I guess economics trumps politics (again). Read about Coca-Cola's "Red Around the World" campaign in "Coca Cola's Communist Tribute" by Mike Boyer at http://blog.foreignpolicy.com/node/8697.
Couldn't have said it better than Boyer myself:
"I'm all for the forces of capitalism and target-specific marketing. But somehow, kowtowing to Beijing by trumpeting the spread of Communist red just doesn't feel like a victory to me."
Posted on Fri Aug 15, 2008
Ron in New York writes:
Olympic values...
McDonald's is the "Official Restaurant" of the Beijing Olympics!
Posted on Fri Aug 15, 2008
Olympic values...
McDonald's is the "Official Restaurant" of the Beijing Olympics!
Posted on Fri Aug 15, 2008
Zharkov in U.S.A. writes:
Assume you saw your next door neighbor coming home from work every night with an armload of new automatic weapons, cases of ammunition, gas masks, night vision equipment, etc. Would you not worry about this development?
Russians are more frightened and suspicious of the Western powers than we are of them. This is why ordinary Russians demand strong leaders for Russia. They still relive the Nazi invasion of Russia as if it happened yesterday. Russians are afraid of invasion today. Nearly every Russian has a relative who died in WWII.
Russians trust Germany more than America, because, according to them, President Reagan promised President Gorbachev not to expand NATO toward Russia and every American president since then has broken that promise, among others, most Russians believe, rightly or wrongly, that NATO is an American puppet organization created to carry out American policy in Europe.
After the Soviet collapse, Russia was in chaos and Russians were frightened for the future and extremely suspicious of Western intentions. They still are anxious about their future today, and despite their bravado in their news media, they understand that they are not militarily strong compared with America or China, and never were, despite having nuclear weapons. Outside of Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia is mostly small farms and villages similar to America of the 1920's. In some parts of Russia, they still drive horse carts.
Russians believe western powers are intent on breaking up Russia into controllable regions to exploit their natural resources. We may find it strange, but Russians believe that the US government intends to pave the way for western oil companies to take over Russian oil fields, Russian mines, and Western control over Russian territory.
When an entire nation has this kind of mindset, one moves slowly and carefully in order not to send the wrong message. Quickly encircling Russia with NATO members is definitely the wrong message and Secretary Rice knows this, but as you say, there is little time left and the Bush Administration is rushing far too quickly for the Russian mind to comprehend.
Russians don't believe Georgia's leaders were properly elected in a fair election and they see Georgia's government as another US puppet regime. Under the circumstances, the best foreign policy would have been to accomodate Russian leaders and back away from encircling them with NATO members and missile bases. I think there are enough countries that hate American leaders today without adding to the list.
The Russians say Georgian troops started this war. Even if one disbelieves their version and assumes they set up a provocation in order to invade Georgia, some fault for this war falls on the Bush Administration for pushing Russia into a corner with broken American promises about not expanding NATO into Eastern Europe, unwanted missile bases near Russia's border, severing Kosovo from Serbia, a constant barrage of criticism from the U.S. State Department about Russia's political structure, and more. Russians view the murder of Russian soldiers and deliberate attack on Russian citizens by Georgian military forces as the last straw.
President Bush and Secretary Rice had been warned about Georgia repeatedly by Putin, and they ignored the warnings, and they just don't seem to "get it" that Putin wasn't bluffing when he said if the trend continues, Russia will be forced to react. Obviously, Georgia joining NATO would be unacceptable and Russia would rather occupy Georgia than have NATO occupy Georgia.
Now all of this could have been avoided if Mr. Bush had shown only a tiny bit of understanding of the Russian psyche and offered even a trace of courtesy by agreeing to forget the missile shield, reunite Kosovo with Serbia, and stop meddling in Russia's backyard. Encourage democracy yes, but stop fixing elections so that "our guy" wins. The US government should get real, get honest, get some integrity, and get the CIA out of foreign election campaigns.
I cannot blame Russia for reacting to what they perceive to be a genocide against their own citizens in Georgia. The problem is not what Russia is doing, but how the US is reacting to it.
I think that without NATO membership dangled before Saakashvili, Russians would ignore Georgia. We pep them up, cheer them on, and then sit in the spectator stand while Georgians get killed, and we have to stop doing this.
We can sell tiny nations the weapons they want without promising to defend them if they become aggressive. We don't have to make mutual defense agreements just because we want a missile base in their country.
Mutual defense and arms sales are two separate issues. We don't have to commit our sons and daughters to a future slaughter in order to sell a few thousand rifles.
Posted on Thu Aug 14, 2008
Assume you saw your next door neighbor coming home from work every night with an armload of new automatic weapons, cases of ammunition, gas masks, night vision equipment, etc. Would you not worry about this development?
Russians are more frightened and suspicious of the Western powers than we are of them. This is why ordinary Russians demand strong leaders for Russia. They still relive the Nazi invasion of Russia as if it happened yesterday. Russians are afraid of invasion today. Nearly every Russian has a relative who died in WWII.
Russians trust Germany more than America, because, according to them, President Reagan promised President Gorbachev not to expand NATO toward Russia and every American president since then has broken that promise, among others, most Russians believe, rightly or wrongly, that NATO is an American puppet organization created to carry out American policy in Europe.
After the Soviet collapse, Russia was in chaos and Russians were frightened for the future and extremely suspicious of Western intentions. They still are anxious about their future today, and despite their bravado in their news media, they understand that they are not militarily strong compared with America or China, and never were, despite having nuclear weapons. Outside of Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia is mostly small farms and villages similar to America of the 1920's. In some parts of Russia, they still drive horse carts.
Russians believe western powers are intent on breaking up Russia into controllable regions to exploit their natural resources. We may find it strange, but Russians believe that the US government intends to pave the way for western oil companies to take over Russian oil fields, Russian mines, and Western control over Russian territory.
When an entire nation has this kind of mindset, one moves slowly and carefully in order not to send the wrong message. Quickly encircling Russia with NATO members is definitely the wrong message and Secretary Rice knows this, but as you say, there is little time left and the Bush Administration is rushing far too quickly for the Russian mind to comprehend.
Russians don't believe Georgia's leaders were properly elected in a fair election and they see Georgia's government as another US puppet regime. Under the circumstances, the best foreign policy would have been to accomodate Russian leaders and back away from encircling them with NATO members and missile bases. I think there are enough countries that hate American leaders today without adding to the list.
The Russians say Georgian troops started this war. Even if one disbelieves their version and assumes they set up a provocation in order to invade Georgia, some fault for this war falls on the Bush Administration for pushing Russia into a corner with broken American promises about not expanding NATO into Eastern Europe, unwanted missile bases near Russia's border, severing Kosovo from Serbia, a constant barrage of criticism from the U.S. State Department about Russia's political structure, and more. Russians view the murder of Russian soldiers and deliberate attack on Russian citizens by Georgian military forces as the last straw.
President Bush and Secretary Rice had been warned about Georgia repeatedly by Putin, and they ignored the warnings, and they just don't seem to "get it" that Putin wasn't bluffing when he said if the trend continues, Russia will be forced to react. Obviously, Georgia joining NATO would be unacceptable and Russia would rather occupy Georgia than have NATO occupy Georgia.
Now all of this could have been avoided if Mr. Bush had shown only a tiny bit of understanding of the Russian psyche and offered even a trace of courtesy by agreeing to forget the missile shield, reunite Kosovo with Serbia, and stop meddling in Russia's backyard. Encourage democracy yes, but stop fixing elections so that "our guy" wins. The US government should get real, get honest, get some integrity, and get the CIA out of foreign election campaigns.
I cannot blame Russia for reacting to what they perceive to be a genocide against their own citizens in Georgia. The problem is not what Russia is doing, but how the US is reacting to it.
I think that without NATO membership dangled before Saakashvili, Russians would ignore Georgia. We pep them up, cheer them on, and then sit in the spectator stand while Georgians get killed, and we have to stop doing this.
We can sell tiny nations the weapons they want without promising to defend them if they become aggressive. We don't have to make mutual defense agreements just because we want a missile base in their country.
Mutual defense and arms sales are two separate issues. We don't have to commit our sons and daughters to a future slaughter in order to sell a few thousand rifles.
Posted on Thu Aug 14, 2008
Stanley in Texas writes:
The Olympics have turned into a media frenzy and commercial branding extravaganza. No longer are we celebrating talents and skills of these individuals, we are basing their fame (and amount of air time they get) on looks and flash. It kind of makes me sad. For example, the most media attention is being given to Michael Phelps and his achievements, and since he is the "poster boy" of the Olympics right now, Visa is tying itself to this sports hero after his accomplishments by creating a commercial exclusively for congratulating Michael Phelps for his recent success. Visa is already the only accepted credit card accepted at the Olympics so this is just another advertising ploy by a big corporation to leverage a global audience viewership.
Posted on Thu Aug 14, 2008
The Olympics have turned into a media frenzy and commercial branding extravaganza. No longer are we celebrating talents and skills of these individuals, we are basing their fame (and amount of air time they get) on looks and flash. It kind of makes me sad. For example, the most media attention is being given to Michael Phelps and his achievements, and since he is the "poster boy" of the Olympics right now, Visa is tying itself to this sports hero after his accomplishments by creating a commercial exclusively for congratulating Michael Phelps for his recent success. Visa is already the only accepted credit card accepted at the Olympics so this is just another advertising ploy by a big corporation to leverage a global audience viewership.
Posted on Thu Aug 14, 2008
Eric in New Mexico writes:
@ Kirk in Kentucky -- Kirk, Sorry I was butting in to your response to Zharkov..."U.S. expansion" being his words, not yours...(chuckle).
Yes indeed it is a popular illusion...urban myth perhaps.
Considering the fact that democracies usually don't go to war with each other, yeah there's some tasty incentive.
Is it the hand of U.S. influence, or simply the old and bold idea of freedom that is buzzing around folks ears like some bothersome fly, only to be swatted down by tyrants? (I speak in general terms, as there are many examples).
NATO uses a .223 round as standard caliber ammo. Former Soviet states have long used .762 (AK 47 standard). So equipment requirements like having a common caliber simplify logistics in the field. Any prospective NATO member would have to make the conversion.
U.S. training of Georgian forces actually helped solve Russia's problem of Chechnyan fighters some time ago (2002?) as greater Georgian capacity to engage them drove them out of their safe haven. Ending one problem between Russia and Georgia. Russia had no complaints with the U.S. over training Georgian forces to aquire the ability to police their own sovereign territory. Nor do they have reason today.
Further training has involved Georgian deployment to Iraq (third largest Coalition force after the U.S. and U.K.).
Like you, I'm no expert...just trying to sift fact from fantasy.
Ever read "The mouse that roared."????
Well this isn't nearly as amusing, but Georgia going up against Russia is reminicent.
Bush has studied Plato, and he's been patient enough to speak today with fair minded firmness, with the free world at his back, in support of French (EU) diplomatic efforts and the territorial, economic and political integrity of a democracy at risk.
Folks are saying Georgia's practical claim to both disputed areas is no longer viable under the circumstance.
May be, but when a UN sec. council gets it in mind to send in a UN peacekeeping task force that also calls for Russia's withdraw as a "peacekeeper" force in these regions, then Russia will gain more respect that it currently believes it will lose by doing so. Pardon my twisted logic on this, but I think time will prove its merit.
Any veto by Russia in the Sec. Council may be overridden by 2/3's of the UNGA by the vote.
The problem with over-reaching is that one is liable to get their hand slapped. In this, Russia has miscalculated.
We're going to deliver humanitarian aid, and Russia will get out of the way to let it through. Their international obligations have just been made quite clear to them in this regard, as well as the fact that the U.S. military is doing the delivering, via sea and air...
Now if the Russians have a problem with that.....
It would be the blunder of the ages.
Posted on Wed Aug 13, 2008
@ Kirk in Kentucky -- Kirk, Sorry I was butting in to your response to Zharkov..."U.S. expansion" being his words, not yours...(chuckle).
Yes indeed it is a popular illusion...urban myth perhaps.
Considering the fact that democracies usually don't go to war with each other, yeah there's some tasty incentive.
Is it the hand of U.S. influence, or simply the old and bold idea of freedom that is buzzing around folks ears like some bothersome fly, only to be swatted down by tyrants? (I speak in general terms, as there are many examples).
NATO uses a .223 round as standard caliber ammo. Former Soviet states have long used .762 (AK 47 standard). So equipment requirements like having a common caliber simplify logistics in the field. Any prospective NATO member would have to make the conversion.
U.S. training of Georgian forces actually helped solve Russia's problem of Chechnyan fighters some time ago (2002?) as greater Georgian capacity to engage them drove them out of their safe haven. Ending one problem between Russia and Georgia. Russia had no complaints with the U.S. over training Georgian forces to aquire the ability to police their own sovereign territory. Nor do they have reason today.
Further training has involved Georgian deployment to Iraq (third largest Coalition force after the U.S. and U.K.).
Like you, I'm no expert...just trying to sift fact from fantasy.
Ever read "The mouse that roared."????
Well this isn't nearly as amusing, but Georgia going up against Russia is reminicent.
Bush has studied Plato, and he's been patient enough to speak today with fair minded firmness, with the free world at his back, in support of French (EU) diplomatic efforts and the territorial, economic and political integrity of a democracy at risk.
Folks are saying Georgia's practical claim to both disputed areas is no longer viable under the circumstance.
May be, but when a UN sec. council gets it in mind to send in a UN peacekeeping task force that also calls for Russia's withdraw as a "peacekeeper" force in these regions, then Russia will gain more respect that it currently believes it will lose by doing so. Pardon my twisted logic on this, but I think time will prove its merit.
Any veto by Russia in the Sec. Council may be overridden by 2/3's of the UNGA by the vote.
The problem with over-reaching is that one is liable to get their hand slapped. In this, Russia has miscalculated.
We're going to deliver humanitarian aid, and Russia will get out of the way to let it through. Their international obligations have just been made quite clear to them in this regard, as well as the fact that the U.S. military is doing the delivering, via sea and air...
Now if the Russians have a problem with that.....
It would be the blunder of the ages.
Posted on Wed Aug 13, 2008
Wiseman in Syria writes:
Why don't we all level to the challenges we face and learn something from the Olympics (we all still human beings)?
This olympics is great example of our international failure to confront the global threats.
Can anyone tell me how many mouths this (40 billions 8 hours celebration) can feed in Africa instead China sucking africans oil fields dry in order to afford such expensive celebration?
And we still dare to speak about global hunger?
We must be ashamed of ourselves.
Chinese still have a chance to prove their goodwill (one world one dream) and donate the Olympics end ceremony to Africa.
Posted on Wed Aug 13, 2008
Why don't we all level to the challenges we face and learn something from the Olympics (we all still human beings)?
This olympics is great example of our international failure to confront the global threats.
Can anyone tell me how many mouths this (40 billions 8 hours celebration) can feed in Africa instead China sucking africans oil fields dry in order to afford such expensive celebration?
And we still dare to speak about global hunger?
We must be ashamed of ourselves.
Chinese still have a chance to prove their goodwill (one world one dream) and donate the Olympics end ceremony to Africa.
Posted on Wed Aug 13, 2008
SNP in Syria writes:
@ Susan in Florida -- Anti-Americans? not. SNP is Anti American policies that serve few elitists gang and sacrifices the Nation future, prestige and moral standing in the world, most Americans are clueless about what went on since WWII, what is going on now, and what will be transpiring in the future. At least 73 percent of Americans including large percentage of Jewish Americans shares these sentiments about the policies American voted their representatives to carry on, yet they act as they have nothing to do with it all. You have the power to vote, if you can not exercise it as an educated grown up, a concerned and active citizen, then maybe you should be ruled by another system, one that you are told what to do. Maybe the Elitists have the right idea, know better and we should support them in the master plan.
Anti-Semitic, well, honestly, we are not crazy about these people (Arabs or Jews). We just don't like them, period. What have they contributed to humanity history other than endless and continual mayhem, they found the elitists Judeo-Christo Zionist Crusaders gang to be perfect partners in crimes and mankind in 2008 still having the same endless hellish wars and conflicts of 2008 B.C. E.
Look at the bright side, at least we recognize the right of the Jewish Semite to live in peace in Palestine, or anywhere else in the Middle East for that matter of fact, and we recognize their right to Jerusalem as undivided Hebrew City they can call capital if so they choose. Now how is that anti-Jewish, let me know.
Posted on Wed Aug 13, 2008
@ Susan in Florida -- Anti-Americans? not. SNP is Anti American policies that serve few elitists gang and sacrifices the Nation future, prestige and moral standing in the world, most Americans are clueless about what went on since WWII, what is going on now, and what will be transpiring in the future. At least 73 percent of Americans including large percentage of Jewish Americans shares these sentiments about the policies American voted their representatives to carry on, yet they act as they have nothing to do with it all. You have the power to vote, if you can not exercise it as an educated grown up, a concerned and active citizen, then maybe you should be ruled by another system, one that you are told what to do. Maybe the Elitists have the right idea, know better and we should support them in the master plan.
Anti-Semitic, well, honestly, we are not crazy about these people (Arabs or Jews). We just don't like them, period. What have they contributed to humanity history other than endless and continual mayhem, they found the elitists Judeo-Christo Zionist Crusaders gang to be perfect partners in crimes and mankind in 2008 still having the same endless hellish wars and conflicts of 2008 B.C. E.
Look at the bright side, at least we recognize the right of the Jewish Semite to live in peace in Palestine, or anywhere else in the Middle East for that matter of fact, and we recognize their right to Jerusalem as undivided Hebrew City they can call capital if so they choose. Now how is that anti-Jewish, let me know.
Posted on Wed Aug 13, 2008
Kirk in Kentucky writes:
@ Eric in New Mexico
I agree with all of your points. Though I didn't know that about the NATO equipment requirements.
Admittedly, I throw around words like "U.S. Expansion" with a cavalier attitude because it lends a personally amusing Grand and Conspiratorial slant to the writing. I guess it would be more accurate to say the expansion of Democratic values in other countries. Like you, I made similar point about countries' personal choices in the "Counterterrorism: Recovery, Justice, Prevention" thread. However, if I were standing in the shoes of a rival nation I could only see the turning of another country to a pro U.S. stance as an extension of the U.S.'s power. Democracy does sell its self, but we also provide some pretty tasty incentives.
I don't really think the U.S. sought to counter Russia by assisting Georgia with military investment since, as you pointed out, investment is common practice with our allies. I do think that because of Georgia's designs on their break-away regions they were more than eager to facilitate that alliance and all its benefits. And, I also suspect that Georgia had a knee-jerk reaction to the aggressions of Russia and fell into a premeditated trap.
Posted on Wed Aug 13, 2008
@ Eric in New Mexico
I agree with all of your points. Though I didn't know that about the NATO equipment requirements.
Admittedly, I throw around words like "U.S. Expansion" with a cavalier attitude because it lends a personally amusing Grand and Conspiratorial slant to the writing. I guess it would be more accurate to say the expansion of Democratic values in other countries. Like you, I made similar point about countries' personal choices in the "Counterterrorism: Recovery, Justice, Prevention" thread. However, if I were standing in the shoes of a rival nation I could only see the turning of another country to a pro U.S. stance as an extension of the U.S.'s power. Democracy does sell its self, but we also provide some pretty tasty incentives.
I don't really think the U.S. sought to counter Russia by assisting Georgia with military investment since, as you pointed out, investment is common practice with our allies. I do think that because of Georgia's designs on their break-away regions they were more than eager to facilitate that alliance and all its benefits. And, I also suspect that Georgia had a knee-jerk reaction to the aggressions of Russia and fell into a premeditated trap.
Posted on Wed Aug 13, 2008
Eric in New Mexico writes:
@ SNP, have you ever heard of a "fisheye" lens ? Well, you are looking at the results in the photo above.
Nothing special, and nothing doctored. A "fisheye" lens gives an almost panoramic 360 deg. view, which is why you see an appropriately distorted photo.
I kindly suggest, along with others who have objected to your rhetoric that you get off your soap box and get a grip.
I don't care what your personal problem is, but don't take it out on folks here at Dipnote.
I'll simply be forced to drop a verbal Nuke on you if you persist....(chuckle)...so fair warning.
Posted on Wed Aug 13, 2008
@ SNP, have you ever heard of a "fisheye" lens ? Well, you are looking at the results in the photo above.
Nothing special, and nothing doctored. A "fisheye" lens gives an almost panoramic 360 deg. view, which is why you see an appropriately distorted photo.
I kindly suggest, along with others who have objected to your rhetoric that you get off your soap box and get a grip.
I don't care what your personal problem is, but don't take it out on folks here at Dipnote.
I'll simply be forced to drop a verbal Nuke on you if you persist....(chuckle)...so fair warning.
Posted on Wed Aug 13, 2008
Kirk in Kentucky writes:
@ Zharkov in U.S.A.
If I'm mis-characterizing your sentiments, please correct me, but I think they may be summed up by saying: "Look at how our actions abroad are seen as aggressive provocations! We need to be more careful about how we reach our goals and consider how they affect the other countries." Is that correct? If so, then I strongly agree and I think there is a deep flaw in our foreign policy that needs to be addressed.
I think this flaw is a one of time perception. The U.S. sees things on such a short time scale and a lot of other countries do not. Consider that elections come every four years and that time constraint affects the minds of those who lead. Those that come into power, first have to re-invent the wheel so to speak, and then they have to advance America's position on the global stage before their time is up. Knowing that their predecessor will often work to undo what has been done, leaders hurriedly cram to get things locked in. This process repeats it's self every 4 or 8 years and because of it our foreign policy swings from one side of the political spectrum to the other. This results in strong aggressive maneuvering that ends up alarming other nations (like arming Georgia). I think what we need is a way that encapsulates the general consensus of American's foreign policy goals and keeps them relatively stable through the shifting political dynamics.
I'm no expert so you can take all that with a grain of salt, but I will rely on a higher authority:
To quote Plato:
"The curse of me and my nation is that we always think
things can be bettered by immediate action of some
sort, any sort rather than no sort."
A country like, say, Russia, does not suffer from this time constraint. Despite adopting the facade of elections, the real power remains in place until ousted by another powerful faction, and not set by time tables. It is only a minor inconvenience for some one like Putin to sidestep the electoral demands by installing his protege and then calling the shots from the Prime Minister's position. Who knows how long one can stay in that post? This gives them the option of viewing things from a long term perspective. Again, I can't claim to have any special insight into the Russian mind, but it seems clear enough that when one is not beleaguered by having to abdicate power after 4 or 8 years, they can focus on much longer scale of time.
Do you know the best way to catch a fly? It is not to snatch it out of the air because a fly experiences time at a rate hundreds of times faster than humans and can easily out-maneuver us. It is to open you palm well before you advance and move every so slowly towards it's resting form until the time of the descent of your hand is shorter the time it can get away, and then snatch it. A fly cannot perceive the approach of the hand because it moves so slowly.
I would like to ask our policy makers:
Are we the hand or the fly?
Posted on Wed Aug 13, 2008
@ Zharkov in U.S.A.
If I'm mis-characterizing your sentiments, please correct me, but I think they may be summed up by saying: "Look at how our actions abroad are seen as aggressive provocations! We need to be more careful about how we reach our goals and consider how they affect the other countries." Is that correct? If so, then I strongly agree and I think there is a deep flaw in our foreign policy that needs to be addressed.
I think this flaw is a one of time perception. The U.S. sees things on such a short time scale and a lot of other countries do not. Consider that elections come every four years and that time constraint affects the minds of those who lead. Those that come into power, first have to re-invent the wheel so to speak, and then they have to advance America's position on the global stage before their time is up. Knowing that their predecessor will often work to undo what has been done, leaders hurriedly cram to get things locked in. This process repeats it's self every 4 or 8 years and because of it our foreign policy swings from one side of the political spectrum to the other. This results in strong aggressive maneuvering that ends up alarming other nations (like arming Georgia). I think what we need is a way that encapsulates the general consensus of American's foreign policy goals and keeps them relatively stable through the shifting political dynamics.
I'm no expert so you can take all that with a grain of salt, but I will rely on a higher authority:
To quote Plato:
"The curse of me and my nation is that we always think
things can be bettered by immediate action of some
sort, any sort rather than no sort."
A country like, say, Russia, does not suffer from this time constraint. Despite adopting the facade of elections, the real power remains in place until ousted by another powerful faction, and not set by time tables. It is only a minor inconvenience for some one like Putin to sidestep the electoral demands by installing his protege and then calling the shots from the Prime Minister's position. Who knows how long one can stay in that post? This gives them the option of viewing things from a long term perspective. Again, I can't claim to have any special insight into the Russian mind, but it seems clear enough that when one is not beleaguered by having to abdicate power after 4 or 8 years, they can focus on much longer scale of time.
Do you know the best way to catch a fly? It is not to snatch it out of the air because a fly experiences time at a rate hundreds of times faster than humans and can easily out-maneuver us. It is to open you palm well before you advance and move every so slowly towards it's resting form until the time of the descent of your hand is shorter the time it can get away, and then snatch it. A fly cannot perceive the approach of the hand because it moves so slowly.
I would like to ask our policy makers:
Are we the hand or the fly?
Posted on Wed Aug 13, 2008
Eric in New Mexico writes:
@ Kirk, the fact that the US helps train and equip soverign militaries is not exactly relevent to this situation, though Zharkov asks a fair question.
The Poles, Romanians, Ukraine,...those that have membership in NATO or are planning to become members are required by NATO to have standard interoperable weapons and amunition.
So upgrading their equipment is a natural and logical process to enable these nations to a) protect their soverign territory. b) To be able to take part in joint NATO excercises, and deploy as part of NATO in areas such as Afghanistan.
Training on the equipment is also logical, so we provide that, along with other training such as counterterrorism as part of a nation's role in the global war on terror.
The fact that Georgia recalled its troop from Iraq during this crisis was their decision. The US provided air transport to assist in their return, and that may have been as per a pre existing agreement to provide their transport to and from Iraq.
The US Ambassador to Georgia indicated that they had no prior warning of impending action by Georgia in S. Ossetia.
To imply as Zharkov did that "US expantion" is at fault is totally without basis. 1) Nations choose to join NATO of their free will. 2) Nato may "Expand" in this process of adding members, but to say the US is expanding is to imply a completely false and misleading intent on America's part.
Democracy is expanding among nations too, but that doesn't imply any US hegemony over it, as folks are doing this on their own volition for themselves. Freedom sells itself, but we are conviniently blamed for it....(chuckle).
Zharkov's question regarding any miscalculation on Bush's part assumes the Georgian president took advantage of US military assistance.
First of all, we were not arming Georgia to try to match Russian military power. And while it's a safe bet that the Georgian's miscalculated the Russian response, it's also safe to say that we hadn't provided enough weapons to make a difference, let alone give the Georgian president any illusions of grandure what his nation's capabilities were.
I'm sure the Georgians have probably been told that we don't like unpleasent suprises, and that it would have been good of them to at least warn our embassy so we could take appropriate measures to protect staff and family members. NGO's, etc.
From my understanding the Georgians were reacting to a broken truce agreement signed a few days prior, broken by rebel shelling of Georgian positions in S. Ossetia. Georgia responded in kind and things got out of hand from there on.
One thing's for sure, now that the boil on the backside of this region has burst, folks need to apply some antibiotic humanitarian measures to reduce the inflamation and create a fair minded framework for the area's long term stability.
Posted on Wed Aug 13, 2008
@ Kirk, the fact that the US helps train and equip soverign militaries is not exactly relevent to this situation, though Zharkov asks a fair question.
The Poles, Romanians, Ukraine,...those that have membership in NATO or are planning to become members are required by NATO to have standard interoperable weapons and amunition.
So upgrading their equipment is a natural and logical process to enable these nations to a) protect their soverign territory. b) To be able to take part in joint NATO excercises, and deploy as part of NATO in areas such as Afghanistan.
Training on the equipment is also logical, so we provide that, along with other training such as counterterrorism as part of a nation's role in the global war on terror.
The fact that Georgia recalled its troop from Iraq during this crisis was their decision. The US provided air transport to assist in their return, and that may have been as per a pre existing agreement to provide their transport to and from Iraq.
The US Ambassador to Georgia indicated that they had no prior warning of impending action by Georgia in S. Ossetia.
To imply as Zharkov did that "US expantion" is at fault is totally without basis. 1) Nations choose to join NATO of their free will. 2) Nato may "Expand" in this process of adding members, but to say the US is expanding is to imply a completely false and misleading intent on America's part.
Democracy is expanding among nations too, but that doesn't imply any US hegemony over it, as folks are doing this on their own volition for themselves. Freedom sells itself, but we are conviniently blamed for it....(chuckle).
Zharkov's question regarding any miscalculation on Bush's part assumes the Georgian president took advantage of US military assistance.
First of all, we were not arming Georgia to try to match Russian military power. And while it's a safe bet that the Georgian's miscalculated the Russian response, it's also safe to say that we hadn't provided enough weapons to make a difference, let alone give the Georgian president any illusions of grandure what his nation's capabilities were.
I'm sure the Georgians have probably been told that we don't like unpleasent suprises, and that it would have been good of them to at least warn our embassy so we could take appropriate measures to protect staff and family members. NGO's, etc.
From my understanding the Georgians were reacting to a broken truce agreement signed a few days prior, broken by rebel shelling of Georgian positions in S. Ossetia. Georgia responded in kind and things got out of hand from there on.
One thing's for sure, now that the boil on the backside of this region has burst, folks need to apply some antibiotic humanitarian measures to reduce the inflamation and create a fair minded framework for the area's long term stability.
Posted on Wed Aug 13, 2008
SNP in Syria:
@DIPNOTE:
No it is not real, because it was Arial shot from a copter (unless yours was space satellite photo). What they did is produced digitally animated version of the fire works and that is what they fed to TV tube as live. They did use some fireworks in low profile but the presentation people saw on T.V. is digitally enhanced and recorded in studio. So what the attendee saw live fire work show is different from T.V. viewers. They were concerned about the copter and crew flying amongst that saturation of firework for real shot.
Posted on Wed Aug 13, 2008
@DIPNOTE:
No it is not real, because it was Arial shot from a copter (unless yours was space satellite photo). What they did is produced digitally animated version of the fire works and that is what they fed to TV tube as live. They did use some fireworks in low profile but the presentation people saw on T.V. is digitally enhanced and recorded in studio. So what the attendee saw live fire work show is different from T.V. viewers. They were concerned about the copter and crew flying amongst that saturation of firework for real shot.
Posted on Wed Aug 13, 2008
Ronald in New York writes:
Olympics of Global Ethics
Each country competes for awards in meeting the Millennium Development Goals...Reducing Poverty, Disease, Environmental Harms, etc.
Corruption is now the key issue facing humanity. see: http://www.iacc.org.
John in Greece: Thanks for the compliment on the "Birdcage in Razorwire" idea. The Olympics is now a symbol of the hermetically-sealed ideal; in world of enormous challenges to human security.
Posted on Wed Aug 13, 2008
Olympics of Global Ethics
Each country competes for awards in meeting the Millennium Development Goals...Reducing Poverty, Disease, Environmental Harms, etc.
Corruption is now the key issue facing humanity. see: http://www.iacc.org.
John in Greece: Thanks for the compliment on the "Birdcage in Razorwire" idea. The Olympics is now a symbol of the hermetically-sealed ideal; in world of enormous challenges to human security.
Posted on Wed Aug 13, 2008
Kirk in Kentucky writes:
@ Zharkov in U.S.A.
Well, I see what you are getting at, but I'll lay a response to that aside for the moment.
I've gone back to examine the time-line and look at the facts, while trying to sort out what is known from what is un-known, and what is assumed. Of course, it is difficult to get a grasp on the context when you don't speak the language but I've applied my limited understanding of military theory and this is my tentative hypothesis:
Georgia engaged in a military assault because they felt they had no choice otherwise, probably not realizing the extent that Russia had already prepared for, and probably instigated, this contingency.
Months ago, Saakashvili, believing S. Ossetia and Abkhazia to be rightfully theirs, proclaimed the goal of re-taking those territories. To this end, improved the alliance with the U.S. and requested military assistance.
Russia, having already considered the area de-facto theirs, judging by the amount of money and effort poured into it (2/3rds of S. Ossetia's economy is subsidized by Russia), decided to pre-empt the attack. Having already issued passports and solidifying their control with personnel, with a wary eye on U.S. expansion, concocted a strategy for the Olympics.
What is unknown is who fired the first shot on August 1st, but since it would be foolhardy to start an advance before all the troops were in place, it seems probable that Russia staged a covert attack on S. Ossetia and used that to escalate the war. The very fact that in the same breath they claimed a soldier was killed by a sniper and then pointed to the 40 Ukraine and 120 U.S. sniper rifles supplied to Georgia -- increases their culpability. Georgia's repeated pleas for ceasefire and proclamations to make S. Ossetia and Abkhazia an autonomous region signify that they were probably not the aggressors of this conflict.
On the 3rd Russia moved 2,500 to 5,000 troops through the N. Ossetia and S. Ossetia tunnel. It takes a while to mobilize that many people so they were probably already on alert or at least near-by on the 1st. (considering the military build-up in Georgia, seems reasonable).
Once they gauged that Georgia would use a full army emergency attack they pulled out their big guns. They probably already speculated on the reaction and were already prepared to plow into Georgia.
A lot, but not all, military ventures are designed to force diplomatic concessions from a fallen foe. With Russia's demand that Georgia sign a pact to not intervene with force in those area, it seems this was the case. If Georgia signs the pact, their designs for reclaiming those areas will be sealed shut. Especially considering that Russia has stated that they should incorporate S. Ossetia "for their protection from Georgia." Looks like Russia has won this round.
Zharkov, as for your implication that this reaction was a result of American expansion, I would say: it's possible. But I would also say that the Russians were already strategizing on how to reclaim their lost territory. The implementation of the oil-pipeline and military build up only sped up this encounter.
Posted on Tue Aug 12, 2008
@ Zharkov in U.S.A.
Well, I see what you are getting at, but I'll lay a response to that aside for the moment.
I've gone back to examine the time-line and look at the facts, while trying to sort out what is known from what is un-known, and what is assumed. Of course, it is difficult to get a grasp on the context when you don't speak the language but I've applied my limited understanding of military theory and this is my tentative hypothesis:
Georgia engaged in a military assault because they felt they had no choice otherwise, probably not realizing the extent that Russia had already prepared for, and probably instigated, this contingency.
Months ago, Saakashvili, believing S. Ossetia and Abkhazia to be rightfully theirs, proclaimed the goal of re-taking those territories. To this end, improved the alliance with the U.S. and requested military assistance.
Russia, having already considered the area de-facto theirs, judging by the amount of money and effort poured into it (2/3rds of S. Ossetia's economy is subsidized by Russia), decided to pre-empt the attack. Having already issued passports and solidifying their control with personnel, with a wary eye on U.S. expansion, concocted a strategy for the Olympics.
What is unknown is who fired the first shot on August 1st, but since it would be foolhardy to start an advance before all the troops were in place, it seems probable that Russia staged a covert attack on S. Ossetia and used that to escalate the war. The very fact that in the same breath they claimed a soldier was killed by a sniper and then pointed to the 40 Ukraine and 120 U.S. sniper rifles supplied to Georgia -- increases their culpability. Georgia's repeated pleas for ceasefire and proclamations to make S. Ossetia and Abkhazia an autonomous region signify that they were probably not the aggressors of this conflict.
On the 3rd Russia moved 2,500 to 5,000 troops through the N. Ossetia and S. Ossetia tunnel. It takes a while to mobilize that many people so they were probably already on alert or at least near-by on the 1st. (considering the military build-up in Georgia, seems reasonable).
Once they gauged that Georgia would use a full army emergency attack they pulled out their big guns. They probably already speculated on the reaction and were already prepared to plow into Georgia.
A lot, but not all, military ventures are designed to force diplomatic concessions from a fallen foe. With Russia's demand that Georgia sign a pact to not intervene with force in those area, it seems this was the case. If Georgia signs the pact, their designs for reclaiming those areas will be sealed shut. Especially considering that Russia has stated that they should incorporate S. Ossetia "for their protection from Georgia." Looks like Russia has won this round.
Zharkov, as for your implication that this reaction was a result of American expansion, I would say: it's possible. But I would also say that the Russians were already strategizing on how to reclaim their lost territory. The implementation of the oil-pipeline and military build up only sped up this encounter.
Posted on Tue Aug 12, 2008
Mandar in U.K. writes:
I think they are more than just an athletic competition.
More about country pride here.
Posted on Tue Aug 12, 2008
I think they are more than just an athletic competition.
More about country pride here.
Posted on Tue Aug 12, 2008
Susan in Florida writes:
@ Kirk in Kentucky -- Thank you for your comments to SNP in Syria. I have been greatly disturbed by their relentless anti-semitic, anti-American comments. You state your objections well.
Posted on Tue Aug 12, 2008
@ Kirk in Kentucky -- Thank you for your comments to SNP in Syria. I have been greatly disturbed by their relentless anti-semitic, anti-American comments. You state your objections well.
Posted on Tue Aug 12, 2008
Zharkov in U.S.A. writes:
@ Kirk in Kentucky -- Kirk in Kentucky, what is your view of the U.S. purpose in arming, training, and modernizing Georgian military forces, and why was Putin warning us against this?
Do you see no connection between the military assistance we gave Georgia and the war in Georgia?
Did the Bush Administration miscalculate the reaction of Georgia's president to the influx of weapons, war materiel, and Western and Israeli military advisors?
Posted on Tue Aug 12, 2008
@ Kirk in Kentucky -- Kirk in Kentucky, what is your view of the U.S. purpose in arming, training, and modernizing Georgian military forces, and why was Putin warning us against this?
Do you see no connection between the military assistance we gave Georgia and the war in Georgia?
Did the Bush Administration miscalculate the reaction of Georgia's president to the influx of weapons, war materiel, and Western and Israeli military advisors?
Posted on Tue Aug 12, 2008
SNP in Syria writes:
On another note? Which I was going to make here first, before reading something that caused this fit of suppressed anger to come out. The photo shown and the telecast of the firework on the opening ceremony was either partly produced by digital animation using 3D Studio Max and Particles module software, the actual scene is less impressive, this is a digitally rendered and reproduced version, not real.
DipNote Bloggers write: The photo is real, just taken with a special lense.
Posted on Tue Aug 12, 2008
On another note? Which I was going to make here first, before reading something that caused this fit of suppressed anger to come out. The photo shown and the telecast of the firework on the opening ceremony was either partly produced by digital animation using 3D Studio Max and Particles module software, the actual scene is less impressive, this is a digitally rendered and reproduced version, not real.
DipNote Bloggers write: The photo is real, just taken with a special lense.
Posted on Tue Aug 12, 2008
Anna in Washington, DC writes:
The Olympics are first -- and I think foremost in the minds of most people -- about the athletes, the competition. Who is not in awe of the feats of these sportsmen and women? They work so hard, and many overcome great challenges to participate. Their stories and efforts are inspiring.
The Olympics is, of course, more than an athletic competition, though. It cannot help but be anything else. The Olympics invites the world in. Whether it wants to or not, the Olymipcs cannot shut out the accompanying politics. Anytime such a disparate group of countries and interests are brought together, there will be other agendas, too.
The first two "political moments" at these Olympic Games inspired me; the last one made me think.
(1) Georgian and Russian athletes share emotional embrace on the medal stand despite their countries' conflict.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/olympics/2008/08/georgian_and_russian_athletes.html
(2) U.S. Olympic team selects former "Lost Boy of Sudan" to carry the American flag at the Opening Ceremonies.
http://olympics.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/08/06/former-lost-boy-of-sudan-to-carry-us-flag/
(3) The Koreas march separately during the Opening Ceremonies.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-koreas11-2008aug11,0,7489624.story
Posted on Tue Aug 12, 2008
The Olympics are first -- and I think foremost in the minds of most people -- about the athletes, the competition. Who is not in awe of the feats of these sportsmen and women? They work so hard, and many overcome great challenges to participate. Their stories and efforts are inspiring.
The Olympics is, of course, more than an athletic competition, though. It cannot help but be anything else. The Olympics invites the world in. Whether it wants to or not, the Olymipcs cannot shut out the accompanying politics. Anytime such a disparate group of countries and interests are brought together, there will be other agendas, too.
The first two "political moments" at these Olympic Games inspired me; the last one made me think.
(1) Georgian and Russian athletes share emotional embrace on the medal stand despite their countries' conflict.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/olympics/2008/08/georgian_and_russian_athletes.html
(2) U.S. Olympic team selects former "Lost Boy of Sudan" to carry the American flag at the Opening Ceremonies.
http://olympics.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/08/06/former-lost-boy-of-sudan-to-carry-us-flag/
(3) The Koreas march separately during the Opening Ceremonies.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-koreas11-2008aug11,0,7489624.story
Posted on Tue Aug 12, 2008
Joe in Tennessee writes:
The most significant premises it sets is simple:
People are simply people, we bleed, rejoice, cry, celebrate, disappoint and elate in the same way...
It is leadership which is the problem and perhaps even in my own personal life and yours, this is where the ball is dropped.
It is the People of the World who are important, not the few via non representation.
Posted on Tue Aug 12, 2008
The most significant premises it sets is simple:
People are simply people, we bleed, rejoice, cry, celebrate, disappoint and elate in the same way...
It is leadership which is the problem and perhaps even in my own personal life and yours, this is where the ball is dropped.
It is the People of the World who are important, not the few via non representation.
Posted on Tue Aug 12, 2008
Eric in New Mexico writes:
Lot of folks killed on both sides Zharkov, needlessly.
Today the Russians have called a halt to their opps, but when the smoke clears, both sides will have to answer to the people for the results of nationalistic pride.
Russia would do well to offer humanitarian aid to those civilians caught up in the fighting, regardless of nationality. And so would Georgia.
To say to the people that military action was not directed at them, but their government's military.
To accept that responsibility to rebuild civilian infrastructure as a result of both parties actions, including Georgia, may be a starting point for both nations to work together in a more positive method to restore people's trust, hopes, and lives in the region.
Both nations should accept that that they have been part of the problem, and are now faced with a choice to become parties to a long term solution in favor of peace.
Atrocities against civilians were committed by both sides, and the forensic evidence will tell the tale.
These issues will require international scrutiny amd investigation in a fair and just manner to reach any conclusive determination placing blame on individuals responsible, regardless of their official capacity in the respective governments.
I believe it was made clear to Russia that they risked much by continuing to attack Georgian soverign territory outside the two separatist regions. Risking their role in the G8, their status in WTO, and risked direct military confrontation with NATO if regime change in Georgia was in fact the Russian intent of their actions.
The Russians themselves created this legitimate concern among those in the security council, France, the US...and others because of the poor use of words used by Russia in that the Georgian President "must go."
Obviously some clarification was in order, and has now been given by Russia to refute that intent.
An "Olympic truce"??? We'll see.
Posted on Tue Aug 12, 2008
Lot of folks killed on both sides Zharkov, needlessly.
Today the Russians have called a halt to their opps, but when the smoke clears, both sides will have to answer to the people for the results of nationalistic pride.
Russia would do well to offer humanitarian aid to those civilians caught up in the fighting, regardless of nationality. And so would Georgia.
To say to the people that military action was not directed at them, but their government's military.
To accept that responsibility to rebuild civilian infrastructure as a result of both parties actions, including Georgia, may be a starting point for both nations to work together in a more positive method to restore people's trust, hopes, and lives in the region.
Both nations should accept that that they have been part of the problem, and are now faced with a choice to become parties to a long term solution in favor of peace.
Atrocities against civilians were committed by both sides, and the forensic evidence will tell the tale.
These issues will require international scrutiny amd investigation in a fair and just manner to reach any conclusive determination placing blame on individuals responsible, regardless of their official capacity in the respective governments.
I believe it was made clear to Russia that they risked much by continuing to attack Georgian soverign territory outside the two separatist regions. Risking their role in the G8, their status in WTO, and risked direct military confrontation with NATO if regime change in Georgia was in fact the Russian intent of their actions.
The Russians themselves created this legitimate concern among those in the security council, France, the US...and others because of the poor use of words used by Russia in that the Georgian President "must go."
Obviously some clarification was in order, and has now been given by Russia to refute that intent.
An "Olympic truce"??? We'll see.
Posted on Tue Aug 12, 2008
Kirk in Kentucky writes:
@ SNP in Syria
"Americans are the most traitorous of people,
outperformed only by Israelis."
Sir, I take great offense to that.
I've listened to your slanderous assaults on U.S. policy for sometime now. While your vehemence is often disquieting and your racism disappointing, I admit you do often raise good points and shed light on things people need to see. However, I would urge you to be very carefully when characterizing an entire nation by the actions of a few.
Say what you will about our government, it is a system not a person, but when speaking of people you do not know, you would do well to rein in your tongue. I demand respect -- and give it in turn. You will speak to us on the level of mutual respect, or not at all.
You may have your opinions, feel free, but please have some consideration about how you express them.
Posted on Tue Aug 12, 2008
@ SNP in Syria
"Americans are the most traitorous of people,
outperformed only by Israelis."
Sir, I take great offense to that.
I've listened to your slanderous assaults on U.S. policy for sometime now. While your vehemence is often disquieting and your racism disappointing, I admit you do often raise good points and shed light on things people need to see. However, I would urge you to be very carefully when characterizing an entire nation by the actions of a few.
Say what you will about our government, it is a system not a person, but when speaking of people you do not know, you would do well to rein in your tongue. I demand respect -- and give it in turn. You will speak to us on the level of mutual respect, or not at all.
You may have your opinions, feel free, but please have some consideration about how you express them.
Posted on Tue Aug 12, 2008
Meg in New York writes:
Now here's the true spirit of the Olympics:
http://tinyurl.com/6boy8k
Posted on Tue Aug 12, 2008
Now here's the true spirit of the Olympics:
http://tinyurl.com/6boy8k
Posted on Tue Aug 12, 2008
Zharkov in U.S.A. writes:
The sad fact is that any distracting media event, such as the Olympics, serves as a smoke screen to cover actions that government officials would never try if the news media focus was directly upon the government.
All you need do to confirm this is to examine the unpopular laws enacted by state legislatures the day after the attack on 9/11/2001, and Congress is no exception either. The Patriot Act, for example, was enacted by a Congress that never bothered to read the law they enacted.
Whenever a major news event occupies the public mind, you can be certain that nasty things are happening elsewhere.
I would guess that the Chinese government is extremely disappointed to see their otherwise happy occasion become an event remembered by war. I suggest that the next time U.S. officials decide to arm and train little nations for war, that they stop pretending that we will help them when they make a big mistake by actually starting a war.
We cannot remove the Russian Army from Georgia, so let's not kid ourselves into thinking we can push them out with NATO. Europe does not want another world war -- they have been there and done that.
Posted on Tue Aug 12, 2008
The sad fact is that any distracting media event, such as the Olympics, serves as a smoke screen to cover actions that government officials would never try if the news media focus was directly upon the government.
All you need do to confirm this is to examine the unpopular laws enacted by state legislatures the day after the attack on 9/11/2001, and Congress is no exception either. The Patriot Act, for example, was enacted by a Congress that never bothered to read the law they enacted.
Whenever a major news event occupies the public mind, you can be certain that nasty things are happening elsewhere.
I would guess that the Chinese government is extremely disappointed to see their otherwise happy occasion become an event remembered by war. I suggest that the next time U.S. officials decide to arm and train little nations for war, that they stop pretending that we will help them when they make a big mistake by actually starting a war.
We cannot remove the Russian Army from Georgia, so let's not kid ourselves into thinking we can push them out with NATO. Europe does not want another world war -- they have been there and done that.
Posted on Tue Aug 12, 2008
SNP in Syria writes:
@ Zharkov in U.S.A. -- Zharkov said:
Posted on Tue Aug 12, 2008
@ Zharkov in U.S.A. -- Zharkov said:
"We mislead valiant freedom fighters into believing we will step in to save them and then we sit on our hands and watch them die -- in Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Bay of Pigs, and now Georgia."The list is a lot longer. you can add Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, and few more in East Asia. Americans are the most traitorous of people, outperformed only by Israelis. They broke promises to all, even the Kuwaiti ruler on the occasion of liberating Kuwait celebration, in his speech, the Emir publicly thanked each and every country that helped in Liberation from Saddam except he deliberately omitted one, guess which, the United States, wonder why.
Posted on Tue Aug 12, 2008
Victoria in Canada writes:
Upon hearing that the 2008 Olympics were to be held in a non-democratic state a common initial response was of disbelief due to the political and social limitations of the hosting nation. In light of this initial response one can surmise that this common consensus seems to point to a natural political element within the Olympics itself.
Nonetheless, the Olympics is clearly an athletic competition; yet this does not negate the fact that the Olympics can be easily used as a springboard for a political platform. This is not necessarily a bad option, when used in such a manner as to promote universal freedom(s); such as,that which was modeled by President Bush recently in Beijing, by his very brief but succinct statement promoting religious freedom for all peoples. His action depicts a manner in which sports can be used to further peace and common ideals within a global setting and is also something both Americans and the world of sports can be proud of.
Posted on Mon Aug 11, 2008
Upon hearing that the 2008 Olympics were to be held in a non-democratic state a common initial response was of disbelief due to the political and social limitations of the hosting nation. In light of this initial response one can surmise that this common consensus seems to point to a natural political element within the Olympics itself.
Nonetheless, the Olympics is clearly an athletic competition; yet this does not negate the fact that the Olympics can be easily used as a springboard for a political platform. This is not necessarily a bad option, when used in such a manner as to promote universal freedom(s); such as,that which was modeled by President Bush recently in Beijing, by his very brief but succinct statement promoting religious freedom for all peoples. His action depicts a manner in which sports can be used to further peace and common ideals within a global setting and is also something both Americans and the world of sports can be proud of.
Posted on Mon Aug 11, 2008
Zharkov in U.S.A. writes:
It is no mystery why Georgia believed it could rely on "big brother" America to defend it while it tried to expel Russians from South Ossetia.
U.S. officials gave Georgia military supplies, advisors, tactical training, modern weapons - enough to make them think they were invincible - but one thing is missing, and that is our willingness to go to war with Russia over a provocation started by Georgia. We mislead valiant freedom fighters into believing we will step in to save them and then we sit on our hands and watch them die - in Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Bay of Pigs, and now Georgia.
The intentional killing of Russian soldiers by Georgian troops during an agreed upon cease-fire, without lawful justification, happens to be murder. U.S. officials responsible for aiding or conspiring with Georgian military forces to murder Russian soldiers should be looking now for some really good lawyers.
Posted on Mon Aug 11, 2008
It is no mystery why Georgia believed it could rely on "big brother" America to defend it while it tried to expel Russians from South Ossetia.
U.S. officials gave Georgia military supplies, advisors, tactical training, modern weapons - enough to make them think they were invincible - but one thing is missing, and that is our willingness to go to war with Russia over a provocation started by Georgia. We mislead valiant freedom fighters into believing we will step in to save them and then we sit on our hands and watch them die - in Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Bay of Pigs, and now Georgia.
The intentional killing of Russian soldiers by Georgian troops during an agreed upon cease-fire, without lawful justification, happens to be murder. U.S. officials responsible for aiding or conspiring with Georgian military forces to murder Russian soldiers should be looking now for some really good lawyers.
Posted on Mon Aug 11, 2008
Kirk in Kentucky writes:
What made Georgia think it could storm South Ossetia without Russian retaliation is beyond me. That region is, despite claims of autonomy, clearly in Russian hands. With the very heavy majority of people in South Ossetia rejecting Georgia rule, they should have just given it up as lost for now. Even if they had successfully occupied the region how could they have possibly hoped to hold off the Russian army with their dinky forces? Their strategy is baffling. If they wanted to reclaim any of their territory the should have focused on Ajaria by making a surprise naval blockade to prevent re-enforcement from the sea and then struck quickly. The Russians could not have rescued it without passing through Georgian territory which would have been a clear violation. If they didn't have enough power to take Ajaria then they should have done nothing at all- except build up their military and work covertly. The first law of any encounter is to know yourself, the second is to know your opponent and its allies. They may have followed the first law but clearly not the second. Such a shame to mar the Olympics like that.
Posted on Mon Aug 11, 2008
What made Georgia think it could storm South Ossetia without Russian retaliation is beyond me. That region is, despite claims of autonomy, clearly in Russian hands. With the very heavy majority of people in South Ossetia rejecting Georgia rule, they should have just given it up as lost for now. Even if they had successfully occupied the region how could they have possibly hoped to hold off the Russian army with their dinky forces? Their strategy is baffling. If they wanted to reclaim any of their territory the should have focused on Ajaria by making a surprise naval blockade to prevent re-enforcement from the sea and then struck quickly. The Russians could not have rescued it without passing through Georgian territory which would have been a clear violation. If they didn't have enough power to take Ajaria then they should have done nothing at all- except build up their military and work covertly. The first law of any encounter is to know yourself, the second is to know your opponent and its allies. They may have followed the first law but clearly not the second. Such a shame to mar the Olympics like that.
Posted on Mon Aug 11, 2008
John in Greece writes:
@ Sandra in California -- Thank God, some people like you are still sober and do keep on thinking. Ex-KGBs DO NOT CHANGE. THEY WILL NEVER CHANGE. THEY STILL HAVE "PLANS" (and secret allies).
I totally agree with you. That's why we should all (West) remain united and awake. The worst danger is if we get asleep and relaxed. We must not believe that everything of the "cold" past is over.
It's not.
The following years -- although many thinkers do not accept it -- Russian economy will go from worst to worst! They have nothing except gas and oil they already hardly sell compared to the "investments" they have made. They never had anything at all.
Anyone, name me a successful Russian brand? of anything. Tough, right? They have nothing at all. No economy, no production of internationally respected products, except Niva "jeeps" and Stolichnaya! Ok! They cannot sleep in GM when they think of the competition that Jack Daniel's will have to face?
Even during the "Soviet" communism, 10% of the KGB and the party people in the USSR had a better life than the other 90%. That's why they made it possible to "politically" survive for many decades until the final fall: "minimums", but enough. Today, only 1% of the people there (ex-KGB, ex-party, Mafia and ex-high ranked persons) enjoy money and power. Nevertheless, 99% of the people watch them enjoy the "new era", but 99% do not! These people (the 99%) will soon create "problems" bigger than they did during the Soviet fall. Ex-KGBs know it and they will try to make the scenery cloudy. They will try to send to sleep the recent Russian "99% capitalistic babies", by using and creating conflicts in order to increase their nationalism and make them forget the everyday differences. They have already begun to do so.
You are right Sandra! Today Georgia, tomorrow Ukraine? What's next? Poland? And then what? This may be a fiction of mine, but I think that soon enough we will have -- once again -- to face the real teeth of the "Past".
Best Regards Sandra!
Posted on Mon Aug 11, 2008
@ Sandra in California -- Thank God, some people like you are still sober and do keep on thinking. Ex-KGBs DO NOT CHANGE. THEY WILL NEVER CHANGE. THEY STILL HAVE "PLANS" (and secret allies).
I totally agree with you. That's why we should all (West) remain united and awake. The worst danger is if we get asleep and relaxed. We must not believe that everything of the "cold" past is over.
It's not.
The following years -- although many thinkers do not accept it -- Russian economy will go from worst to worst! They have nothing except gas and oil they already hardly sell compared to the "investments" they have made. They never had anything at all.
Anyone, name me a successful Russian brand? of anything. Tough, right? They have nothing at all. No economy, no production of internationally respected products, except Niva "jeeps" and Stolichnaya! Ok! They cannot sleep in GM when they think of the competition that Jack Daniel's will have to face?
Even during the "Soviet" communism, 10% of the KGB and the party people in the USSR had a better life than the other 90%. That's why they made it possible to "politically" survive for many decades until the final fall: "minimums", but enough. Today, only 1% of the people there (ex-KGB, ex-party, Mafia and ex-high ranked persons) enjoy money and power. Nevertheless, 99% of the people watch them enjoy the "new era", but 99% do not! These people (the 99%) will soon create "problems" bigger than they did during the Soviet fall. Ex-KGBs know it and they will try to make the scenery cloudy. They will try to send to sleep the recent Russian "99% capitalistic babies", by using and creating conflicts in order to increase their nationalism and make them forget the everyday differences. They have already begun to do so.
You are right Sandra! Today Georgia, tomorrow Ukraine? What's next? Poland? And then what? This may be a fiction of mine, but I think that soon enough we will have -- once again -- to face the real teeth of the "Past".
Best Regards Sandra!
Posted on Mon Aug 11, 2008
Jeton in Kosovo writes:
These Olympics have been overshadowed by the Russian agression of Republic of Georgia. Sphere of influence of Russia has been sphere of devastation in the past i.e Afghanistan, and I don't think there will be peace if Russia pursues these policies.
Posted on Mon Aug 11, 2008
These Olympics have been overshadowed by the Russian agression of Republic of Georgia. Sphere of influence of Russia has been sphere of devastation in the past i.e Afghanistan, and I don't think there will be peace if Russia pursues these policies.
Posted on Mon Aug 11, 2008
John in Greece writes:
@ Ronald in New York -- Your comment, "The "Birdcage" should be made of razor-wire", is extremely artistic and ABSOLUTELY true! I would say intelligently surrealistic! That's how I would paint the 2008 Olympic Games too.
And when the "episode" will be over, I would travel the "painting" around the Globe's art exhibitions under the title: "Iron-y work made of hypocrisy".
@ Eric in New Mexico -- And what if "Russia and Georgia are both banned from competition for their willing mutual combat at the expense of peace"?
And then what? What about Tibet? What about hundreds of other places on earth -- especially in Africa -- that hypocritically participate today in China's Games, but at the same time they fight each other, this very time we talk?
I believe in the Olympic spirit and the whole concept, however I fear, it tends to become a "Eurovision" show with let's say more global participation than the song contest: too many lights, decoration, fireworks, dances, singing, expensive hotels, too many guest they do not pay at all for being there etc. A show!
It may sound cruel, but according to my opinion, positive Diplomacy, in the new millennium, may be more successful concerning the Peace and Global Message, than a two week sport event that costs billions of $ every four years.
Posted on Mon Aug 11, 2008
@ Ronald in New York -- Your comment, "The "Birdcage" should be made of razor-wire", is extremely artistic and ABSOLUTELY true! I would say intelligently surrealistic! That's how I would paint the 2008 Olympic Games too.
And when the "episode" will be over, I would travel the "painting" around the Globe's art exhibitions under the title: "Iron-y work made of hypocrisy".
@ Eric in New Mexico -- And what if "Russia and Georgia are both banned from competition for their willing mutual combat at the expense of peace"?
And then what? What about Tibet? What about hundreds of other places on earth -- especially in Africa -- that hypocritically participate today in China's Games, but at the same time they fight each other, this very time we talk?
I believe in the Olympic spirit and the whole concept, however I fear, it tends to become a "Eurovision" show with let's say more global participation than the song contest: too many lights, decoration, fireworks, dances, singing, expensive hotels, too many guest they do not pay at all for being there etc. A show!
It may sound cruel, but according to my opinion, positive Diplomacy, in the new millennium, may be more successful concerning the Peace and Global Message, than a two week sport event that costs billions of $ every four years.
Posted on Mon Aug 11, 2008
SNP in Syria writes:
@ Sandara in CA
Don't mess with the Russians, specially KGB officers Sandra. They are ready to prove Russia to the world and will jump on the opportunity to prove it. A very poor and silly act that is orchestrated by the U.S. with Israeli thugs training Georgian inferior troupes. No one got a chance. Just as with the swift U.S. defeat in Lebanon by the Shia militia and SSNP members, The plotters denied any link and blamed the ally for recklessne, to save face.
Lets see the coming Iran fiasco. Maybe they already pre-rehersed this conflict with Iranians, so all can save face and end the N conflict so that Cheney can kiss the Ayatollah pipelines a blessing.
Posted on Sun Aug 10, 2008
@ Sandara in CA
Don't mess with the Russians, specially KGB officers Sandra. They are ready to prove Russia to the world and will jump on the opportunity to prove it. A very poor and silly act that is orchestrated by the U.S. with Israeli thugs training Georgian inferior troupes. No one got a chance. Just as with the swift U.S. defeat in Lebanon by the Shia militia and SSNP members, The plotters denied any link and blamed the ally for recklessne, to save face.
Lets see the coming Iran fiasco. Maybe they already pre-rehersed this conflict with Iranians, so all can save face and end the N conflict so that Cheney can kiss the Ayatollah pipelines a blessing.
Posted on Sun Aug 10, 2008
Sandra in California writes:
I think Mr.Putin has shown 'US' that he can make the Olympics as political as anyone else. I realize he is an egomaniacal math wizz, who believes he is good at stratagy because of that fact. I think his arrogancy and jealousy, over the big show Beijing is putting on, got the better of him. It appears to me, that he was looking for an opportunity, any excuse he could find, not to pay them a compliment on their success', so any excuse is a good one to start a war if one was raised by the old KGB! I has seen KGB stratagy for more than 50 years now, and this is just so obviously typical. I believe Mr. Putin would not have done as he has if he realized how obvious it would be. I don't expect him to leave Georgia, either. He has told the West to stay out of it, and that in the face that Georgia has been seeking admission to the European Union. If his actions and words do not show what his demeaner will be if they are allowed admission, I can't imagine what it will take. I hope the US and European Union do not let the situation continue for long before taking strong action, preferably sanctions, or, I fear, Georgia will be lost. Ukraine could be after Georgia. Putin was schooled by the KGB from the age of 7, his is not his Mother's son! Thanks for your hard work!
Posted on Sun Aug 10, 2008
I think Mr.Putin has shown 'US' that he can make the Olympics as political as anyone else. I realize he is an egomaniacal math wizz, who believes he is good at stratagy because of that fact. I think his arrogancy and jealousy, over the big show Beijing is putting on, got the better of him. It appears to me, that he was looking for an opportunity, any excuse he could find, not to pay them a compliment on their success', so any excuse is a good one to start a war if one was raised by the old KGB! I has seen KGB stratagy for more than 50 years now, and this is just so obviously typical. I believe Mr. Putin would not have done as he has if he realized how obvious it would be. I don't expect him to leave Georgia, either. He has told the West to stay out of it, and that in the face that Georgia has been seeking admission to the European Union. If his actions and words do not show what his demeaner will be if they are allowed admission, I can't imagine what it will take. I hope the US and European Union do not let the situation continue for long before taking strong action, preferably sanctions, or, I fear, Georgia will be lost. Ukraine could be after Georgia. Putin was schooled by the KGB from the age of 7, his is not his Mother's son! Thanks for your hard work!
Posted on Sun Aug 10, 2008
Eric in New Mexico writes:
@ John in Greece -- Interesting recipe, though I don't think I'll be trying that one out in my kitchen anytime soon...but...
Apparently, Dipnote was a good idea....now we have "mission specific" blogs sprouting up as well.
http://www.usunnewyork.usmission.gov/blog
Morgan OBrien posted something there that may prove relevant to the hostilities going on in Georgia, as it concerns Olympic rules of the games.
"While the Olympic motto is made up of three Latin words: Citius, Altius, Fortius (which mean Faster, Higher, Stronger) the spirit of the games extends beyond the fields of play. Among other things, the Olympic Charter calls for the preservation of human dignity, the right to compete in sport without impediment and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles.
In addition to these aspirations, the Olympics also bear a rich history of tradition. An important rite of the Games is the notion of the Olympic truce. Drawing it's inspiration from ancient Olympics, this time-honored tradition saw wars suspended, armies willingly put down their arms, to at least temporarily allow athletes to settle international issues on the fields of play. According to the poet Thucydides in The History of the Peloponnesian War, this truce was so serious that the Spartans were once banned from competing and fined a hefty 200,000 drachmas for invading Lepreum in violation of the truce.
Together the motto, charter and traditions of the Olympics serve as the moral compass as modern International Olympic Committee continues its efforts to inspire peace."
----
If Russia and Georgia are both banned from competition for their willing mutual combat at the expense of peace, then so be it.
Past precedent will be well served.
Posted on Sun Aug 10, 2008
@ John in Greece -- Interesting recipe, though I don't think I'll be trying that one out in my kitchen anytime soon...but...
Apparently, Dipnote was a good idea....now we have "mission specific" blogs sprouting up as well.
http://www.usunnewyork.usmission.gov/blog
Morgan OBrien posted something there that may prove relevant to the hostilities going on in Georgia, as it concerns Olympic rules of the games.
"While the Olympic motto is made up of three Latin words: Citius, Altius, Fortius (which mean Faster, Higher, Stronger) the spirit of the games extends beyond the fields of play. Among other things, the Olympic Charter calls for the preservation of human dignity, the right to compete in sport without impediment and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles.
In addition to these aspirations, the Olympics also bear a rich history of tradition. An important rite of the Games is the notion of the Olympic truce. Drawing it's inspiration from ancient Olympics, this time-honored tradition saw wars suspended, armies willingly put down their arms, to at least temporarily allow athletes to settle international issues on the fields of play. According to the poet Thucydides in The History of the Peloponnesian War, this truce was so serious that the Spartans were once banned from competing and fined a hefty 200,000 drachmas for invading Lepreum in violation of the truce.
Together the motto, charter and traditions of the Olympics serve as the moral compass as modern International Olympic Committee continues its efforts to inspire peace."
----
If Russia and Georgia are both banned from competition for their willing mutual combat at the expense of peace, then so be it.
Past precedent will be well served.
Posted on Sun Aug 10, 2008
Wiseman in Syria writes:
40 billions for one boring ceremony is great example of what money can't buy
who wake up the sleeping dragon will suffer the most
i bet many know the answer and hate to admit it like fragrance of ck
Posted on Sat Aug 09, 2008
40 billions for one boring ceremony is great example of what money can't buy
who wake up the sleeping dragon will suffer the most
i bet many know the answer and hate to admit it like fragrance of ck
Posted on Sat Aug 09, 2008
Susan in Florida writes:
The Olympic Games...What they symbolize is that for a moment the whole world puts grievances and cynicism aside. Last night I watched all the athletes come into the arena, most all were smiling and laughing, amazed to be there to represent their country. If only for a moment, it was wonderful to see.
Posted on Sat Aug 09, 2008
The Olympic Games...What they symbolize is that for a moment the whole world puts grievances and cynicism aside. Last night I watched all the athletes come into the arena, most all were smiling and laughing, amazed to be there to represent their country. If only for a moment, it was wonderful to see.
Posted on Sat Aug 09, 2008
Matt in Massachusetts writes:
The Olympics have always been about sports. From the very ancient games, when competitors used to come to prove who was the fastest, the strongest, the best. So it should be today. However, it can't be possible. I believe the route the U.S. has taken today is the best possible one: vocally, we call for change in China's internal policies; however, we allow for our hundreds of Olympians to compete, instead of dashing their hopes for Olympic gold. Shame on those who talked of boycotting the Olympics. History has shown that a boycott has had very little impact on internal affairs, apart from that on the hopes of the athletes who are barred from competition because of meddling by politicians.
Posted on Sat Aug 09, 2008
The Olympics have always been about sports. From the very ancient games, when competitors used to come to prove who was the fastest, the strongest, the best. So it should be today. However, it can't be possible. I believe the route the U.S. has taken today is the best possible one: vocally, we call for change in China's internal policies; however, we allow for our hundreds of Olympians to compete, instead of dashing their hopes for Olympic gold. Shame on those who talked of boycotting the Olympics. History has shown that a boycott has had very little impact on internal affairs, apart from that on the hopes of the athletes who are barred from competition because of meddling by politicians.
Posted on Sat Aug 09, 2008
John in Greece writes:
Today's "dish" is Chinese, with a little "Russian romance" of the past. Obviously, they think (Russians) it never ended. (the plate)
But, it did!
So, let's make today's dish a thinking "buffet".
THE RECIPE
SERVES:
Who knows how many are alive in Ossetia right now?
What about Tibet?
INGREDIENTS:
I would suggest the use of the very interesting No6 suggestion of Ronald.
Ronald in New York wrote:
"6- A risky venture for states who are hypocritical".
DIRECTIONS:
Eric in New Mexico, as always, made the plate extremely colourful!
Eric wrote:
"a good idea for nations to bonk heads in an sporting arena, rather than on the battlefield"
MAKE AHEAD:
We should have asked Mr. Putin this question, before the Games:
TO WHAT EXTENT ARE THE OLYMPIC GAMES MORE THAN AN ATHLETIC COMPETITION?
Posted on Sat Aug 09, 2008
Today's "dish" is Chinese, with a little "Russian romance" of the past. Obviously, they think (Russians) it never ended. (the plate)
But, it did!
So, let's make today's dish a thinking "buffet".
THE RECIPE
SERVES:
Who knows how many are alive in Ossetia right now?
What about Tibet?
INGREDIENTS:
I would suggest the use of the very interesting No6 suggestion of Ronald.
Ronald in New York wrote:
"6- A risky venture for states who are hypocritical".
DIRECTIONS:
Eric in New Mexico, as always, made the plate extremely colourful!
Eric wrote:
"a good idea for nations to bonk heads in an sporting arena, rather than on the battlefield"
MAKE AHEAD:
We should have asked Mr. Putin this question, before the Games:
TO WHAT EXTENT ARE THE OLYMPIC GAMES MORE THAN AN ATHLETIC COMPETITION?
Posted on Sat Aug 09, 2008
Ronald in New York writes:
To what extent?.....
For China's Olympics....
The "Birdcage" should be made of razor-wire.
Posted on Sat Aug 09, 2008
To what extent?.....
For China's Olympics....
The "Birdcage" should be made of razor-wire.
Posted on Sat Aug 09, 2008
Eric in New Mexico writes:
Once upon a time, some genius in Athens figured it might be a good idea for nations to bonk heads in an sporting arena, rather than on the battlefield. And ever since then the Olympics have proven their worth in that regard, as a diplomat's tool to foster healthy relations among nations.
Gives nuance to what we consider civilized. So "to what extent?" are the Olympics more than a sporting event...lends one to safely conclude they are part of the fabric of a vibrant global society.
Posted on Sat Aug 09, 2008
Once upon a time, some genius in Athens figured it might be a good idea for nations to bonk heads in an sporting arena, rather than on the battlefield. And ever since then the Olympics have proven their worth in that regard, as a diplomat's tool to foster healthy relations among nations.
Gives nuance to what we consider civilized. So "to what extent?" are the Olympics more than a sporting event...lends one to safely conclude they are part of the fabric of a vibrant global society.
Posted on Sat Aug 09, 2008
Christian in Australia writes:
This is the first Olympics in a long time in which I feel its important for Americans to win as a proxy for the American way. I haven't felt this way since the end of the Cold War.
I know what's changed more recently: Fault lines are forming between China and the West. The tension of this stategic competition can have positive dividends. China has touted its rapid response to its most recent earthquake in contrast to the Hurricane Katrina debacle in the US. With the eyes of the east watching the US, you can be pretty sure the US government won't be so lax in its responses to future disasters. And it hasn't been (re: Mid-west flooding). Again, this is similar to the Cold War when a nation's ability to take care of its own was one of the most effective ideological defenses.
Posted on Sat Aug 09, 2008
This is the first Olympics in a long time in which I feel its important for Americans to win as a proxy for the American way. I haven't felt this way since the end of the Cold War.
I know what's changed more recently: Fault lines are forming between China and the West. The tension of this stategic competition can have positive dividends. China has touted its rapid response to its most recent earthquake in contrast to the Hurricane Katrina debacle in the US. With the eyes of the east watching the US, you can be pretty sure the US government won't be so lax in its responses to future disasters. And it hasn't been (re: Mid-west flooding). Again, this is similar to the Cold War when a nation's ability to take care of its own was one of the most effective ideological defenses.
Posted on Sat Aug 09, 2008
SNP in Syria writes:
How many shackled laborers worked for free in this Communist State to produce this waste of money venue. Communism is the most atrocious human right decimator, matched only by the Church of Christ.
Posted on Sat Aug 09, 2008
How many shackled laborers worked for free in this Communist State to produce this waste of money venue. Communism is the most atrocious human right decimator, matched only by the Church of Christ.
Posted on Sat Aug 09, 2008
Moshe in Washington, DC writes:
The Olympic Games are the one moment that countries around the world can share in their similarities and their differences. A venue where athletes can compete with one another as equals. Each earning their right to compete by focusing on sports, lifestyles, and dreams that they share in common. For the most part, they have all trained the same. The athletes have spent thousands of hours perfecting techniques that the world, not the individual, has developed for sometimes thousands of years.
Behind every athlete are millions of eyes watching, waiting, and hoping for the dreams of a nation. Each step, throw, jab, shot, row, and kick is counted, analyzed and critiqued by adults and children alike. With every victory is an automatic rush of excitement, of appreciation, of pride, and sometimes of tears of joy. All of us share in the ability to have a hero, a champion that will do her, or his, utmost to realize victory for our people, our country, our nation.
The athletes... In their hours, their blood, and their sweat, they compete against each other, themselves, and with one another. They share just a few moments of life dreamed of since dawning their uniform for the very first time. Their struggle is together, we watch them from every part of the world together.
The Olympics are not simply a competition, they are a chance for all people to gather around the world, to celebrate and to rejoice in the dreams that make us similar. In the Olympics a competitor is not someone that is beat. No, a competitor is someone that is recognized as an equal and who is their to bring out the best in their opponent, so that they may achieve all that is possible and more. Let us watch, let us learn, and let us do this together as one.
Posted on Fri Aug 08, 2008
The Olympic Games are the one moment that countries around the world can share in their similarities and their differences. A venue where athletes can compete with one another as equals. Each earning their right to compete by focusing on sports, lifestyles, and dreams that they share in common. For the most part, they have all trained the same. The athletes have spent thousands of hours perfecting techniques that the world, not the individual, has developed for sometimes thousands of years.
Behind every athlete are millions of eyes watching, waiting, and hoping for the dreams of a nation. Each step, throw, jab, shot, row, and kick is counted, analyzed and critiqued by adults and children alike. With every victory is an automatic rush of excitement, of appreciation, of pride, and sometimes of tears of joy. All of us share in the ability to have a hero, a champion that will do her, or his, utmost to realize victory for our people, our country, our nation.
The athletes... In their hours, their blood, and their sweat, they compete against each other, themselves, and with one another. They share just a few moments of life dreamed of since dawning their uniform for the very first time. Their struggle is together, we watch them from every part of the world together.
The Olympics are not simply a competition, they are a chance for all people to gather around the world, to celebrate and to rejoice in the dreams that make us similar. In the Olympics a competitor is not someone that is beat. No, a competitor is someone that is recognized as an equal and who is their to bring out the best in their opponent, so that they may achieve all that is possible and more. Let us watch, let us learn, and let us do this together as one.
Posted on Fri Aug 08, 2008
Molly in Washington, DC writes:
While I do feel that $40 billion is more than excessive for an opening ceremony alone, considering the fact that over 500 million residents of China live off of $2 a day and that 5 million residents of the Sichuan province are homeless in the aftermath of the 2008 earthquake, I am willing to put that aside. I am a realist; there are plenty of policies in this country and many others that I do not come close to supporting. But, the Olympics are much bigger than that. They are so much more than an athletic competition. In my lifetime, the Olympics have been the only time I have witnessed the world come together. For me, this is a time to put aside my political beliefs and revel in humanity. The Olympics should be looked at as an opportunity to teach our children acceptance and about history and culture. There are a lot of problems in this world, but we should look at this as a positive event, and maximize the potential it creates to promote awareness of and love for others.
Posted on Fri Aug 08, 2008
While I do feel that $40 billion is more than excessive for an opening ceremony alone, considering the fact that over 500 million residents of China live off of $2 a day and that 5 million residents of the Sichuan province are homeless in the aftermath of the 2008 earthquake, I am willing to put that aside. I am a realist; there are plenty of policies in this country and many others that I do not come close to supporting. But, the Olympics are much bigger than that. They are so much more than an athletic competition. In my lifetime, the Olympics have been the only time I have witnessed the world come together. For me, this is a time to put aside my political beliefs and revel in humanity. The Olympics should be looked at as an opportunity to teach our children acceptance and about history and culture. There are a lot of problems in this world, but we should look at this as a positive event, and maximize the potential it creates to promote awareness of and love for others.
Posted on Fri Aug 08, 2008
Ronald in New York writes:
Olympic Games are:
1- A smokescreen for Human Rights violations.
2- A display of Economic Power.
3- An opportunity to expand tourism.
4- A moment for intense world visibility.
5- A Commercial and Cultural marketing coup.
6- A risky venture for states who are hypocritical.
Posted on Fri Aug 08, 2008
Olympic Games are:
1- A smokescreen for Human Rights violations.
2- A display of Economic Power.
3- An opportunity to expand tourism.
4- A moment for intense world visibility.
5- A Commercial and Cultural marketing coup.
6- A risky venture for states who are hypocritical.
Posted on Fri Aug 08, 2008
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