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It seems that nowadays, we regularly hear about protesters arriving at events like G8 meetings, Republican conventions, etc. People protesting usually have a variety of issues they're advocating, but we can typically see people with black hoods and faces covered. I don't think I have ever heard anyone in the media speak negatively about these protests, even though they normally end up in violent clashes with police. Why is this? So it was surprising to find out that protesters arrived at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. What "issue" is there to protest at the Olympics? I could be wrong, but it seems to me like some people just like to bang heads with police on a stage where there is a lot of media present. Does it energize them? Does it provide a sense of thrill? I am saying all this because I really don't think it accomplishes much of anything - at least not for the people who show up just to riot.Well, perhaps the media is catching on a bit:
At this point, it's not clear what the protesters are trying to accomplish. Like the IOC, I support the group's right to protest, but isn't it all a bit late? The Olympics are here. The cauldron has been lit, the Opening Ceremony was a success and the first events are under way. This late in the game, knocking over mailboxes and kicking in car windows isn't protesting; it's hooliganism.
'Protesters' break windows and clash with police in Vancouver
As for the Olympics I have no idea what there is to protest. For the G8 G20 or whatever number it's up to now, it's about world government and the subversion of national sovereignty (for others it's about the environment). These protests are useless because they never sway anyone or accomplish anything but violence and embarrassment for public officials.
The point is they get publicity for whatever pet causes they advocate. I think at least some of the folks at the Olympics are protesting the amount of money spent building all the venues. I saw a piece about it on the German news today where a protester decried how much better the money could have been used if they had thrown it at Canada's poor.As to the lack of negative reporting, I am convinced the media both supports the protesters views in a general way and loves the fact that protests make juicy stories, especially if they can show pictures of police getting overwhelmed. The media loves sticking it to the cops until they get mugged and then they can just report on how bad the police are. It is a win-win for the media.
I'm no big fan of the Olympics, but I think protests could be better served at other more political venues.
An Olympic hater? What the heck? I love watching the Olympics….and am doing so right now! Why no love from you?
An Olympic hater? What the heck? I love watching the Olympics....and am doing so right now! Why no love from you?
We here in Kentucky only care about one sport. BTW my Cards knocked off Syracuse today! We might be dancing after all!
Only one sport because Kentucky is only good at one. There was hope for the UofL football program in the late 90's when I lived there but they have since reverted to their obsession with basketball. Although I will give Kentucky that, your universities consistently put forward some of the best basketball teams in the nation.
Only one sport because Kentucky is only good at one. There was hope for the UofL football program in the late 90's when I lived there but they have since reverted to their obsession with basketball. Although I will give Kentucky that, your universities consistently put forward some of the best basketball teams in the nation.
We're expanding our football stadium and now have a coach with a backbone. Charlie Strong will have us the kings of the Big East very soon.....that is if the Big 10 doesn't poach Pitt and Syracuse away before then. 🙁
Apolo Anton Ono…whoopdee do. They're saying he's the most decorated olympic athlete. He only has one gold medal. When he wins 5 gold medals in one game like Eric Heiden did, let me know. BTW, men's aerials are Monday!! And Shaun White is cool. Even though he already won the gold before his second drop, he still went all out. I like this guy.
BTW, men's aerials are Monday!! And Shaun White is cool. Even though he already won the gold before his second drop, he still went all out. I like this guy.
I must say - I used to not be a Shaun White fan since I think he's kept his hair long and scraggly for too much time, and because I didn't really like the half-pipe event. But I watched it when they broadcast it live a few nights ago, and I was impressed. It's nice to see greatness at work in any sport
Agree about that the hair, but that's his “signature” (well, that and the 2 gold medals) so I don't think he could cut it because the fans would complain. Besides, he's a snowboarder, they're supposed to look scraggly and dude-ish. I must say, I'm liking these Olympics better than Torino. The US Ski/Snowbaord Team is dominating!
I was pretty happy with the way the US team did and how they handled their exposure to the world stage (one exception… the nasty looks on the faces of the women's hockey team upon winning only silver >:(); terrible about the luger's death and a few glitches (natural and manmade) but in all a terrific games. Canada showed their goodness in sundry ways.
Agreed – a very good Olympics. The men's hockey game on Sunday was far better than any NHL all-star game…maybe better than any Stanley Cup finals? Although I must say I would have felt very sorry for Canada had they lost on their home ice on the very last day.Anyway, it's fun to see sports that you otherwise would never really see in person or on TV at other times of the year. I'm glad the U.S. did so well across the board.
Was a great Olympics for US and the host country and everyone else (except perhaps the Russian athletic trainers) Surprised that the US medalled in the nordic events. That was pretty cool.
