You know when things have gone to pot when you have to guard the Olympic flame.
Now, I like love the Olympics because it gives us something to aspire to.
In the safety of my armchair I can sit and watch folk run 100 metres in under 10 seconds and for a moment you think of what might have been if your PE teacher had decided not to say it was a bit cold out so we'll postpone outside sport for today.'
The Olympic flame is supposed to stand for a dream whatever that may be. And over the years I have watched every single 3000-metre steeplechase and decathlon.
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But the events of this week were strange to say the least.
Four years ago nobody really cared about the Olympic flame.
We couldn't care less what happened to the flame or where it was heading.
The only time anyone switched on to watch the flame was at the opening ceremony.
This year everyone is either trying to blow it out or stop it from being extinguished.
If this continues we will be transporting the flame on a bus flanked by special forces, armed guards and have to change the route...oh that's happened too.
You had to feel sorry for the people carrying the torch and having to stop every ten or 20 steps because somebody wanted to take it from them.
As I wrote some time back I understand the significance of demonstrating but this year should indeed be a defining moment for all major sporting events.
The IOC knew full well that this would happen and chose to ignore the fact.
I don't think any amount of good PR is going to rescue this Olympics.
The damage has been done but one good thing about the Olympics being held in Beijing is that there there is now more attention on the plight of a whole nation.
Nonetheless the Chinese Government may be feeling a little aggrieved at how things have degenerated and how they have quickly become the world's number one enemy.
But I think they have a big reason to bit annoyed at how things have panned out.
They must also be wondering if similar demonstrations would be held if the Olympics were being staged in - say the United States or Russia.
Are not both nations occupying smaller countries too?
Posted by: simplysimon, burnley on 12:03pm Fri 11 Apr 08
Squabbles, Killings and Misery about who owns what land and where has been going on in many countries for as long as I can remember. Maybe there should be an Olympic Contest to show which Religion and which God owns what land and where.
Mankind is Killing itself for [bold]Ownership[/bold] of land, Power and Gold.
No wonder God doesn't want to show up.
Squabbles, Killings and Misery about who owns what land and where has been going on in many countries for as long as I can remember. Maybe there should be an Olympic Contest to show which Religion and which God owns what land and where.
Mankind is Killing itself for Ownership of land, Power and Gold.
Posted by: Michael, Clitheroe on 11:48pm Fri 11 Apr 08
Every right thinking person agrees with your closing words Shuiab Khan, I also agree with simplysimon we have a lot to do before who ever God is, will come to help us.
Every right thinking person agrees with your closing words Shuiab Khan, I also agree with simplysimon we have a lot to do before who ever God is, will come to help us.
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