Off to Torino and Olympic Gold

02/08/2006

Paul Munnis

We want to pause a moment and wish our departing Olympic athletes and their families a safe trip to Turino, Italy, and good luck and an injury free experience in their quest for Olympic medals.

We know that in this time of international terrorism that traveling abroad is risky and we also know that you and your family have appraised these risks and have chosen to go and to participate. Good for you. Terrorism can only succeed when it cowers people and you have refused to be intimidated.

God-speed and safe travel are wished for one and all.

The Olympics have turned into a matter of nationalistic pride as medal counts and other indicators are used to imply cultural dominance of nations. Bragging rights are important too and so is the image that is projected by those cultural representatives who are our competitive athletes plus the behavior of their managers and handlers.

Through the magnification of TV and its close-up lens our athletes themselves and their sportsmanship, competitive behavior, ethical and moral standards, and lifestyles, will all be observed and commented upon and transmitted around the world as social commentary.

We encourage our athletes to perform at the highest levels they are capable of and not only in their sport but also in their personal lives.

God-speed and Good Luck.