U.S. athletes told to cool it at Olympics

[ZIM]

NEW YORK — American athletes have been warned not to wave the U.S. flag during their medal celebrations at this summer’s Olympic Games in Athens, for fear of provoking crowd hostility and harming the country’s already-battered public image. article (http://washingtontimes.com/national/20040516-121028-9603r.htm)

This is good, but it doesn’t go far enough. To really repair our wounded reputation, the athletes, when accepting their medals, should also apologize for oppressing their fellow athletes from less-privileged countries by committing the transgression of beating them. :rolleyes:

[Starchaser107]

i hope evil people don't use this opportunity to take advantage of innocent lives.
the world is such a messed up place. i supppose security must be really beefy for such an event.

[WanderingMonk]

security? This olympic will be a case study of chaos management. I read that some facility is still under construction or unfinished. failure to prepare is preparation for ...........

[Starchaser107]

1972 (http://videosystems.primediabusiness.com/ar/video_olympic_tragedy_retold/) should never happen again.

[ZIM]

Don't worry. I'm sure they're paying attention to Israel. (http://mideasttruth.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=503) :rolleyes:

Nothing will happen. (http://www.wiesenthal.com/social/press/pr_item.cfm?itemID=9094)

[kungfu cowboy]

It's incredibly stupid to act as if a minority of the population represents the personality, values, and morals of an entire nation. People are individuals. There is not just one citizen per country.

[Starchaser107]

people have consistently proved themselves/ourselves to be incredibly stupid.
globally.

[Banjos_dad]

Okay. The Mexicans can chant "Osama" throughout the US/Mexico men's soccer game with no consequences. But God forbid we win a medal in the olympics and someone whips out a flag.
Are those grapes sour enough for you?

PS I was watching the Mexico/US women's soccer game here in Alb. If anyone near me would have started that Osama ****, they would have eaten one of my elbows, at the very least.

I'm taking a good hard look at the rest of the world, and they really have a ways to go before they'll succeed in making me feel asahmed to be an American.

Maybe if Greece can't control an Olympic crowd, they should let another country host it, I'm starting to get the impression they bit off hella more than they could chew. And if they don't like it that we're likely to win their medals away, they can go back to cornholing each other and smashing plates on the floor. Hopah!!!

[WinterPalm]

I think it's funny that the American Olympic committee has done this. They think that not chanting or waving flags is gonna help? Try stopping the support for terrorism and the US might regain some respect in the worlds view. Try thinking of other's feelings in their dealings.
The US has decided to play alone unless it benefits them and for this they are falling behind the rest of the world. Sure, they have progress that money can but, but everything else, they're losing it.

[Starchaser107]

it's easy to say america is this and that right now, but what happens when it becomes islam vs. the rest of the world and not just vs. americans and american supporters...
think it can't happen???
ever try to reason with an extremist?
i don't think that just because spain tucked thier tail between thier legs it makes them safe.

[ZIM]

Originally posted by WinterPalm
Try stopping the support for terrorism and the US might regain some respect in the worlds view. I wholeheartedly agree!

First- give the palestinians a state!
second- declare war on it! Lay waste to it all.
three- give the land to Israel.
four- say to the arabs: 'WHAT palestinian problem?'

[Banjos_dad]

Dear 'rest of the world,'

You're welcome for all the medicine & life improving technologies we invent. You're welcome for the military help we provide for the weaker countries who don't have the (your word here) to keep their enemies outside their borders. You're even welcome for all the entertainment both intentional & not, we provide.
So keep coming to us for the latest in science, medicine, art, literature, basically everything, reaching out to accept our material culture with one hand while you give us the bird with the other.

BTW--How are we supporting terrorism? By providing a steady stream of people to abduct? Mmmmkay....

I wonder how it feels to live in a country where, other countries treat you like a b1tch & you don't do anything to stop it...Oh yeah that's right...I'll never have to know that shame :p If I want to know I'll have to ask someone from another country...like maybe Spain.

[T'ai Ji Monkey]

Hmmm, might the decisions maybe also be influenced byt the following??



At this summer's Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, the post-performance demonstration by the US men's 4x100 meter relay team also left an indelible memory. This exhibition, however, was of a quite different character. The gold medal victors in the event—Maurice Greene, Jon Drummond, Brian Lewis and Bernard Williams—created a circus atmosphere after their win that was as crass as it was backward. They preened, flexed their muscles and generally played the fool for the crowd. While Greene was on the podium he continued the clownish act, repeatedly sticking out his tongue for the benefit of the cameras. The general behavior of the sprinters—lording it over their opponents in a taunting and self-congratulatory manner—was the opposite of what the Olympics are supposed to be about: international friendship and solidarity.


Source:
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2000/oct2000/olym-o25.shtml



You're welcome for all the medicine & life improving
technologies we invent.


Like what technology? MP3, CD's, DVD's, all the medical and technological advances done in europe and asia from which YOU benefit?
Seen the discovery channel program on the Harley V-Rod who asked PORSCHE to help them get the engine up and running?

Like the cheaper medication that the US refuses to import to improve YOUR lifes and so on.

Do a bit of research before rehashing prty propaganda.
The US is falling badly behind in research and science with most of your stuff being done by FOREIGNERS.

[Banjos_dad]

Like I said, yr welcome.


:D


What did that takes folks, about ten minutes?

As he watches the Discovery Channel.

I think you missed the point. I'm sure it's not the only one.

PS--I like BMW bikes best. You can go ride the 'rod. :eek:

LOL...B_d

[BlueTravesty]

Yeah, that was pretty bad behavior, and I am fully confident that the Americans in question are the only ones in Olympic history to ever have acted in such a manner after a win. Really. Honestly.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The general behavior of the sprinters—lording it over their opponents in a taunting and self-congratulatory manner—was the opposite of what the Olympics are supposed to be about : international friendship and solidarity.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wow, I had no idea. I thought it was an international athletic competition held to reward the highest achievements in various track and field events where the top 3 contenders are given medals of differing value consistent with their performance as compared to their competitors. I'll have to write the author of that article a thank-you note for clearing up my apparent confusion.

[Banjos_dad]

One more thing...is it still true that 90% of Canada's population lives within 50 miles of the US border? Or is it only like 75% now.
Why did you have to be from Canada, dang it. I love Canada. II'm not kidding

[T'ai Ji Monkey]

Banjo Dad.

Few points:
The olympic behaviour is unbecoming of an AMBASSADOR of ANY country, those athletes are not just there to compete but also to REPRESENT their country as he highest of highest competitors that they can produce and that includes manners and behaviour too.
Also there is something called SPORTSMANSHIP.

MY other point being is that I think it is funny that some Americans always sprout of how much the rest of the worlds owes them in technology, peace and science when in reality the deal goes BOTH WAYS.
In some areas the US leads the field in others somebody else does, no biggie.

Reality is that for some time already and more so in the future no country/company/technology group can do it own it's own and will need help from other countries across the globe.
Same with company ownership today your company might be owned by a Swiss and tomorrow by an American, Arab or Japanese company.
Check the goods you buy and the companies that produce them and you will find that some "AMERICAN BRANDS" are not even owned by americans or made in the US.

The time for unilateral actions and decisions is gone, future presoperity and peace needs to rely on cop-operation and working together to solve problems.

Ideas like "us good, them bad" and similar have become anachronism and should be gotten rid off.

Sorry, got longer than I had planned.

[ShaolinTiger00]

http://xroads.virginia.edu/~MA03/holmgren/hof/images/fist.jpg

[Chang Style Novice]

Say, you know that at the opening ceremonies for the olympics, the representatives of every country dip their flag before the olympic flag except the USA?

Of course, there's no way that could ever possibly result in someone thinking we're a bunch of arrogant pr!cks.

[ZIM]

The Australian bit would be relevant IF this wasn't stated specifically as being a 'charm offensive' [how quaint] to stave off criticism because of ongoing anti-US sentiment.

As it is, your point is irrelevant.

Now, if we were forced to wave PLO flags, we would be alright.

And: You forgot that Al Gore gave you the internet, you arrogant person you.... :p

[Yum Cha]

Having worked at the Sydney Olympics, I might add that this same instructions applied then. Americans were told to avoid any political discussions, to travel in small groups, etc, etc. They were reminded that Australians were Socialists, and it was best to avoid any confrontation! I wonder if they tell the US Special Forces in Afganistan that the Australian SAS are a bunch of Socialists that might not be quite trustworthy....

The previous article about the sprinters pretty much said it all. Hubris.

Not all the world has the same attitude as displayed by these, and several other American athletes during the games. Not all of it made the papers in such a grandiose manner.

Also notable was the tight basketball game between "Dream Team" 3(?) and Cuba (?) when the local audience, mostly Australians was cheering for the "other" side. The Americans were shocked, outraged, we were supposed to be their friends! How could Australia be so vile as to actually barrack for a non-american team! HA! Hubris.

Just a clue to the psyche, when the American Rugby team comes to town, they are treated like kings! The toast of the town. And they can't even get points on the board. Wait, they did beat Japan....

So, political and security issues aside, important that they are, good taste, sportsmanship and humility should not be discounted when performing on a world stage. Its not all about the USA.

[ZIM]

ok, so I take it back. Maybe it is relevant, but it still sux if you ask me.

[Yum Cha]

Zim,
Yes, it sux. Americans get a bad name for doing the same things that makes them great. And they say, you can't have it both ways.

Life is full of Irony. All we can do is look for better ways, and learn along the way.

For example, I wrote you off as some hate monger, yet I was wrong, and you appear to be a quality bloke.

Pleased to meet you.

[ZIM]

For example, I wrote you off as some hate monger, yet I was wrong, and you appear to be a quality bloke. Nope, no monging here. I have strong opinions, sure. And I'm quite upset about the whole islamic thing- as well I should be.

Also, I come from an unpopular viewpoint. That's ok, I accept that. I try to present what I find to be true, through research, etc. Not all of it is pretty, but that's the nature of truth far too often.

I should note that half the time, I'm simply trying to get the goat of people. :) Humor & absurdity tends to awake.

Pleased to meet you too.

[Mika]

International discussion, ha? Here we go again with the goode olde "US vs. the rest"...kind of reminds you of the "my school vs. your school", dudn't it?...:D

That topic is irrelevant and should not be discussed anymore among smart (or any) people like yourselves. I think T'ai Ji Monkey hit the target by pointing out that there really are no national boundaries anymore, not at least as clearly, when it comes to money. MONEEE is MUCH more important than nationalities in this world of ours...;)

By the way, the anti-American sentiment is not nearly as rampant as the media would have you think. Someone pointed out earlier in this thread that most people are not that hard-working when it comes to thinking (not in those words; I polished it a little ;) ). I believe that to be true, but there are still plenty of people who actually laugh at 99% of all media. Media are run by people, and as you would know, some of them are not that hard-working when it comes to thinking, either. Them peoples is people everywhere..:p

Plus media have their own agendas which sometimes have very little to do with humanity, justice, fairness or especially "the truth". When you don't think too hard but love the money - no matter where it comes from - the results ain't pretty.

The task at hand: wave 'em, and wave 'em high! :)

At any rate, it's all good...:cool:

//mika

[Banjos_dad]

I remeber that presentation ceremony...I was as surprised as the rest of the world to see those athletes being so derisive.
No one could offer defense or an excuse for that behavior.

Thanks Zim & Yum Cha for perspective. Also for mentioning Al Gore's providence, I was going to throw that in but forgot, dang it.
CSN, I didn't know about the flag protocol, that sucks.
Tai Ji Monkey, I'm sorry to be so defensive. It's a hard time to be an American. I don't feel like the rest of the world owes us anything. Other people's perspective might not reveal that even though the American people are supposed to rule the government, the government does what it's going to do sometimes regardless of what the people think is right.

[Ford Prefect]

"The time for unilateral actions and decisions is gone, future presoperity and peace needs to rely on cop-operation and working together to solve problems."

Translation: Please make sure your actions are in our best interests. If they are not, then you're not allowed to it because it's just not fair. :rolleyes:

[red5angel]

while I don't approve of the showboating but asking americans not to wave the flag sounds silly.

[Becca]

Any one else notice how ZIM's avitar sort'a sums up the whole topic of poitics for most on this forum? We just keep kicking at each other, watching others fall, and get kicked in the butt ourselve 'cause we were to busy gloating over our own actions/comments, to realize we are showing our a$$ to someone else. And it is a visious circle which will never end untill we choose to stop kicking at each other.

Think about it.....

[T'ai Ji Monkey]

Originally posted by Ford Prefect

Translation: Please make sure your actions are in our best interests. If they are not, then you're not allowed to it because it's just not fair. :rolleyes:

Another person with reading and thinking problems.

Let the US do it all alone and see how far she goes, economciall and cultural.
I hear they are already talking of sending the troops from South Korea to Iraq in order to sort the situation, thought those troops were needed badly there to prevent the North from attacking/invading the South??

Why not the Troops in Japan??

[Banjos_dad]

That's odd...I thought it was the training & promotion policy at my work :eek:
Knocking on wood. I didn't push anyone off. really.

[ZIM]

Originally posted by Becca
Any one else notice how ZIM's avitar sort'a sums up the whole topic of poitics for most on this forum? We just keep kicking at each other, watching others fall, and get kicked in the butt ourselve 'cause we were to busy gloating over our own actions/comments, to realize we are showing our a$$ to someone else. And it is a visious circle which will never end untill we choose to stop kicking at each other.

Think about it..... Oh, you caught that, hunh? :D

[Ford Prefect]

Originally posted by T'ai Ji Monkey


Another person with reading and thinking problems.

Let the US do it all alone and see how far she goes, economciall and cultural.
I hear they are already talking of sending the troops from South Korea to Iraq in order to sort the situation, thought those troops were needed badly there to prevent the North from attacking/invading the South??

Why not the Troops in Japan??

lol! So me, a civilian completely unconnected to the current US President's Administration or the Pentagon, speculating about reasons behind troop movements is going to prove what exactly?

And I'm the one with thinking problems... :rolleyes:

And yes, the US has always needed aid from other countries econimcally, culturally, and militarily. Maybe around 1800... Again :rolleyes:

[T'ai Ji Monkey]

Originally posted by Ford Prefect

And I'm the one with thinking problems... :rolleyes:


South Korea = 37.000 US Troops used as a deterent to the North Koreans.
Japan = 45.000 US Troops, sitting around oggling japanese teens and getting drunk.

Which 3.600 US Troops would you send to Iraq??
For me the answer is obvious, but I guess I don't think like an American.



And yes, the US has always needed aid from other countries econimcally, culturally, and militarily. Maybe around 1800... Again :rolleyes:

Right now it looks like the US could use quiet a bit of military help, stretch the US troops too thin and ...

How much longer can the US economy support the increasing costs of the current military action, increased security, more US workers in the field and not at the workplace.

[Ford Prefect]

South Korea = 37.000 US Troops used as a deterent to the North Koreans.
Japan = 45.000 US Troops, sitting around oggling japanese teens and getting drunk.

Which 3.600 US Troops would you send to Iraq??
For me the answer is obvious, but I guess I don't think like an American.

See? Why bother paying the JCOS and other high-ranking, experienced military personnel when we have t'ai ji monkey here to give the US government military advice? It has to be as simple as you're making it out to be. :rolleyes:


Right now it looks like the US could use quiet a bit of military help, stretch the US troops too thin and ...

How much longer can the US economy support the increasing costs of the current military action, increased security, more US workers in the field and not at the workplace.

Sharing the burden militarily would most certainly make it easier. Some time's the easy way isn't always the best way though.

The economy seems to be doing fine to me. The markets are rebounding and jobs are being created. I work for a small software company, one of the hardest areas hit by the recession, and even we have been profitable the last few quarters and are hiring again. The US GDP can handle a few hundred billion for a few years. No problem at all.

[WinterPalm]

The ridiculous thing about all this is, is that the Americans can't seem to see that it is always, the rest vs. the us. This seems odd to me, sort of like, 'I'm not crazy, the world is crazy' or "we're not the bad guys, everybody else is" mentality.:D

[Ford Prefect]

Not really, Winter Palm. When American goals are in the best interests of a nation, then they support the US. If they aren't in line, like the recent iraq war, then they will oppose the US. The same can be said about America and other nation's actions.

It doesn't take a bright person to realize that a country generally acts in what's in its own best interests and not what benefits humanity. I'm surprised you'd even bring something that silly up. It kind of speaks for itself.

[T'ai Ji Monkey]

Update on the situation:



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2004
Statement From United States Olympic Committee
Chief Executive Jim Scherr Regarding U.S. Athletes
Celebrating with the American Flag at the Athens Olympic And Paralympic Games

"The United States Olympic Committee wants to make it absolutely clear that we have not -- and will not -- instruct our athletes to refrain from waving the United States flag during the upcoming Athens Olympic and Paralympic Games. Any suggestions or statements to the contrary do not reflect the official position of our organization.

Athletes will be free, as always, to celebrate their performances in an exuberant, respectful way during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. We will remind our athletes that they are guests of the Olympic movement, Greece, and the city of Athens and to be good ambassadors of our country, their communities, families and sports. We want our athletes to be champions who conduct themselves with class and, if it is the case, to lose with grace and dignity. Additionally, we are reminding them to treat the United States flag with the respect it deserves.

One of the proudest moments of my life was to put on my USA warm-up and represent my country at the 1988 Olympic Games. I know our athletes feel the same way today and we will not in any way infringe upon that honor.

Accomplishments of athletes and teams such as the 1980 United States Olympic Hockey Team, the great Billy Mills, swimming legend Janet Evans and countless others have inspired our nation. We are certain that the athletes who represent the United States at the 2004 Olympic and Paralympic Games will do the same."

[CaptinPickAxe]

The ridiculous thing about all this is, is that the Americans can't seem to see that it is always, the rest vs. the us. This seems odd to me, sort of like, 'I'm not crazy, the world is crazy' or "we're not the bad guys, everybody else is" mentality.

Thats a hasty genrelization. I think we need help because or pres. has dug a hole too deep to get out of so he's trying to dig to the other side. Quotes like the one you spoutted is wrong and unjustified. I, an American, know that bush has fuct us over and now it is us vs. everyone else. He took us to war against UNs wishes and know he's singing the "Help Me" song.

I could be an assh@le and spout relatively the same unjustified crap you spouted about canadians. I'm above that. Just rethink your theory and relize Americans aren't Lemmings. We do have minds of our own.

[Becca]

Originally posted by WinterPalm
The ridiculous thing about all this is, is that the Americans can't seem to see that it is always, the rest vs. the us. This seems odd to me, sort of like, 'I'm not crazy, the world is crazy' or "we're not the bad guys, everybody else is" mentality.:D

Irony is were someone who takes no action to suport thier point-of-veiw feels free to lamblst those who do. There is an interesting quote I read along time ago:


Wisdome comes from experience.
Experience comes from success and occasional failure.
Success and failure come from doing.
Become wise...
Go Do Something!