Commentary
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The fiery trial through which we pass, will light us down, in honor or dishonor, to the latest generation. – Abraham Lincoln
The Olympic torch was extinguished three times on it’s procession in Paris.(april 6-7) This does not bode well for the games. It was extinguished willingly so it could pass on it’s own thru protesters. Protesters tried to put it out but were unable to themselves. Since then it was only put out in 2004 The Olympic flame has many names but it symbolizes the theft of fire from the Greek god ZEUS by Prometheus who gave it to man; Basically lighting the way for all our discoveries.But really, what are the Olympics now? Is it just an extended commercial enterprise? For most countries it’ is their defining moment, just to be invited, to compete is glorious enough.
To the host country it’s a way to show off their pageantry. Pretty much, ever single place the Olympics has been has experienced an economic boom, about 2-3 years later. After the Olympics the local economy is a wreck as millions billions of dollars are drained back out. Local Municipalities sometimes collapse; Thou none as absolute as Sarajevo that doesn’t even exist anymore. What does happen is the name is imprinted in the minds of people worldwide and it becomes a place to visit and perhaps live, somewhere they never thought about before. In effect, the Sprit of the Olympics is forever and permanently etched in where ever it is held. Who can’t remember the names Lillehammer, Munich, Nagano. Each name is a hope and a bitter memory recalled.
Let’s jump back. The torch was put out. There is a symbol to that: a dream died, a world under siege. I don’t know about you, but if it fails to light in Beijing I’m never going to China.
Sphere: Related Content OceansOfThought @ April 7, 2008
I love the olympics, particularly the non-team events. I am constantly amazed (and impressed) by what these athletes can train their bodies to do, given the time and personal committment. At the end of the day, the winners (and even participants) know that no one else in the world can lift as much weight, run as fast, jump as high, or spin as many times as they can. Commercialism aside, the continued traditions are a testament to the inconquerable spirit of man. I can’t wait for this year’s contest to begin.