Officials fire back at international media criticism of Games

[polly7]

http://www.ctvolympics.ca/news-centre/newsid=43559.html#officials+fire+back+international+media+criticism+games?cid=rssctv

About damn time.

Show me an Olympics that has gone completely according to plan and I'll trot out the Easter Bunny. All this bashing is really turning what is supposed to be a celebration of nations getting together into something really sad.

[HeresyLives]

1. Well....let's just say it hasn't been Canada's finest hour.

[polly7]

2. No, but neither has any Olympics been any nation's finest hour.

There have been unexpected pitfalls and the media has never come down like the vultures they have for ours. Imo, of course.

[HeresyLives]

3. I don't recall one with as many problems as this.

[polly7]

4. I recall many Olympic problems.

Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili being killed was a catastrophe none of us will ever forget or not grieve over, but there have been many events through the years during the Olympics that haven't gone as planned.

Eta: I apologize for being harsh. Rough day. You're right, I may not be seeing things as they are.

[HeresyLives]

5. Every Olympics has some problems.

THIS Olympics has had nothing BUT problems and it's only 4 days old.

It's been starved for money, and has had tons of political interference, so I'm not surprised.

[polly7]

6. There have been successes also, not just problems.

But yes, it's been starved for money.

[HeresyLives]

7. Well I can't think of any successes,

unless you mean 'finally' getting a gold on our own soil....but since this is only the third Olympics here, I didn't see that as a problem anyway.

I think it's the political influence more than anything that has caused the trouble

[polly7]

8. Two golds, I believe, but as medals have nothing to do with how

I feel about the Olympics, I don't consider them as 'success', which imo is putting politics aside for a few measely weeks and having athletes from all over the world enjoy the culture of others. Sorry I even brought it up now, it was on my homepage and something I found informative and relevant. Trashing the well-meaning trials of another has never gone over well for me, no matter who or where it is.

Nicholas Bochatay, 27, Switzerland Speed Skiing 1992 Winter Olympic Games, Albertville Jorg Oberhammer, 47, Austrian Team Doctor Ski Collision 1988 Winter Olympic Games, Calgary Kazimierz Kay-Skrzypecki, Britian Luge 1964 Winter Olympic Games, Innsbruck Ross Milne, 19, Australia Downhill Skiing 1964 Winter Olympic Games, Innsbruck Summer Games Fatalities Knut Jensen, Denmark â?? Cyclist 1960 Summer Olympic Games, Albany, Georgia woman, Alice Hawthorne - bombing at Centennial Olympic Park.

Just some of the most horrible catastrophes of past Olympics from a list I found on a message board so not sure how accurate, then there would be all the technical problems that you certainly can't be saying have never existed. I would look into that but am just not interested as it's nothing to do with the 'success' of a country that's included tens of thousands in planning, hoping and anticipating the enjoyment of watching sports they love and people from other nations being included in what they've worked so hard for.

[ClusterFreak]

12. I'm with ya...and here's another....

Munich, 1972. 11 Israeli athletes murdered in cold blood.

I suspect the pooh-poo'ers of the Vancouver games - those both foreign and domestic - might concede that this event eclipses them all.

Just by a shade.

Good post, polly7.:hi:

[polly7]

13. Thanks very much, I had forgotten about that, though I'm not sure

how, because it was so awful. And thanks for the kind comment.

[HeresyLives]

14. ???? um, we are talking Olympics folks, not dying.

Neither murder nor an accident are foreseeable, or in any way a fault of the Olympic committee.

We are discussing the games

[polly7]

15. Yeah, the technical aspects that you seem so hung up on that

caused all those deaths. Or didn't you look into any of them at all?

The Georgian luger dying of course leads the news, as it should, but the technical crap ..... apart from the faulty, stupid luge track without its safeguards, is all bulls*. It happens at every Olympics. Name me one that has gone without difficulties.

[HeresyLives]

16. What ARE you talking about?

Did you actually READ any of the foreign commentary?

It ranges from language use to the opening ceremony mess, to the refusal to let anyone else practice, to the 'own the podium' aggressiveness, to the weather to the accomodations.

[polly7]

17. It's IOC policy to set the time foreign teams are allowed to come in

to practice. Did you miss that, it's been all over this forum. The weather??? Wow. We're to blame for that too now? The accomodations - I've read interviews saying the athletes thought they were just fine. What are YOU talking about? Oh, and I must have missed the aggressive part. It all seems pretty friendly and fair to me. So say the athletes I've read about, too.

I think I'm outta here.

Apparently the Canadian Olympics are a real sore spot with you. I'll just keep watching and enjoying and hoping for no more tragedies. You carry on with your dissing. I'm sure the British Press is happy to have support.

[HeresyLives]

18. No it's not.

And don't snark at me over Olympic problems.

The whole world knows about it.

[polly7]

19. Really? Since when does an opinion that differs from yours make someone snarky?

Geez ....... that hurt. (LOL not really).

Apparently there are a few posters on this thread who don't know what you and the 'whole world' know.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x7703069

[ClusterFreak]

21. You're kickin' some ass and takin' some names...

Giddy up.

:popcorn: :smoke:

[polly7]

29. LMAO

Thanks. I guess some Canadians are a little po'd we're even having them. Like it doesn't cost money when other countries do, that technical problems never arise, weather ALWAYS co-operates, and now a fence broke causing 'minor' injuries to fans pressing on it too hard. We're apparently scum now if we win a medal, to the rest of the world. WHO f'ing cares, except for those who want it seen that way. Celebrate nothing ........... bitch about everything. Oh wells, millions of us are watching it and enjoying all the HAPPY competitors and fans from all over the world we're seeing every day.

GO Olympians!!!!!!

[ClusterFreak]

22. The weather?????????

Are you serious? I mean really. Shake your head.

I guess the fact that Vancouver and environs are having the mildest winter in 140 years (i.e. since Sir John A. MacDonald was Prime Minister), due in part to El Nino and perhaps because of climate change in general...well, I suppose that's something else for organizers/officials to take the hit for.

Like I said.

Shake your head.

[HeresyLives]

24. Perhaps we could focus on the topic?

Whether you like it or not these games are being attacked all over the world for a whole series of problems...the weather being the least of them.

Being defensive, and waving the flag won't change that.

[ClusterFreak]

25. So now the weather is the 'least' of them, huh?

Not what you said earlier. To buttress your point that we're just fucking this whole thing up royally, you included the weather as part of the litany of complaints against Canada.

And though you've suggested it before, I'm not a 'my country right or wrong' person...I evaluate criticism and if I think it's warranted I have no problem with it. In this case I simply don't agree with a bunch of typically condescending British scribes/opinion mavens who deal sensationalist headlines every day to sell their papers. This crowd is in my opinion the equivalent of the Fox news bunch...who make provocative claims or ask provocative questions which no one else is asking, and then end up driving the entire MSM news cycle for the next 24 hours. Same thing happening here. And it's hogwash.

[HeresyLives]

26. I said that at the beginning.

It's just one of many problems, but if it was the ONLY one, it would be ignored.

I've said nothing about 'my country right or wrong'. You are imagining things.

The Brits aren't the only ones criticizing.

These Olympics are now known as the Glitch Games.

[ClusterFreak]

32. Actually, you didn't say that at the beginning. You said it later...

which is why I pointed it out. You merely mentioned 'weather' further upthread...you specifically described it as the 'least' of the problems downthread from that.

As for the "Glitch Games", maybe this'll cheer you up. You get the Gold Medal for the 24/7 Bitch and Moan Super G, where 'G' stands for gripe and which I believe this year was held - appropriately enough - on Grouse Mountain.

:nopity:

[HeresyLives]

34. No, I spoke of 'problems.'

And later I listed weather along with many others.

For some reason you jumped on 'weather' to the exclusion of all else

I have no idea why you're in 'fight mode' with me, but it doesn't solve the Olympic problem.

[ClusterFreak]

35. Here's the thing...

I just get sick and tired of people like you who take it upon themselves to carry around a badge of shame on behalf of Canada, and then try to enlist other Canadians into your self-flagellating cause.

You remind me of Michael Coren. He's like that. "Canada has nothing to be proud of...Canada goes around the world acting like it's the cock of the walk...oh, don't get me wrong, I'm a proud Canadian, it's just that we are doing a terrible job of running these Olympics. We shouldn't get too big for our britches...we really should feel shame and hang our heads. We suck."

Yeah, look what they're saying about us in the British papers...look at how the Americans are getting their snarky little digs about the 'mashed potatoes' snow...look at how the Aussies are pissed at having the men's moguls gold 'stolen' from them...and on and on. There are some transportation problems....the athletes village isn't so hot... Well, Vancouver has been deluged by tens of thousands of visitors from around the world, and so far I haven't really heard that much sqwaking about not being able to catch a ride. And all I see are happy, celebratory people flooding the streets and having a ball. And the athlete's village is top notch as far as I've ever heard. Who's complaining about it? At least on any kind of significant scale other than a handful of grumblers.

These Olympics aren't perfect but they are also no cause for Canadians to go around flogging themselves while clutching rosary beads either. But hang in there, it'll all be over in another 12 days or whatever and then you can spend the rest of your time tut tutting in agreement about some other disparaging comments someone else abroad has said about us.

[Spazito]

38. Wow! Well said!

It has been fascinating to read/hear all the Canadians grumbling because some tabloid rag in Britain is complaining. I have been watching the Games and I, as well, have only seen happy participants and equally happy spectators.

The weather is causing some major problems but, it seems to me, the Games are going on, competition continues and millions are too busy actually enjoying them to be sitting around picking nits.

I guess the cons habit of whining is rubbing off on a minority of Canadians, it's too bad.

[ClusterFreak]

60. Thanks!

:hi:

[polly7]

40. Perfect.

This could have replaced this whole thread and gotten the point across.

[polly7]

39. I believe one of your problems was the accomodations.

I've seen pictures of the insides of the rooms and apartments, I'd have to say ........ would gladly trade what I live in now for one of them. It wasn't hard to find good things said about them:

"It's great. It's a good village," said Teela, who was born in Okanogan County's Tonasket and now lives in Utah. "It will be a really good area to live."

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/olympics/2011039358_olyvillage11.html

I understand they went far over budget and couldn't complete them exactly as planned, but they looked just fine to me.

[HeresyLives]

42. Go boo the competitors, throw things at the screen if you like,

seeing as you have all this spare hostility floating around, and stop making things up about other Canadians.

The Olympics have problems, and the world has noticed...not just the British...and that's simply a fact.

If you can't discuss it objectively, and instead immediately assume the defensive fetal position, then you have a problem no one can help you with.

[polly7]

44. I have no hostility, just the facts I felt needed to be looked up.

What did I make up about ANYONE?

Did you not mention the accomodations were a problem, or was it someone else?

I've said every Olympics has problems ......... yes, fact.

Your hostility is waaaaaaaaaay over the top. If YOU can't discuss things truthfully, then you know what to do.

P.S. I've been the one advocating cheering on ALL competitors from the start. And why the heck would I wreck my TV? Don't like the article, don't read it next time.

[HeresyLives]

45. The world is criticizing Canada....fact.

For some reason you can't get over that, and are taking it out on me.

Sorry, not interested.

[polly7]

46. No, you're not interesting.

You've brought up all your own (many erroneous) reasons the whole 'world' is criticizing Canada (as if you could know that). Not taking anything out on you, just defending what so many people have worked so hard for from the ridiculous slander you seem intent on adding to.

[HeresyLives]

47. Go boo your TV.

Make sure it's the TV, and not your fridge.

[polly7]

51. No thanks, I need to watch me some Olympics and I don't boo

happy people doing good things. You've got something a little backwards here .....

[ClusterFreak]

48. "Go boo the competitors?"

...and the award for 'Nonsensical Nonsequitor of the Day' goes to.......

[ClusterFreak]

49. OH WAIT, suddenly a new contender has emerged on the scene...

"Go boo your TV" and "Go boo the competitors" are running neck and neck...looks like it's going to be a photo finish....

[HeresyLives]

50. You're determined to boo someone,

and I'm not interested in your nonsensical attempts to make me your target, so go boo them instead.

At least then you won't look foolish in public

[polly7]

53. Well it was sort of an interesting thread.

Now reduced to booing and fetal positions and fridges and stuff. Probably will be yanked. Oh well. You did your part defending the 'world's' disdain for our Canadian Olympics. Give yourself a teeny little medal.

[ClusterFreak]

56. Yep...I suspect the 'locked thread' police are on their way....

What WAS the deal about the 'fridges' anyway?

That was just positively bizarre.;)

[polly7]

57. No idea.

I think the poster was just trying to be snarky (I think that's what he / she called me for disproving something) but it could have been just a simple slip-up. Tv, fridge - they are both rectangular and can be plugged in. ???

[ClusterFreak]

58. Now that's a gadget I'd like to see!

Fridge-o-vision!:silly:

[polly7]

59. Yes! All this walking back and forth just isn't necessary at all.

[ClusterFreak]

54. Oh, good one.

:boring:

[polly7]

55. LOL ........ just keeping up to all the other 'zingers'. nt.

:boring:

[CHIMO]

9. When

Did you see a male becoming pregnant?

I haven't.

[HeresyLives]

10. Well we've had 2 known cases.

[glarius]

11. I wish someone in VANOC would point out that the weather is crazy

all over the continent this winter! They had days of snow storms and blizzards in Texas and other southern states, for God's sake. The fact that the weather, so far, has not been ideal, is maddening but not the fault of VANOC or anyone else. This has turned out to be the warmest winter period in over 100 years in British Columbia.
From what I've seen and heard, the world's athletes seem satisfied with the way things are going. It's about time the British press lightened up!!!

[HeresyLives]

20. It is the official position of our govt,

that global warming is just a socialist scheme to suck up money, so I don't think VANOC can do that. :rofl:

[glinda]

23. Well I think Canada is doing a smashingly good job in face of the weather and all.

But I am partial to Canada being in a northern US State. :pals: :pals: :pals: :pals: :pals:

[Spazito]

41. Thanks glinda!

I think VANOC deserves some credit, given the unprecedented warm weather, for having planned ahead for such an eventuality and have, because of their fore-planning, been able to overcome this majority adversity.

[Metric System]

27. I think these Olympics are cursed or something:

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Olympics/2010Vancouver/News/2010/02/17/12911146-qmi.html

[HeresyLives]

28. Beginning to look like it. n/t

[polly7]

30. Seriously, we need to just shut them down.

:sarcasm:

[HeresyLives]

31. We can't shut down the games, nor would anybody want to.

[ClusterFreak]

33. ...

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[Bragi]

36. I hate the "Own the Podium" Thing

It isn't that I'm opposed to medals, it's that this slogan suggests nothing else really matters.

I really felt bad about the acrobatic ski woman (Heil) who won the Silver on Saturday. Every Canadian media report on her victory had a "but" in the first sentence saying "But Canadians still eagerly await our first gold". They treated her like a loser.

I also think publicly promoting the idea that Canada is going to win more medals than any other country is ridiculous. That isn't going to happen.

What we have here, I think, is Harperian politics visited upon the Olympics.

[polly7]

37. I hate that slogan too.

It puts too much pressure on the athletes. You're right, Canada isn't the only place with snow, there are talented athletes all over the world who will take home medals Harper probably feels Canada is owed for some reason or other.

[HeresyLives]

43. Harperian politics visited upon the Olympics.

Well said, that's exactly what it is.

[ClusterFreak]

52. I agree.

It does have a Harperian taint to it. It's too bad though that legitimate complaints like this one have become unfairly intertwined with a whole series of other bogus ones, such as the ones we've been debating on this thread.

I also agree about the Jenn Heil thing with the Canadian media. But I loved the way she handled it and wouldn't let the media make her feel disappointed about her accomplishment. Jenn rocks!

[polly7]

61. K&R

Hey, it's not all THAT bad.