17 Comments
User's avatar
eric tollefson's avatar

America has become a place where athletes and entertainers are mistaken for people of significance...

Tom from WNY's avatar

💯👍💯

Tom's avatar

I've long held that the government should provide no support to the Olympics, here or abroad. No military athletes, no federal money or help in getting Olympic hosting, and absolutely no involvement when a city prepares for and hosts the Olympics.

It's no longer about demonstrating the best of our country, it's about personal aggrandizement and virtue signaling. Both of those can be done on their own dime and time.

Kamas716's avatar

IIRC every Olympic venue in the last few decades has lost money. Plus, the restrictions the Olympic committee has make it a hassle to host, which means quite a lot of venues don't even bother submitting bids anymore.

Jolie's avatar

Given that LA is already a hellhole. Given that Newscum has called for wage increases for the summer games (I'm not sure if he also tried to freeze hotel room rates) which has prompted the entire hotel industry to tell him good luck expecting good service. Along with the homeless. Etc. I'm betting the summer games are gonna be lit. Like a wildfire.

Dale Flowers's avatar

If you voice anti-American sentiments while on the American Olympic team you should be told to turn in your uniform and go back home. Give them a Greyhound bus ticket and a small stipend for meals while traveling. I am sure there are good people who didn't make the final cut who'd be happy to take their place in representing America.

John Van Stry's avatar

This is why I don't watch the Olympics anymore (same as I don't watch pro sports of any stripe) these people hate us. They loath us.

Well, they're not getting any money from me nor even my time to watch them. They can all go to hell.

Back Porch Writer's avatar

Over two decades ago, I met an AF lieutenant whose main job was to play volleyball. He was a nice guy, but that is a deal no one should have, IMHO.

Let those political athletes' words spread far and wide, IMHO. Then the American people can have an honest conversation about the ROI for all organized sports, especially the Olympics.

Jolie's avatar

There's always been some of that. My dad was Vietnam era and they wanted him to play baseball for the Air Force. He preferred flying planes. I wonder if he ever told my mother he had that option? Probably not.

alexander.helphand's avatar

Yes go and spit in the face of everyone who supported you. We have produced the most ungrateful people in the world.

Robert Arvanitis's avatar

That only ever made sense, when the competitors were truly amateur.

The youth of the nation representing the best.

Jolie's avatar

Well actually in Ancient Greece each city sponsored their athletes. Those athletes weren't out working for a living either. I don't have much heartburn about it although as a taxpayer I would love corporate to pick up more of it. Except there is some of that. Our local range helped one of the female rifle competitors last year. I remember a local mechanic who was sponsoring a track guy in high school because to become Olympic quality you are not just doing high school track meets.

Robert Arvanitis's avatar

We still prefer the one who loves the thing (etymology, right?) over the pro, in it for the money.

Recall Titanic was built by professionals, while an amateur gave us the Ark.

Jolie's avatar

His boss had a few moves I'm thinking.

Robert Arvanitis's avatar

The boss is an equal opportunity employer.

Jolie's avatar

My point is that the boss doubtless provided expert oversight. :)

Tsgt Joe's avatar

ship those little crapheads home in their underwear.