As President Nixon would say, "I want to make one thing absolutely clear." I love the World Olympics as well as anyone, and it would be great to have them held in this country, but for our president to be traipsing off to Europe in an attempt to influence the World Olympics Committee is a shameful act.
Must the United States be first in everything? Believe it or not, there are other countries out there that are just as deserving and able as we are to present their national colors and show off their ability to display a world-class event.
What with being involved in two wars, being fought simultaneously, and the national economy in shambles, one would think President Obama might have more pressing things on his agenda. The effort to pass a health care package, an energy policy and a clean air program should be enough to occupy his valuable time. He has proved that he hasn't enough power to charm the wheelers and dealers of big business in his own country as they continue to retain their grip on their billions that could set the economy in motion, let alone sway the moguls who comprise the Olympic Committee.
When one has been bestowed the honor of becoming the president of the United States by the overwhelming majority of his fellow citizens, he is necessarily beholden to those who made his ascension possible. He may be from Chicago, which is the city that was bidding for the site in which to present the Olympics, but he cannot lose sight of the fact that
The modern Olympic Games is an international event of summer and winter sports in which thousands of athletes from around the globe compete in a wide variety of sporting events. They are held every two years, with summer and winter games alternating.
The original Olympics was held at Olympia, Greece (hence the name Olympics), but was discontinued from the 5th century AD until the late 19th century, when an International Olympics Committee was formed to promote the modern Olympic Games.
Both the winter and summer games were originally designed for amateurs only, but due to economic, political and technological realities, the participation of professional athletes is now allowed. Mass media, sponsorship and commercialization has created an event that the original founders would scarcely recognize.
Some 13,000 athletes will vie for first, second and third place, and they will receive gold, silver or bronze medals. Nearly every nation in the world is represented, and every athlete has the chance to attain national and international fame and exposure.
The United States has had several athletes who went on to become famous and wealthy because of the exposure provided by the Olympics. We will always have several world class athletes to represent the U.S. simply because of our huge population and the freedom and resources necessary to participate. Regardless of where the Olympic events are held, our athletes will make an impressionable impact. There are 30-some major events, and the U.S. always comes away with a fair share of gold and silver medals.
President Obama has led a charmed and successful life leading to the top office of the United States, and while he has worked diligently to achieve the honor, this time he may have to bite the bullet and accept the agony of defeat.
Contrary to popular rumor, Joe Bushika, of Stamford, Vt., will not be competing in Olympic golf this summer.
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