I think the LA Times is grossly insensitive for posting on the FRONT PAGE a photo still from the fatal crash of the Georgian luger at the moment of impact with the poll
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Originally Posted by alteredcourse
I'm all for cities that can afford, have full support, and have the infrastructure to host the Olympics.
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well, when done correctly preparation for the Olympics is supposed to result in beneficial permanent development of infrastucture, so technically less developed cities compete to host the Games precisely to get assistance in the planning and funding for development of roads, airports, public stadiums/plazas, eateries, housing etc etc..
However in the past 20 odd years we have not necessarily seen this happen appropriately. Los Angeles did benefit from having the 1984 Olympics, though only marginally.
Training, preparing and competing for the Olympics has had many socio-political and economic benefits world wide, but the most-2000 era Olympics, and in truth perhaps ALL the Olympic games themselves have proven debaucles. They are supposed to generate money, they lose it. The are supposed to develop a community, they destroy it. I am therefore conflicted.. I obviously abhor the Nazi tactics seen to in the preparation for and celebration of the Games, as seen so visibly in Beijing and Vancouver, but participating in the Olympics does benefit many communities..
ni'k is a bit extreme, but I have already posted in the past that spectator sports are the true opiate of the masses.. but sometimes opiates are necessary for people to get high.