A Single Bright Shining Light
I must say today I will deviate from my usual ramblings and dedicate a morning to the Olympic Games. The games bring all the nations under one banner, so goodwill can be extended to all and political ambitions can be put on hold for just a minute. Oh hold on: Was that Puerto Rico beating the stuffing out of the United States basketball team? Okay, forget what I said, the political ramifications are HUGE. Now everyone will think they have a chance against the U.S. basketball team. In reality I was disappointed, but on any given day anything can happen.
In swimming Michael Phelps won a gold, the Men's Gymnastic team took the silver led by the Hamm brothers, and the U.S. Women's soccer team is off to a good start. It's amazing that countries can get together and participate in "Games", even Israel and Palestine haven't killed each other yet. With the Olympic games comes an understanding that the problems that dominate the headlines, are just that...problems, usually of political nature.
I have a question, if athletes from all over the world can put their differences aside for a time, then why can't the leaders of the world do the same? It's a small wonder that "Games" can bring the people of the world together, even with all the differences each nation brings with them. In my opinion, the Olympic Games are a wonderful diversion from what's going on everywhere else in the world. It shows that the participating nations in this year's Olympic Games are finally under one flag, if only for a short time.
It has always seemed soo strange to me, that such simple things like swimming, tennis, and basketball, etc; can bring nations together as one. Grudges temporarily forgotten, solidarity in one's flag, hero's emerging as national heroes; without one shot being fired. I guess I'm glad the Olympics are here, though I've yet been able to sit down and watch any of it. I certainly hope that the goodwill each nation is showing towards each other, keeps going long after these Olympic Games are done.
Steph, my friend who's a mid-level manager at Citi-bank Corp, keeps calling me and telling who the U.S. is playing, who's won what, and when a certain event will be on T.V. She's really into the Olympics, almost to the point where she's a zealot. Where I need at least four hours of quiet time in my day, which now is down to thirty minutes because Steph is always calling and squealing when U.S. has done well. Steph and I are different but we are tied together through a common thread: We both want the United States to do well. Yes, I know this may come as a shock to those who have read my former post's, but yes-I'm patriotic, up to a point.
In my blogs, I talk of political lies, material ambition, greed...etc. Oh I still mean every word I say, but the main thing is that no matter what country you're in...there's going to be problems, and by addressing them, you're letting people know that everything isn't alright, and that maybe some changes should be forthcoming. Just because you point out problems, does not mean you hate your country, how could one hate their country-and still cheer for them in the Olympic Games? Right or Wrong, if your unhappy where your countries at, voice your opinion--BE HEARD! Here in America especially, it's YOUR RIGHT to BE HEARD.
So as I close, this shouldn't get too many negative comments. I really would like you to take one thing out of this blog today, and that would be: No matter where you are, who you are, and what you are...you still have a voice. Here in America you have a right to voice your opinion, so if you feel the need to express yourself, do it. Let no man or woman stand in your way, let your voice be heard, and if no one hears you the first time, scream to the heavens a second time until all of mankind is listening. Thanks for visiting today, and we'll see you tomorrow. Carpe' Diem