hasn’t it been an absolutely EXCITING week watching the olympics? in spite of high gas prices in the state, alleged chinese gymnast age discrepancies and beijing smog, it’s been a breath of fresh air to have good news every day about the performance of united states athletes. i never cease to be amazed at how the olympics unite the entire world, despite a particular country’s form of government, their leader, or what language they speak.
it’s my dream that the citizens of our country renew their interest in politics half as much as they love the olympic games. i realize that for many, watching a presidential race will never be as exciting as watching michael phelps win a gold medal by one one-hundredth of a second, i think a good campaign and subsequent election should raise the pulse of americans. and the sad truth is that for many of us, it does not. it’s seen as a hassle or a necessary evil.
to preserve the posterity of politics in our country, the greatest country in the world, we need to start caring about the leadership of our country like we care about the olympics. that surge of patriotism we feel when a united states athlete wins a medal in the olympics – i wish we’d experience some of that same feeling when we are in the process of selecting our next mayor, governor or president.
in turn, the leadership of our country must train like athletes – they need to be inspirational. they need to be focused. they need to be uniting. they must never give up. they must aspire for greatness in pursuit of the next world record. if they could accomplish those things, we would offer our support in person or by cheering at the tv, because they are AMERICAN, not because they are a democrat or a republican. we’d stand with them because we’re proud of their accomplishment and how that person represents our city, our state, our country.
~jess
I totally agree with you. We are so excited to support our country in the Olympics. We are all so proud. I just wish we could support our country this much all the time.
Nice post, Jess. I completely agree with you. This country has a lot to be proud of, and the Olympics should remind all of us that we are proud to be American!
I will also admit that I am a “Phelps Phan!” I was a junior olympic swimmer and my dream as a boy was to compete in the Olympics; my idol at that time, Mark Spitz. Michael Phelps has stirred the same kind of emotions that Spitz did for past generations, and Phelps has completely spiced up these games like never before. It is exciting and unprecedented.
But what’s with the people who feel that they have to rain on the parade by complaining about Phelps getting “too much coverage?” I have heard a vocal minority whine constantly that Phelps is overrated, arrogant, ugly, etc. I mean, come on, the guy has completely DOMINATED these Olympic games because he is doing something that has never been done before. The guy is phenomenal, and he does this country proud. It’s not often that this country can produce an athlete that wins all 8 gold medals and sets world records, as well.
To all you haters out there, find something worthwhile to complain about. Phelps is one of the most amazing athletes that I have ever seen, and he looks damn good in a speedo.
Our country has a real problem with finding fault in anything! Like Phelps. Within a day of starting his gold medal run, we had to hear negative press about him. Can’t we all just lighten up a little and enjoy the ride?
And this is somewhat on a different tangent, but did anyone else see the chinese fans actually crying when their hurdler had to leave injured? When was the last time we cried over the early exit of a politician because we loved him/her so much?
Well said, Jess. Very well said.
Also, if our next president could look that hot in swimwear, it would help