Is that all there is?

Sounds like some old song lyric but that was my reaction when I watched coverage of the torch run through town. A multi-million dollar PR campaign for the Great Gordo. I have decided not to watch any of the coverage of people hyping the games. I am tired of the constant focus as there seems to be nothing happening in world more significant than a party for the pampered class. I won't even watch the opening ceremonies.

I will watch a few events with a drink in hand. That way I can forget the whopping big hangover that we'll all experience when the bills come due...at least for the duration of the event.

Olympic ambivalence

I can relate to your friend. I was expecting photo work from Vanoc and as part of the so-called contract, I had to get extra liability insurance for two years. This cost me $1200. I never got any work. Only asked if I'd lower my rates and if I wanted to donate work as a passionate contributer, in exchange for a photo credit. No thanks.

Guess who will be making the pictures? The photographers from Getty Images, partner with Vanoc.
On the Getty site, most of those images from here
are made by Americans. Have fun, visitors.

My photo class at False Creek Community Centre was cancelled for an Olympic related event. That's another $675 lost. No big deal compared to what others like the Cambie merchants put up with. But how many other people have lost time, money and opportunities for this corporate party?

I read Chris Shaw's Five Ring Circus. I'm going to the protest today. The absurd expense, private and public, of this Owelimpics
should have many thousands of us protesting in disgust.

"should have many thousands

"should have many thousands of us protesting in disgust."

It will be interesting to see how many actually show up and how many are professional protesters.

You mean

Like all those paid cheerleaders on tour with the torch?

turn outs in small towns

I'm not sure if this was true across the province but rumour has it our town council provided a cash grant to the community group who brought out the most people to watch the torch relay.

Paid Cheerleaders!

I like that one.

I am going to use in future.

Most economic development 'professionals' are exactly that: paid cheerleaders at a pep rally!

What annoys me is, like troops in Afghanistan, if you are against the olympics you are painted as an un-patriotic Canadian!

Keep cheering through the fog, the rain and paying the olympic bill!

Rest in Peace to the Georgian luger who died today...

enjoyed the article, Steve...

and I think your choice of words captures well a city trying to remember how to celebrate. Though I confess you lost me at your last line: "Hope the haters will forgive me if I give it a shot". Who are the haters?

Anyway, I will certainly forgive you if you get as much enjoyment as possible out of the party, and I'm sure that I'd be keen to skate at Robson rink as I remember doing long ago...would probably try the zip line too. Alas, I am one of hundreds of thousands of Canadians looking for work, and there is no room in my budget for even the modest pleasures of the games...of course, I don't live in Vancouver, and a simple day trip is out of reach at the moment. I would say there is no middle ground when it comes to the Olympics largely by virtue of choices our governments, but particularly our provincial government, have made. There is no need to reiterate here the long list of cuts to funding in health care, the arts, the woes of the world economic meltdown. But I think it is worth noting that BCers, and Canadians, could come together in pride and spirit in spite of trials, and tribulations, and personal difficulties if there was any sense that our governments were working with us and for us.What we have been subject to is inane boosterism and hucksterism that might have made P.T Barnum proud...
As one reporter noted, (and has been repeated here in other threads)in Vancouver the Olympics seem to be all about who is going to win the gold in men's hockey - that, and how many medals Canada stands to win. If you and some like-minded others can become "united by sport and the quest for excellence" - well, that is a step in the direction to the kind of upwelling of true community celebration, I guess. Me, I won't be there...but my heart is with those protesters gathering this afternoon. No hate in this heart - just a weariness that real heroism, individual courage, and the "quest for excellence" go largely by the boards in the face of rights' holders 'rights'.
To end, a note of condolence to the family, friends, and nation of the Georgian luger who was killed on a training run today. Though you may not see it on the news coverage, Canada weeps with you.

VivianLea Doubt

You asked who Steve thought was a "hater"?

That would be anyone who disagrees with the idea that the Olympics are the greatest thing ever.

Those of us who wonder about a province ranked number one in child poverty during the entire time Olympic construction was taking place are "haters" in Steve's opinion.

Those of us who prefer to pay our mortgages down and maybe take time to coach our kid's sports team instead of boozing it up downtown and cheering on million dollar hockey players are Steve's "haters".

No new Prince George post office on stolen ice

Still laughing over your comment following the “Who Are the 2010 Protesters?” piece:

‘So really, the objection isn't just to the Olympics--it's to any activity at all. Hypothetically it could be "No new Prince George post office on stolen native land;" or "No new traffic light in Kitimat on stolen native land:" etc.’

Too bad no one has engaged with your point.

As Vancouver waits

I admit it!
I was never an athlete.
I appreciate sports, but was a klutz.
I just cannot believe that as a country we can spend so much money on what is really a party for business,property developers, politicians and anybody else who wants to make a buck out of non stop parties.
I feel like I'm living in a war zone right now.
Helicopters overhead, protecting who?
Not me.
I'm just a tax payer.

...

"It will be interesting to see how many actually show up and how many are professional protesters."

Well, Global just reported upwards of 3000. The Globe and Mail says over 1000. I don't know who's right. I was there up until about 1/2 hour ago and my guess is somewhere in between. It's hard to tell when you're in the middle of it, though.

I don't buy the "professional protesters" bs. To my eyes there was a good mix of people, from young to old.

As I've said before, there are people from the entire range of the political spectrum who oppose the games for a variety of reasons. Don't believe for a minute they're all on the left.

And for the record, I don't begrudge anyone who wants to enjoy the Olympics. I don't hate sport (in fact, I love hockey) but I don't believe the very high costs of the games out weigh the benefits. Not by a long shot.

I only feel I can share this

I only feel I can share this here. You, the Tyee readers are the only ones I feel I can trust... Look, I don't know what I did over the last 7 years but for some reason the Police are circling my house every hour in unmarked cars and hovering over my it all day in helicopters... they even followed me to Granville Island and tried to keep me away with threats of running torches and a blockade at the entrance! WTH is going on in Vancouver? People taking my picture and assuming I speak French all over the place. French! Can you imagine?!

That's it kids. I'm over it now. I spent the day entrenched in crowds of people and not once did I hear anyone celebrating the awesome deal they were getting at the Canadian taxpayers expense. They may have been what the French people were trying to tell me but I doubt it. I noticed a huge amount of crumbs for the poor that are solid gold when you compare it to what the vanocward is getting in terms of animosity from the public at large.

So yea, we are going to get trampled on by ignorant foreigners but we send our newlyweds w/ guests by the plane load to the Dominican all the time, drink expensive coffee that paid out an Ethiopian farmer 8 cents on the kilo, and most of us eat Meat. Mildly inconvenient for some but not usually. Enjoy the empathy folks, we'll get our false jewels back in due time.

"to see ourselves as others see us"

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ed-berliner/death-at-the-vancouver-ol_b_461300.html

Protest etc.

I attended the protest on opening day and am plesed to report that democracy is sort of alive and well in BC. The crowd of several thousand was well behaved and the numerous cops just stood around. It was a boisterious crowd that included babies, parents, youth and old timers like myself. There were no "professional protesters" that I noticed or talked to. Reporters from France, Romania, Victorisa and New York spoke with me and there were many other press types in the crowd.
As I wandered around town with my protest sign I kept track of the comments, 4 negatives ones from "lighten up" to "so you want someone to give you a house" which I didn;t understand as my sign didn't mention a "house". I also received many more, perhaps 50 comments such as, " good sign bro", "thanks for coming out" and "right on".
I was struck by the 'lets party' crowd who seemed to lack any critical thinking when it came to a party that will cost over $3500.00 for every working British Columbian.

Thanks Takuan

...for the pointer to the Huff Post article in your latest post. I pulled from it when preparing this Hook blog post

http://thetyee.ca/Blogs/TheHook/Olympics2010/2010/02/13/LugeTragedy/

You all do not, and apparently cannot get it.

Why do 'you people', who are obviously uneducated like me, not get what it is to be Canadian? You're not Canadians, you're a bunch of whiners who are conspiracy theorists of the highest magnitude.

Anyone who thinks for a second that every problem we have here in BC would have been solved without the Olympics taking place is clearly delusional.

We have lots of problems here: homelessness, cost of living, so many problems that existed before, and will exist after the Olympics.

What has happened on the east side to improve conditions for people has been nothing short of outstanding over the last few years. Things are better there than ever before if you want to get well. I've seen this first hand.

I am currently out of work and looking, but I could not be happier it's here, like most everyone else. And for the writer who dared question the patriotism of those out to support the torch relay screw you! How dare you question the patriotism of fellow Canadians who are excited, and indeed inspired like me, by the torch and the Olympics. How dare you.

As for the people complaining that Vanoc didn't supply them with an endless supply of money for working on the production, it's called a budget and they obviously were working within one. That's a good thing isn't it, when all the complaining is about the blown budget?

"I didn't get hired at the going rate for my awesome stage manager experience" Waaaaah! Boo Hoo! It would have been an honor to have been a part of the planning and organizing of the show staged Friday night would it not? And what a great thing to have on a resume. Must have been quite a calendar to clear as well. I know 3 guys who worked this show and have no complaints strangely enough. Noe I haven't asked them if they are making less, as I don't think that would be an appropriate question, but I would have thought they'd mention it. Their gigs are for the duration of the games,so they seem happy.

And Getty Images is a partner of the Olympics, as is RBC, McDonalds and Coke, and what is wrong with that? What?!!!!

Oh "they're big corporations, and big corporations want to sell us things, and lots of them, and Coke is bad don'tch'ya know?"

Again, corporations are designed to make profit, the more of it the better. I love Coke and McDonalds, you have a problem with that?

Let's see what this hangover looks like at the end shall we? I guarantee it isn't going to be worth half the effort these people have put into complaining. And, I can tell you I won't mind paying $3500 to host the world here in my own back yard.

So yeah, if you've 'hated' on the Olympics and now are going to jump on board - the 'Canada Line' for instance, and head to the O Zone, and justify it in any way you possibly can, then fine, just keep your negative mouth shut, and let the rest of us enjoy what we have been looking forward to for years.

depotwest

"Anyone who thinks for a second that every problem we have here in BC would have been solved without the Olympics taking place is clearly delusional."

And anyone who thinks there's not a single problem in BC that $7 billion wouldn't have helped has the mathematical aptitude of my power cord.

"We have lots of problems here: homelessness, cost of living, so many problems that existed before, and will exist after the Olympics."

And they've been getting worse because of people like you.

"How dare you question the patriotism of fellow Canadians who are excited, and indeed inspired like me, by the torch and the Olympics. How dare you."

I'm a big fan of over the top faux outrage. Its hilarious. Keep it coming.

"I love Coke and McDonalds, you have a problem with that?"

Nope, but you should be seeing a doctor weekly.

"...then fine, just keep your negative mouth shut, and let the rest of us enjoy what we have been looking forward to for years."

No, we won't keep our mouths shut. You insisted on ramming this party down our throats and I didn't hear any of you beer-guzzlers telling us we didn't have to pay the same level of taxation whether we wanted it or not so we'll be more than happy to let you know we're not happy about it and we'll do that as publicly and as loud as we feel like just as you did.

And by the way, if you truly don't want us around your Olympics then your side can stop using the healthcare system and the education system until your 2 week party is paid for.

Really Frank? Really?

"And anyone who thinks there's not a single problem in BC that $7 billion wouldn't have helped has the mathematical aptitude of my power cord."

Really? You think there would have been 7 billion spent here on all these things you're whining about? Really? Whose math and logic is off here? It's not mine.

You call my outrage faux outrage, it's not, I saw the torch relay at 3 locations around the city including, where people happily gathered in the rain to see it. As I said, if you don't get it fine, just because I do and appreciate it, you call it over the top? Maybe it's patriotism?

I should be seeing a doctor weekly because I eat at McDonalds and drink Coke a couple times a week? Really? I can assure you I am a healthy guy Frank, you're likely the one needing to see the doctor. I suggest you get referred to a psychologist though.

And I didn't insist on anything Frank. We voted on it, and we all chose to have this event remember? Remember?

And we all pay taxes Frank, that's also a part of being Canadian, and what we all have to do to contribute, so get used to it, my parents did, and I have ok?

I really don't get your last comment, so maybe I'm missing the point, as I said I only have high school, so I'm not the smartest apple perhaps, but what does 'my side' and 'healthcare' and education have to do with anything?

depotwest

"Really? You think there would have been 7 billion spent here on all these things you're whining about? Really? Whose math and logic is off here? It's not mine."

No, it probably would have gone to tax cuts for the haves and subsidies for the corporations. And you wouldn't have protested that either.

"Maybe it's patriotism?"

If you want to define patriotism on the basis of how often you show up and view one of the 1936 Olympic's few legacies then fine, but I define it by how I treat the weakest Canadians and the Canadian environment. And on that score I don't find your political leaders to be patriotic at all.

"I should be seeing a doctor weekly because I eat at McDonalds and drink Coke a couple times a week? Really? I can assure you I am a healthy guy Frank, you're likely the one needing to see the doctor."

It was just in the paper this week, drinking even one can of soda a day puts you at a higher risk for pancreatic cancer.

"And I didn't insist on anything Frank. We voted on it, and we all chose to have this event remember? Remember?"

First, the vote was only in Vancouver so no, I didn't get a vote. Secondly, if the vote had gone against the Olympics they would not have been canceled. it wasn't a referendum, remember?

"I really don't get your last comment, so maybe I'm missing the point, as I said I only have high school, so I'm not the smartest apple perhaps, but what does 'my side' and 'healthcare' and education have to do with anything?"

Your side would be the pro-Olympic side.

My family will be paying taxes for your party that you forced on us. You told me to shut up and let you enjoy it in spite of the fact you're asking for my our dollars to pay for it.

You don't post here at the Tyee so I assume you came here looking for a place to vent.

Frank...

First of all Frank, let me tell you that I respect the fact that you care about the lowest of Canadians. That is truly admirable, and indeed patriotic. Way to go. And you are setting a great example for people, which in it's own way will be a great legacy. It shows leadership, and caring and these things are very important.

Secondly, peanut butter causes cancer, remember that? What doesn't? I guess I'm living dangerously. And I don't drink a Coke every day, I enjoy one once or twice a week. It's really good!

The consensus of the host city Frank, was that we wanted to welcome the world here which is what we are doing right now. Majority rules and all that stuff.

In addition to that, you and your 'side' as you call it, could have voted out the current government years ago and prevented this from happening. And yes, there was a small window of opportunity for that to happen, but it did not. And this government got re-elected too! Imagine that!

In addition Frank, I didn't ask for any of your dollars to pay for anything, I elect governments that make those decisions for me, and you too Frank. And those decisions have been made Frank.

And if I don't like what they are doing, and the majority don't, then you can see again how it works above.

So thanks for contributing, we really do appreciate it! We're going to have a great time! Patriotism on display near you, and, I guess, despite you.

Depotwest. Stop excusing

Depotwest.

Stop excusing yourself as being less than average. I have not endured very much post-secondary intellectual warehousing either. If you are stupid then you are stupid by choice. Your ability to construct legible sentences and argue your "point" while sticking to it tells most of average intelligence that you are indeed intelligent. I think you feel helpless so you are looking to enjoy some of the dripping fat of a bbq you didn't ask for. Enjoy, but remember it's fat. Coke and Mc D's???? My friend, it's not even news anymore... look it up.

and it's a mold on peanuts

and it's a mold on peanuts that cause cancer.

Thanks for the update on

Thanks for the update on peanuts. I knew it was out there. But the point is, that anything in moderation will most likely not kill you, including Coke and McDonalds, or even a beer every now and then. If you lead an otherwise healthy lifestyle, and you come from good genes to begin with, you probably will be ok.

And I wasn't minimizing myself intentionally, I'm happy I have high school and that has been more than enough for me to be a success.

The friends I know with university educations in many cases have achieved less than me at times. I was only pointing out that I may not have a lot education-wise, but I do have that. And helpless? About what?

depotwest

Thank you for your polite post.

"The consensus of the host city Frank, was that we wanted to welcome the world here which is what we are doing right now. Majority rules and all that stuff."

I know. But there is no law that says minorities have to accept their situation peacefully. When a minority's views are constantly either belittled, attacked or ignored then eventually one realizes there is no hope of change.

The Olympics are of course one issue among many but basically it was those who always wield the power using that power to once again get what they want and the other side (my side) was told to shut up or go to hell.

So, I just don't see the point of why I shouldn't piss on things other people enjoy when they do the same to me.

"And this government got re-elected too! Imagine that!"

I know, the most right-wing government in BC history led by certainly one of the most disliked politicians in BC history. But "your side" like him because he doesn't compromise so he has won 3 majorities.

And I thank you as well Frank, but....

It's not 'my side' it's the side that won. That's how things work, as you know.

I'm one of the ones' that get to benefit from the 'win', like our gold medal tonight, as are many others here in Vancouver, and from around the world.

And you're right, people have the right to protest if they like, but they must do it peacefully and respectfully. I have no problem with that. So there indeed are laws that provide for peaceful protesting. A photo I saw today summed up yesterdays actions downtown, a woman was holding a cardboard sign that said "Being a vandalizing douche bag is not a political statement."

I will vote for whatever party I think will represent everyones best interests, and I think the Campbell government has done a great job with the exception of the HST. But that's me, and I don't think of it as sides, though I guess they are different points of view.

depotwest: helpless to

depotwest:
helpless to actually obtain anything from the scads of money being spent on a party highjacked by a coke drinking clown, etc... I'm so tired of the bi*ching about nothing new (wastes of tax dollars) but I'm even more tired of the volunteer cheerleaders of patriotism that has no benefit other than to pacify.

depotwest

I assure you it is sides.

You believe Campbell has done a great job and that's fine but I've opposed most of Campbell's policies because they are certainly not in most people's interests. But because "your" side outnumbers mine he doesn't have to care about what my side thinks. And he doesn't want to.

So after 3 straight majority governments and a lot of peaceful protesting many of us realize that our lot is to shut up and pay for your parties.

Well, we don't like it and as peaceful protesting has proved to be a failure its only natural that new avenues of protest will be explored.

As for the woman holding up the sign, she's wrong. Violence is a political statement. I refer you to von Clauswitz.

Worse yet

Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel, said Samuel Johnson more than two hundred years ago, and we've more than enough who've been holding up the nationalism card here as their only defense to a bankrupt argument. We've already seen that nationalism and its lack of fair play has cost one luger his life.

But if you had intelligence to go with your education you'd realize that your very life testifies not to your hard work or intellect but to your luck at making the most of the opportunities that were handed to you. Your better-educated (and probably clearer-thinking) friends are the same testament - hard work and education guarantees you nothing but debt without an equal measure of luck, which they do not have by your own admission.

So you need to get off your "majority rules" kick and think about someone else for a change. The world is littered with the graves of the billions of minorities who couldn't defend themselves against the violent and deadly will of the majority. Canada is supposed to be different.

But it doesn't seem to be, at least not when I listen to you. So piss on your party, and why are you wasting time trolling here anyway when you could be drinking beer and getting laid?