First, it's a HUGE HUGE deal here. Downtown was in bedlam yesterday with the torch relay. The streets are closed and everyone is partying.
I've never seen such Canadian pride. What a boost to our self-esteem as a country.
Secondly, Canada actually thinks they're going to win the games, and we've been getting some bad international press about our cockiness. Well, what a refreshing change for Canada - a generally diffident country that doesn't care much about sports. Now we're actually talking about being competitive!
The Olympics is a monstrous waste of money. The total cost will be around $6 billion dollars. That's a lot of money that could have been directed to local schools, homelessness and social services. And it will all be over in two weeks.
The organizers say the games will bring in $10 billion in benefits. I doubt it. But even if they do, who gets the money? Corporations get the money through increased sales. The people won't get much except higher prices.
To summarize:
Pros of the Olympics
- Increased Canadian self-esteem and spirit
- Improvement of local facilities
Cons
- Expensive, other arguably more important services sacrificed
- General inconvenience for citizens
Unknowns
- long term economic benefit?
- costs of goods and services to increase in Vancouver area?
- terrorist attacks?
- will international media be positive or negative?
Other Comments
Canada's torch relay was the goofiest ever. It was carried on tractors and trains and by Indian chiefs and by people in white, space-age track suits. The torches also looked weird.
NBC announced that they weren't going to make money on broadcasting the Olympics. Apparently not many people watch it or care. I don't entirely believe them.
Jeez someone just died in the luge. How horrible. I hope this doesn't mar the Olympics, but who feels like partying now? Very tragic.
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