[gomoho]

So far I am not excited about what I am seeing going on in Russia. Reports of less then desirable conditions, terrorist fears, and now the only world leaders attending are dictators that kill indiscriminately isn't what the world has seen in my lifetime for these games.

So sorry for the athletes that worked all their lives to get to this point and now have to deal with this. I believe the Olympic committee failed them terribly by awarding the games to Russia.

[manaboutown]

Originally Posted by gomoho

So far I am not excited about what I am seeing going on in Russia. Reports of less then desirable conditions, terrorist fears, and now the only world leaders attending are dictators that kill indiscriminately isn't what the world has seen in my lifetime for these games.

So sorry for the athletes that worked all their lives to get to this point and now have to deal with this. I believe the Olympic committee failed them terribly by awarding the games to Russia.

This was in today's WSJ. Sochi Before the Olympics Was Scary - WSJ.com

[Mudder]

I think the athletes and fans are focused on doing well and having fun.
It's funny that the guy who is in charge of opening ceremony is Russian but has lived in Brooklyn for the last 25 years.
Every Olympics has some problems at the onset, but all those who are there will usually say they wouldn't have missed it for anything.
By the way Russian elder statesman of figure skating, yevengy Pulskehov gave a Fabulous performance last night, the young Japanese kid was also great and yet again the USA's Jeremy Abbott just couldn't handle the pressure of the world stage.
As I watch as much as I can, I just focus on the skills of all the athletes and try to keep politics out of my thoughts. It's always a gamble because the city is chosen years in advance.

[Arctic Fox]

Sadly, the terrorists will attempt to strike at any major event as that will give them maximum publicity, whether it is in Russia or elsewhere

Who could have predicted the bombs at the Boston Marathon?

Hopefully nothing will happen and we can all remain focused on the performance of the athletes

[billethkid]

An incident from 25 years ago is just that, a historical stake in the ground.

Unfortunately similar reports can be made about many places in the world today including places like Chicago, New York, etc.

It is the time worn tradition of only talking about the one bad apple in a barrel when all the rest are just fine.

If the State Department allows travel without warning that is a more true cross section of reality.

We all have differing outlooks of what is unacceptable.

My opinion, Putin is accomplishing what he set out to do an Sochi and other parts of Russia will benefit.

The opening ceremonies last night rival ANY of the best done to date. Congratulations to the PEOPLE who made it happen.

[BarryRX]

I heard all the horror stories about Sochi before the Olympics began. But then I watched the unbelievably beautiful opening ceremonies and now I am watching the best athletes in the world compete, and I am loving every second of it. Why don't we wait until it's all over before we render judgement on how successful the games were.

[jblum315]

Sochi is apparently a little beach town, popular as a summer resort. They were lucky to have snow in the mountains, there might have been none. The opening ceremonies were spectacular and I enjoyed every minute of it.

[rubicon]

"What do you think of Sochi for the Olympics? I don't.
I admit to being a purest on many things and unfortunately politics or money (incl ratings concerns) have damaged the intent and purpose for so many sports I am no longer a frequent viewer. Bob Costa's commentary regarding Putin is a prime example. Putin is being rewarded for his very bad behavior

[rdhdleo]

Originally Posted by billethkid

An incident from 25 years ago is just that, a historical stake in the ground.

Unfortunately similar reports can be made about many places in the world today including places like Chicago, New York, etc.

It is the time worn tradition of only talking about the one bad apple in a barrel when all the rest are just fine.

If the State Department allows travel without warning that is a more true cross section of reality.

We all have differing outlooks of what is unacceptable.

My opinion, Putin is accomplishing what he set out to do an Sochi and other parts of Russia will benefit.

The opening ceremonies last night rival ANY of the best done to date. Congratulations to the PEOPLE who made it happen.

Agree... why can't people put politics aside and just enjoy what these athletes bring to the table and have worked all their lives for that's really what it's about, applaud them and do not take that moment from them. Opening ceremonies were extraordinary and very well done. Kudos to all involved and bless every athlete as they try to give it their all and do the their very best and give us many enjoyable moments! That said GO USA

[gomoho]

Originally Posted by jblum315

Sochi is apparently a little beach town, popular as a summer resort. They were lucky to have snow in the mountains, there might have been none. The opening ceremonies were spectacular and I enjoyed every minute of it.

You might want to click on the link in post 2 and find out the truth about Sochi before the Olympics. It was no little beach town according to this article.

[asianthree]

two of our doc's left last week to attend and to spend time with family...no worries for them

[pivo]

To gomoho---I think the opening ceremony was absolutely the best I have seen in any Olympics and Russia and Sochi deserved to be the choice

I also viewed the commentators disinterest in their announcing and finding fault in every way they can.

It seems after so many years we are still fighting the cold war as far as dictators attending the games why hasn't our leader attended the games. Maybe that's why so far I have really. really enjoyed the Olympics so far.