Olympic Politics Humdrum

I've enjoyed watching the Olympics this year for the first time since Atlanta in 96. Of course, that basically means I didn't like Sydney and Athens. One of my pet peeves about sports reporting is when sports writers try and use a long period of time to imply a period of success or domination. They use hyperbole to mask the fact that sometimes, things just don't happen every day.

For example: U.S. Athlete Clay first decathlete to win Olympic gold since 96! You think, wow, it's been 12 years, what happened to the US? Smarter people think, no kidding, there wasn't one in 2000 or 2004, there's been two chances!

Cleveland Indians Pitcher Cliff Lee wins 10th game - first time since 2004! Yeah, because he was injured for like 3 years, what do you expect?

Regardless, I am a definite Phelps Phan. It was very exciting to see him set a goal. The races were full of drama. Two unbelievable close finishes. It is always fascinating to me to see the answer to a long standing trivia question change. Michael Phelps hopefully will be the answer to many questions for years to come. What I am afraid of now is that his success will soon become the source of controversy.

My prediction a week ago was this: A US journalist will uncover the truth about the underage Chinese gymnasts. In retaliation, China will produce a positive drug test by Michael Phelps. I am not saying that Phelps is on drugs. But the Olympic testing facility is in Beijing. And we have seen affirmative proof that they faked their opening ceremonies, and most people are at least suspicious of the age of their gymnasts. Thus, if the US is seen as taking away their proud gold medal in gymnastics (which their girls team has been training for since they were 3, so like 7 years), China will attack in predictable fashion against the US golden boy.

And I don't mean China as all Chinese nationals. I mean the Chinese government. The Chinese people have been fascinating to watch in general. They cheer everything. They love US Basketball, fast swimming, rowing, you name it. At every event I see Chinese people cheering wildly for live sports in which they have no athletes. They mob a British reporter thinking he is Michael Phelps. It is odd to see such a gracious people ruled by such a rigid and incomprehensible government.


McCain vs. OBAMA - He picked Biden. Who will McCain pick? Maybe a pro-choice candidate. WHO CARES? Both candidates suck, but this is what I think: Bush and Putin conspired for Russia's recent actions to drive into the hearts of the American people that the next president needs to be strong in foreign policy - to get McCain elected. I have no proof, just a thought in my head.