Fair enough.

I’ll check your blog which I periodically read.

I believe that going to Moscow would’ve been a better propaganda bonanza for the Carter Administration.

For example, the opening ceremony of the 1980 Olympics saw some countries walking into the stadium with either a black ribbon on their flag pole or presenting other flags like their respective national Olympic federation flag or the Olympic flag. The latter two scenarios had instances of a black ribbon on the flag pole.

I know that what follows is easier said than done: in general I believe it’s best to keep politics out of sports as much as possible.

In any event, post-Soviet Russia isn’t Nazi Germany or the USSR. I don’t envisage Russia becoming less free over the long haul.

Your reply is appreciated.

Best,

Mike

In my piece on Sochi 2014, I mention three Olympic Games that I associate with political propaganda: Berlin 1936, Moscow 1980, and Los Angeles 1984. That I do not address the US athletic programmes is because the piece – as indeed my blog – is not about the US.

As for Romania, I totally agree with you. In retrospect, the whole affair is tragi-comic. My own country – Sweden – was no better than others in believing in the benefits of this relatively independent WP-country. Only years before Ceaucescu was overthrown, he was awarded Sweden’s most prestigious order.

Yours,

Vilhelm

I don’t frequent houses of worship very often myself.

Like it or not, they’ve a clear place in many societies as do rec. facilities. The society at large needs releases.

I want teens and pre-teens to engage in organized, well rounded activities, as opposed to hanging out in the streets; with no one caring about their having nothing better to do.

I very much believe in the Greco-Roman ideals of a well rounded person.

I’ll once again reference what motivates some people into purchasing gym memberships.

re goldrush: sure, but there was no gov money involved, and people didn’t settle for long.

I oppose all religion, and spending money on religion. I oppose public works in general as well. I’m pretty radical free-enterprise-no-subsidies-for-anybody kind of person.

So, there you go. if somebody with private money wants to build a solid gold copy of the St. Peters cathedral, so be it. but not gov money.

Good points. In turn, I predict a greater number of bookings in Sochi’s hotels and revenues in Sochi’s bars will increase as a result of them hosting the games.

The overall health of Russia’s population will not be hurt by having it.

Another good point. On a similar note, the overall health of Russia’s population will not be hurt by the Sakhalin II LNG/OET project commissioning the jetty, utility area, and cryogenic tanks this week either.