Posted on 05/18/2004 12:24:39 AM PDT by yoe
The U.S. Olympic Team is being warned not to wave the American flag, and to restrain patriotism during this summer's Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. According to a recent article in the London Daily Telegraph, "American athletes have been warned not to wave the U.S. flag during their medal celebrations...for fear of provoking crowd hostility and harming the country's already-battered public image."
Of course, the teams and crowds of other nations will be allowed to flaunt their flags and boo our countrymen. But, for us Americans, the politically-correct officials of the U.S. Olympic Committee want to tell us all how to be "sensitive" to foreign nations and cultures.
Don't let this P.C. madness prevail at the Olympics! Don't let the USOC quash the rights of our athletes and fellow countrymen to wave our flag in pride and display patriotism for our country.
Please feel free to contact the USOC below:
Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center
National Headquarters
One Olympic Plaza
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
Tel: 719-866-4500
E-mail: media@usoc.org
Website: http://www.usoc.org
What did Mexico do when the US won the soccer match down there? Oh, yeah they chanted "Osama, Osama, Osama"......
I wouldn't be surprised if we are encouraged not to win as to please the competitors.
I'm more concerned that someone is going to try to stop Lance Armstrong in the Tour this summer.
A trenchant Presidential comment would be enough to end this stupid and insulting, to say noting onf disloyal and unpatriotic, USOC buffoonery instantly.
President Bush, are you listening? Many of us are waiting for you to speak out.
I said this on another thread, but I believe it bears repeating:
I don't think we should have to hide what country we're from. I'm not ashamed of America, and I don't believe our atheletes are either .. however .. if you are walking around in a shirt made of an American flag, you are making yourself a target of those who hate America.
It's a fine line between being safe and not a target, and still allowing our atheletes to enjoy the celebration of their victories.
I can hardly wait to see the Iraqi soccer team march into the opening ceremonies .. I believe the crowd will go wild.
Thanks to the liberal mutts in this country and around the globe who are being taken more seriously in the press than our own soldiers who are putting themselves out on the line everyday for the freedom of others.
The text says "warned" not banned from showing your colours?
Anyway IMHO this warning is over cautious around the sporting events. Outside in the city of Athens it is a different situation. There I think a warning could be prudent - sad but reality.
We've institutionalized cowardice at our airports, why not at the Olympics?
"What did Mexico do when the US won the soccer match down there? Oh, yeah they chanted 'Osama, Osama, Osama'......"
And they (the Mexican fans) spat on our players when the Mexican National team played the American team in Los Angeles. And it wasn't just the adult team that was treated so shabbily: My nephew played in an exhibition game for youngsters aged 12-14, and the Mexicans in the stands -- the vast majority of whom live in California, not Mexico -- even spat on THEM!
In-your-face "Endzone" celebrations just don't go over very well when you're draped in the Flag.
However, I certainly feel that our athletes are entitled to a carry their flag to the podium or around the stadium following a win, but a little decorum would be welcomed.
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