Posted on 08/28/2004 5:16:27 PM PDT by Hildy
America's biggest Olympic hero yesterday accused George Bush of exploiting the Athens Games for his own political advantage in the run-up to the presidential election. Carl Lewis, who won nine Olympic gold medals in athletics in a record-breaking career, condemned Bush for using the presence of Iraqi and Afghan teams in Athens in a television advertisement to boost his chances of re-election.
Criticising Bush for linking his foreign policy with the two countries being allowed to compete here, Lewis said: 'I felt that was disingenuous. It is funny that we boycotted the 1980 Games [in Moscow] in support of Afghanistan, and now we're bombing Afghanistan,' he told the Athens News yesterday.
'Of course, we've invaded Iraq and are in there and are using it for political gain. It bewilders me, and I understand why the Iraqi players are offended.
'To support the players or the community is fine, but for political gain I disagree.'
Iraq's footballers, who unexpectedly reached the semi-finals here, made clear last week they disliked the advertisement and regarded American soldiers in Iraq as occupiers rather than liberators. Bush was planning to visit the Greek capital and attend yesterday's football final if Iraq had been involved, but they lost in the semi-finals last week. He was also criti cised for misusing without permission Olympic symbols, which are protected emblems.
Amen! Yeah, let's have perspective on this....
nope, I have noticed that too....maybe Kerry told Matt he could be press secretary or perhaps told him he could be the scoop poop...
Pity, he won't be on MY Wheaties box.....
HERO??? What is so heroic about running fast? Can we stop turning every sports idol into a hero?
You're not saying that he's into pole vaulting are you?
OMG, that was Awful!!!!My ears still hurt!!!
Carl, shut up and run....or jump....or whatever it is you do.
Unless they were already his.
Wasn't it? And he was really serious at the time about wanting to establish a singing career. Yikes!
My apologies for my previous hot-headed comment.
In my opinion, the Olympics have outlived their usefulness.
Over the last 12 years, they have become nothing more then a circus.
Carl Lewis is yesterday's news...AND a fruit cake.
LOL!
Then that his real reason for hating Bush... homosexual marriage etc.?
After the '72 Olympics, Spitz made movies and commercials and went into business, He lives in California with wife Suzy, and his son.
He was also one of the first targets of the anti Jewish fever that would hit the Olympics in Munich. They kept extra security around him as many were angry with him for being Jewish and competing so well.
I wonder how he thinks we liberated Germany?
But, really now... a black man opposed to Bush? I'm *shocked*! *SHOCKED!*
Another famous idiot with an opinion! How refreshingly novel! And with a twist; he blames Bush! Of all things!! How unique!! I AM SO TIRED OF STUPID CELEBRITIES AND THEIR STUPID, HALF-BAKED, LEFTIST OPINIONS!!!! It just seems to on and on and on, with one "celib" after another; one stupid, knee-jerk, attention getting asinine criticism of the President after another. How I wish this election was over already, and after their defeat, all this leftist scum will creep back under their rocks and into their sewers where they belong!
Carl who? Oh, that has-been homosexual track star, who hasn't had a job in years? That Carl?
Carl Lewis, Gold Medal Girly-Man!
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