I cannot, for the life of me, understand why these Olympics are being held in Sochi, Russia. This is the 21st Century, isn't it? It isn't just Puntin's oppression, or Russia's History, or even their homophobic laws - Well, yes actually, it is!
We are far more civilize. I don't me we, United States Citizens - I am speaking of we as a member of humanity. Humanity you know what I mean? Just rank and file folks who work hard, raise children, build infrastructures, educate one another, care for one another.
We are better than what Russia is selling! We are, Russian Citizens are better than what their country is selling. So why then Mr. IOC President did Russia win the privilege of hosting these Olympic Games? It does not make one bit of sense.
Certainly there are so many pockets of every culture, civilization, country, state, county, town - pockets of ignorance - it is not legalized hatred. These are not laws which enable beating, imprisoning, killing of a specific group of human beings - just for their humanity.
Don't we deserve better than this? Are we not evolved enough we should not have to add warning labels as we send our athletes to compete. And NO ONE should walk down a street, around a town, in a hotel - NO ONE should be afraid.
We are not naïve. Any time there is a major event we have to be cautious. A few have made the majority live differently. These terrorists are not legal. They are not endorsed by their own governments. Russia has legalized hatred!
I do not get that. I do not get this. A lot I do not get. As a member of this human race - chugging along as I can...just like Billions of other folks - Laws legalizing hatred? NOPE, we do not endorse that!
The Olympics are a big ticket event. The country that wins the HONOR of hosting Olympic Games - That country should be an example of all that is good about us - It is "us" we are all in this boat together. Whether German, French, Iranian, Italian, Swiss...and on and on - we are all a part of a great big "us!"
Hooray to Canada! Several commercials are airing which are provocative. They provoke a viewer. We need to provoke a bit don't we? Shucks I wish it were not so. It should not be like this. Alas, Mr. IOC President, I am disappointed. As I know many people are. I am disappointed we, humanity, allowed the privilege of hosting the Olympic Games to go to Russia.
Really, we should do so much better. We have to do better. Education deters ignorance, it does not eliminate it. Eliminating ignorance is up to each human being - when you hear a joke which targets hatred - do you speak up? Or do you turn away? It is tough. Would you attempt to intervene if you saw someone being hit? If someone uses a racial slur - what do you do?
It really can be a difficult situation. Do you spend your money on products if the parent corporation donates to anti-Semitic, anti-LGBT, anti-African American, sexist, ageist, religious cause? Do you know? Education!
Not always is it a choice - when it is, what do you choose? More folks choose to stand up and do the right thing. It is wonderful! We are making progress. We have miles to go before we sleep - A big step was right there for humanity to take - NO Russia, you cannot host Olympic Games until you strike down laws encouraging hate and bigotry. You want the green - you have to take the entire Rainbow!
It is about money. In itself that is sad. Russia spent 5 billion dollars on Opening Ceremonies. This is why the IOC granted them the privilege of hosting these Olympic Games. I watched those ceremonies. Theatrically they were spectacular - but I already studied Russia's history.
My little voice matters squat in the grand scheme of things. I am alright with that. Whatever "throat" I have, it will be heard! I can make a difference. Might not alter histories course - a girl can dream. Maybe, one person listening will hear something - We can agree to disagree - Heck, I don't care if you like me...but shucks, don't hate me.
In the immortal words of Rodney King; "Can't we all just get along?"
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