(Aired on March 1, 2010)
A week ago, I sat here criticizing those who were decrying the lack of success of Canadian athletes at the Olympics, people who criticized the Own
the Podium campaign. I said that we were successful with what we had already accomplished.
A week later, I sit here again, proud of our country not only as a country which has run a remarkable Olympics, but one in which our athletes did, in fact, Own the Podium in so many ways. We had the most Olympic gold medals of any host country at the Winter Olympics. Not only that, we had the most gold medals of any country in the Winter Olympics. We finished third overall behind perennial powerhouses Germany and the U.S. and less than a handful of medals short of second place overall. If you wish to call that unsuccessful, I would suggest you give your head a very serious shake.
But more than the medals, the coming together of the Olympics after a bit of a shaky start, and tragedy on the luge run, was the coming together of the community. Vancouver's games will be rememebered for the tremendous community spirit, the awesome display of pride evident everywhere you walked in downtown Vancouver. It was truly a memorable event, and you can say what you will, these Olympics will go down as some of the best Winter Olympics ever. There is no question about that. Were we perfect? No. But did we perform? Absolutely. In virtually every respect. Did we draw attention to our country in a positive way? Despite the best efforts of some naysayers, we did exactly that.
Our province is not without fault. We have work to do to improve social conditions for many down and out. We have to come back from an economic downturn. We await with interest the government's view for us in this week's budget. But for the past few weeks, we turned our best face to the world, and we did ourselves proud.
Showing posts with label Olympics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Olympics. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
Hockey Gold Would Wrap it Up
(Aired on February 26, 2010)
The giant distraction that has limited productivity in workplaces across Canada throughout the month of February is almost over. And I mean that in the nicest possible terms. As much as I am one of the hated critics of the five-ring circus, my criticisms have been largely directed at the financial push needed to put this event on. Surely, you can put on an athletic event for less than $6-billion in public investment.
But the athletics themselves have been absolutely spell-binding. I've followed the competition closely and have been as swept up in the storylines as everyone else.
-Sliders hurtling down a track that has already proved deadly.
-Canada going gold-silver in two-man bobsleigh.
-Our country's greatest olympic hero, Cindy Klassen, bravely competing after double-knee surgery robbed her of her explosiveness.
-Snowboarder Shaun White showing why he's the most dominant athlete in any sport - but figure skater Yu-Na Kim is not far behind.
-And of course, the triumph and tragedy of women's figure skater Joannie Rochette.
The most compelling story, however, is still to come for this hockey-loving country. There will be no greater feeling of pride for Canadians than if we can win men's hockey gold on our home ice - and no worse feeling of defeat than if we lose to the Americans. But while all of this is of great interest to me, escapism is not what I'm good at.
Monday, we will wake up to find our country is still at war, and our economy is still struggling. While we may have thought the Olympics provided a tonic for our problems, it was indeed only a mild sedative. It's our men's hockey team that has the greatest chance to give us the greatest memories.
The giant distraction that has limited productivity in workplaces across Canada throughout the month of February is almost over. And I mean that in the nicest possible terms. As much as I am one of the hated critics of the five-ring circus, my criticisms have been largely directed at the financial push needed to put this event on. Surely, you can put on an athletic event for less than $6-billion in public investment.
But the athletics themselves have been absolutely spell-binding. I've followed the competition closely and have been as swept up in the storylines as everyone else.
-Sliders hurtling down a track that has already proved deadly.
-Canada going gold-silver in two-man bobsleigh.
-Our country's greatest olympic hero, Cindy Klassen, bravely competing after double-knee surgery robbed her of her explosiveness.
-Snowboarder Shaun White showing why he's the most dominant athlete in any sport - but figure skater Yu-Na Kim is not far behind.
-And of course, the triumph and tragedy of women's figure skater Joannie Rochette.
The most compelling story, however, is still to come for this hockey-loving country. There will be no greater feeling of pride for Canadians than if we can win men's hockey gold on our home ice - and no worse feeling of defeat than if we lose to the Americans. But while all of this is of great interest to me, escapism is not what I'm good at.
Monday, we will wake up to find our country is still at war, and our economy is still struggling. While we may have thought the Olympics provided a tonic for our problems, it was indeed only a mild sedative. It's our men's hockey team that has the greatest chance to give us the greatest memories.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Not Owning the Podium, But Doing Just Fine
(Aired on February 22, 2010)
It is hard for me to come to grips with all the naysayers who are suggesting our athletes aren't performing up to par at the Winter Games. We said we were going to own the podium, but we're not, say the doom and gloomers.
And I say, we're doing just fine, thank you very much. We're fourth in the medal race, and while we aren't going to win more medals than any other nation on our home turf, we're doing pretty well. Some of our athletes haven't performed up to expectations. Maybe it's the pressure of the whole hometown fan situation, maybe it's the need to go 150% to win the gold that leaves us all open to errors that can take us from gold to nothing. But I think the Own the Podium campaign has worked well. We've invested some money in our high-end athletes, we've started developing programs that will give us strength in years to come, and we've made a good start for future world championships and Olympic games.
I think we've got a lot to be proud of. Our hockey team hasn't looked sharp, that's probably the biggest disappointment given the money these guys make, but when you give them no time to learn to work together, it's not an easy task no matter how good you are. To reach an Olympic podium or world championship takes as much luck as it does skill. Where one luge makes a bad turn and stays upright, another turns over. Where one inch either way can make or break a figure skating jump, when one wrong shift on a turn can take you out of contention in speed skating, or one bump can move you out of a medal in long track, the fickle finger of fate can lead to disaster.
But I believe we're on the right track, I believe our athletes are giving us everything they have. And I really don't think we can ask much more than that. Surely people didn't believe that Own the Podium really meant we were going to own it. It's a figure of speech. We're a small country and while some can argue we should be doing better, I think we're doing a great job.
It is hard for me to come to grips with all the naysayers who are suggesting our athletes aren't performing up to par at the Winter Games. We said we were going to own the podium, but we're not, say the doom and gloomers.
And I say, we're doing just fine, thank you very much. We're fourth in the medal race, and while we aren't going to win more medals than any other nation on our home turf, we're doing pretty well. Some of our athletes haven't performed up to expectations. Maybe it's the pressure of the whole hometown fan situation, maybe it's the need to go 150% to win the gold that leaves us all open to errors that can take us from gold to nothing. But I think the Own the Podium campaign has worked well. We've invested some money in our high-end athletes, we've started developing programs that will give us strength in years to come, and we've made a good start for future world championships and Olympic games.
I think we've got a lot to be proud of. Our hockey team hasn't looked sharp, that's probably the biggest disappointment given the money these guys make, but when you give them no time to learn to work together, it's not an easy task no matter how good you are. To reach an Olympic podium or world championship takes as much luck as it does skill. Where one luge makes a bad turn and stays upright, another turns over. Where one inch either way can make or break a figure skating jump, when one wrong shift on a turn can take you out of contention in speed skating, or one bump can move you out of a medal in long track, the fickle finger of fate can lead to disaster.
But I believe we're on the right track, I believe our athletes are giving us everything they have. And I really don't think we can ask much more than that. Surely people didn't believe that Own the Podium really meant we were going to own it. It's a figure of speech. We're a small country and while some can argue we should be doing better, I think we're doing a great job.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Violence Detracts from Legitimate Olympic Protests
(Aired on February 15, 2010)
A civil liberties advocate is concerned Saturday's protests in Vancouver may have diverted the message away from legitimate protesters taking advantage of the world spotlight for the Olympic Games. You think?
Legitimate protesters who have legitimate concerns are now in the unenviable position of losing their momentum on the world stage after 200 protesters smashed windows, spray painted vehicles and caused havoc while marching through the downtown core. It was an absolutely abysmal display. And did it take away from the protesters' message? Of course. How could it not?
When I was out and about on the weekend, at the local coffee shops, in the grocery stores, all I heard was two things. How terrible it was for that group of veterans who waited patiently for the torch to come by Friday, people who served their country to make it free enough to have those protests in the first place, denied the opportunity because the route had to change because of the protests. And the fact that protesters were damaging vehicles and businesses, supposedly in the name of getting some message out. Not one comment about the message.
And then there was someone who complained about police violence. Say what? Even the B.C. Civil Liberties Association has praised police for their restraint. And do you think the message gets out to people now afraid to take their kids downtown because they're afraid another incident could break out? I hardly think so.
One of the protest organizers says it's not a violent protest because people weren't hurt. Try telling that to some poor shop owner cowering in his store as someone smashes his windows. Or some poor mother and child trying to get out of the way while these terrorists roam the streets. It's quite possible that some of the violence Saturday was caused by violent people bent on destruction infiltrating legitimate protesters. Doesn't matter. The damage has been done. Even marches like the memorial yesterday to the missing Vancouver East Side women lost momentum because of the violence Saturday. Now the focus of any future protest will be on whether it turns violent, not on the message being put forward. Legitimate concerns have been put on the back burner by the actions of a few idiots. Unfortunate, but that's the mob mentality that often happens in these events.
A civil liberties advocate is concerned Saturday's protests in Vancouver may have diverted the message away from legitimate protesters taking advantage of the world spotlight for the Olympic Games. You think?
Legitimate protesters who have legitimate concerns are now in the unenviable position of losing their momentum on the world stage after 200 protesters smashed windows, spray painted vehicles and caused havoc while marching through the downtown core. It was an absolutely abysmal display. And did it take away from the protesters' message? Of course. How could it not?
When I was out and about on the weekend, at the local coffee shops, in the grocery stores, all I heard was two things. How terrible it was for that group of veterans who waited patiently for the torch to come by Friday, people who served their country to make it free enough to have those protests in the first place, denied the opportunity because the route had to change because of the protests. And the fact that protesters were damaging vehicles and businesses, supposedly in the name of getting some message out. Not one comment about the message.
And then there was someone who complained about police violence. Say what? Even the B.C. Civil Liberties Association has praised police for their restraint. And do you think the message gets out to people now afraid to take their kids downtown because they're afraid another incident could break out? I hardly think so.
One of the protest organizers says it's not a violent protest because people weren't hurt. Try telling that to some poor shop owner cowering in his store as someone smashes his windows. Or some poor mother and child trying to get out of the way while these terrorists roam the streets. It's quite possible that some of the violence Saturday was caused by violent people bent on destruction infiltrating legitimate protesters. Doesn't matter. The damage has been done. Even marches like the memorial yesterday to the missing Vancouver East Side women lost momentum because of the violence Saturday. Now the focus of any future protest will be on whether it turns violent, not on the message being put forward. Legitimate concerns have been put on the back burner by the actions of a few idiots. Unfortunate, but that's the mob mentality that often happens in these events.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
No Problem with Mayor Attending Opening Ceremonies
(Aired on February 8, 2010)
The current minor controversy regarding whether or not officials should be using complementary tickets to Olympics events is too much ado about nothing. Kamloops Mayor Peter Milobar is among those using tickets provided by various groups, in his case the B.C. Lottery Corporation. Other officials, like the Mayor of Chilliwack, have opted not to. In my view, it's an individual decision, and as long as it's transparent, I don't really see a problem. If our Mayor can use the event to do some networking on behalf of the city, what's the problem? City officials get invited to events all the time. In many cases, they get a free ticket for themselves, and perhaps their spouse. There may be some who see that as a conflict of interest. They believe that there should not only be no conflict, there should be no perception of a conflict. But we expect our civic officials to be at various events to represent us, and to glad hand the public. I don't think that's a bad thing.
And, again, as long as it's transparent, it's not an issue. It doesn't make a councilor a bad person, or a shady character, as some would have you believe. Some see this as an issue. I think they're really being silly if they think a councilor would give a benefit to a company because they got a ticket to a dinner. But they're entitled to their opinion. Unless the taxpayers are going to give the Mayor and Council a much bigger expense account, it's a moot point for me.
I know there are some self-righteous people out there who would argue against my views, but I guess that's their right. We've had this issue in newsrooms across the country over the years. Some, for example, never go to a function unless their company pays the freight for the ticket. They don't want to be seen as taking "favours" from someone. And that's OK. Many functions have media tables where the media can sit to cover an event, and they don't have to eat the dinner if they don't want, to show how pure they are.
But events for mayor and council are a little different, and part of their responsibility is to be in the public and represent the taxpayers. As far as Mayor Milobar's trip to the opening ceremonies goes, Peter, have a great time, enjoy the event, and forget about those who for some reason can't see the bigger picture.
The current minor controversy regarding whether or not officials should be using complementary tickets to Olympics events is too much ado about nothing. Kamloops Mayor Peter Milobar is among those using tickets provided by various groups, in his case the B.C. Lottery Corporation. Other officials, like the Mayor of Chilliwack, have opted not to. In my view, it's an individual decision, and as long as it's transparent, I don't really see a problem. If our Mayor can use the event to do some networking on behalf of the city, what's the problem? City officials get invited to events all the time. In many cases, they get a free ticket for themselves, and perhaps their spouse. There may be some who see that as a conflict of interest. They believe that there should not only be no conflict, there should be no perception of a conflict. But we expect our civic officials to be at various events to represent us, and to glad hand the public. I don't think that's a bad thing.
And, again, as long as it's transparent, it's not an issue. It doesn't make a councilor a bad person, or a shady character, as some would have you believe. Some see this as an issue. I think they're really being silly if they think a councilor would give a benefit to a company because they got a ticket to a dinner. But they're entitled to their opinion. Unless the taxpayers are going to give the Mayor and Council a much bigger expense account, it's a moot point for me.
I know there are some self-righteous people out there who would argue against my views, but I guess that's their right. We've had this issue in newsrooms across the country over the years. Some, for example, never go to a function unless their company pays the freight for the ticket. They don't want to be seen as taking "favours" from someone. And that's OK. Many functions have media tables where the media can sit to cover an event, and they don't have to eat the dinner if they don't want, to show how pure they are.
But events for mayor and council are a little different, and part of their responsibility is to be in the public and represent the taxpayers. As far as Mayor Milobar's trip to the opening ceremonies goes, Peter, have a great time, enjoy the event, and forget about those who for some reason can't see the bigger picture.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
I Hate Being Told to Shut Up
(Aired on February 3, 2010)
Since last week's editorial, in which I decried the cost of the olympics, there have been two responses. First, I received an overwhelmingly positive response from viewers and blog readers. Second are the multiple columns and blog postings that popped up shortly thereafter saying that people who are bringing up points like this should stop whining.
Don't worry, I am still insecure enough to think that this may have nothing whatsoever to do with me.
The "shut up and look happy" crowd says if the world sees dissent here, they won't want to come here, and this huge marketing experiment will have all been for naught. The problem with that argument is that - as far as i know - the demonstration of a free society does not discourage tourism, immigration or investment. I'm not actually saying there should be massive disruptions to the event. Protests are okay, though. That's what happens in the free world, and no reasonable person would judge a place solely based on that. The only thing that would tarnish a city's image is if those protestors are repressed in contravention of the universal declaration of human rights.
The "shut up and look happy" crowd has said opponents are too late to change anything. That's completely true. It would take an act of God to cancel the games, and I've long since stopped praying for that. Indeed at this point, it's not in anyone's best interest. But why should that stop people from voicing their opinion on the relative validity of something that will cost us all?
People who are trying to quiet dissent remind of me of parents begging their children to behave when company comes over. Maybe I'll react differently when my own children are old enough to frustrate my hosting efforts. For now, it just makes me want to throw a bigger tantrum, and one I won't apologize for.
Since last week's editorial, in which I decried the cost of the olympics, there have been two responses. First, I received an overwhelmingly positive response from viewers and blog readers. Second are the multiple columns and blog postings that popped up shortly thereafter saying that people who are bringing up points like this should stop whining.
Don't worry, I am still insecure enough to think that this may have nothing whatsoever to do with me.
The "shut up and look happy" crowd says if the world sees dissent here, they won't want to come here, and this huge marketing experiment will have all been for naught. The problem with that argument is that - as far as i know - the demonstration of a free society does not discourage tourism, immigration or investment. I'm not actually saying there should be massive disruptions to the event. Protests are okay, though. That's what happens in the free world, and no reasonable person would judge a place solely based on that. The only thing that would tarnish a city's image is if those protestors are repressed in contravention of the universal declaration of human rights.
The "shut up and look happy" crowd has said opponents are too late to change anything. That's completely true. It would take an act of God to cancel the games, and I've long since stopped praying for that. Indeed at this point, it's not in anyone's best interest. But why should that stop people from voicing their opinion on the relative validity of something that will cost us all?
People who are trying to quiet dissent remind of me of parents begging their children to behave when company comes over. Maybe I'll react differently when my own children are old enough to frustrate my hosting efforts. For now, it just makes me want to throw a bigger tantrum, and one I won't apologize for.
Friday, January 29, 2010
On Board the Olympic Bandwagon
(Aired January 28, 2010)
While there are those who have given us the doom and gloom perspective on the Olympics, and what costs we might be looking at to pay for these Games, I think it's time we hopped on the bandwagon and started showing a little Olympic spirit. Please tell me what value there is in protesting Olympic events, whether peaceful or not? Please tell me what you accomplish with the glass half empty approach? Absolutely nothing.
Let us assume the naysayers are right, and we are going to be in the hole big-time for the Olympic games. The Games are here, the money is going to be spent. So why not try to now make our province a spectacle of excitement to show the world what there is to attract people to British Columbia. The long-term positives of the Games may be somewhat intangible, but positives there are. Who knows how many people around the world will be watching the Games? They see the beautiful city, the features on the province as a whole, the skiing, the beaches, and so on, and they spend thousands to come here on a vacation. There will be many people who will do that. Do you honestly think that taking a doom and gloom approach is the answer?
I certainly agree with the naysayers that money was not well spent in some areas, but it has been spent. Let's try now to turn that negative into a positive. If people around the world see our city as a place not to come to because of the protests and the red tents and god knows what, do you really think that's a positive move? If Vancouver's reputation as a city to live in is tarnished, that will have a lot bigger long-term negative impact than any budget shortfalls.
I am not in favour of ignoring problems, and problems there are, but to make the problems worse? What does that accomplish? Absolutely nothing.
While there are those who have given us the doom and gloom perspective on the Olympics, and what costs we might be looking at to pay for these Games, I think it's time we hopped on the bandwagon and started showing a little Olympic spirit. Please tell me what value there is in protesting Olympic events, whether peaceful or not? Please tell me what you accomplish with the glass half empty approach? Absolutely nothing.
Let us assume the naysayers are right, and we are going to be in the hole big-time for the Olympic games. The Games are here, the money is going to be spent. So why not try to now make our province a spectacle of excitement to show the world what there is to attract people to British Columbia. The long-term positives of the Games may be somewhat intangible, but positives there are. Who knows how many people around the world will be watching the Games? They see the beautiful city, the features on the province as a whole, the skiing, the beaches, and so on, and they spend thousands to come here on a vacation. There will be many people who will do that. Do you honestly think that taking a doom and gloom approach is the answer?
I certainly agree with the naysayers that money was not well spent in some areas, but it has been spent. Let's try now to turn that negative into a positive. If people around the world see our city as a place not to come to because of the protests and the red tents and god knows what, do you really think that's a positive move? If Vancouver's reputation as a city to live in is tarnished, that will have a lot bigger long-term negative impact than any budget shortfalls.
I am not in favour of ignoring problems, and problems there are, but to make the problems worse? What does that accomplish? Absolutely nothing.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
The Hangover
(Aired on January 27, 2010)
I suppose it's probably not cool of me to bring up reality today, on this day of Olympic triumph. The community, and indeed the province and the entire country are all being encouraged to look directly into the light - that burning torch that lights our hopes and dreams.
As for me, I won't be lining up to get that happy pill.
Olympic organizers had hoped that the excitement surrounding the games would have built to a fever pitch by now. In fact, Angus Reid says it's going the other way. More people are having their eyes opened to the negative impact the games will have.
And how can you blame people for being skeptical? The cost of the Olympics has now reached $6-Billion and climbing. That's just public money; it does not include corporate sponsorships. Price Waterhouse Coopers just released a study saying the economic spinoff will be about $1-Billion. And there is nothing to indicate any of that will be felt anywhere but the Lower Mainland. Even Squamish, supposedly in a prime location to cash in, is saying it's not expecting a significant economic benefit.
My math isn't too good, but by my calculations $6-Billion spent minus $1-Billion coming in adds up to a lot of debt for years to come. Billions of dollars that could be going to health, education, social programs, and other secondary considerations for our government.
The party will be huge, but the hangover will be absolutely epic.
Supporters argue that the impact of the games will be more intangible than measurable. But even the spirit of the games is being undermined. While the surface is all rah-rah, musicians performing as part of the games have been told they aren't allowed to say anything remotely derogatory about the event. The lasting legacy of these games won't burn nearly as bright as the torch itself.
It's true, the Olympics will represent a windstorm of activity for B.C. But we all know what a tornado leaves in its path - devastation - and that's exactly what our province has in store.
(Note: I got caught up in traffic behind the torch this morning. Don't get me wrong, it's my own dumb fault for not knowing where the torch was going to be and when. If anyone should know, it should be me. But you can imagine my feelings toward this whole thing now.)
I suppose it's probably not cool of me to bring up reality today, on this day of Olympic triumph. The community, and indeed the province and the entire country are all being encouraged to look directly into the light - that burning torch that lights our hopes and dreams.
As for me, I won't be lining up to get that happy pill.
Olympic organizers had hoped that the excitement surrounding the games would have built to a fever pitch by now. In fact, Angus Reid says it's going the other way. More people are having their eyes opened to the negative impact the games will have.
And how can you blame people for being skeptical? The cost of the Olympics has now reached $6-Billion and climbing. That's just public money; it does not include corporate sponsorships. Price Waterhouse Coopers just released a study saying the economic spinoff will be about $1-Billion. And there is nothing to indicate any of that will be felt anywhere but the Lower Mainland. Even Squamish, supposedly in a prime location to cash in, is saying it's not expecting a significant economic benefit.
My math isn't too good, but by my calculations $6-Billion spent minus $1-Billion coming in adds up to a lot of debt for years to come. Billions of dollars that could be going to health, education, social programs, and other secondary considerations for our government.
The party will be huge, but the hangover will be absolutely epic.
Supporters argue that the impact of the games will be more intangible than measurable. But even the spirit of the games is being undermined. While the surface is all rah-rah, musicians performing as part of the games have been told they aren't allowed to say anything remotely derogatory about the event. The lasting legacy of these games won't burn nearly as bright as the torch itself.
It's true, the Olympics will represent a windstorm of activity for B.C. But we all know what a tornado leaves in its path - devastation - and that's exactly what our province has in store.
(Note: I got caught up in traffic behind the torch this morning. Don't get me wrong, it's my own dumb fault for not knowing where the torch was going to be and when. If anyone should know, it should be me. But you can imagine my feelings toward this whole thing now.)
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