Farewell to the Olympics

I have kept quiet about the Olympics partly because I have some mixed feelings about the financial impact of the Olympics on our country.  I do not question the patriotic impact as that was very apparent. But as a very proud Canadian I try to do and think what is best for Canada. In my opinion there was allot of good but there is also much to question.

Some of my likes…

Hearing the anthem played and the crowds singing along made me proud. I loved that Canadians showed the world we are outspoken and not afraid to express our love for our country.

Seeing the athletes win Gold, Silver or Bronze, tears rolling down their cheeks, brought my emotions to the verge of collapse.

In the history of Canada, never before has the color red and white with maple a leaf been so fashionable. Now, as Canadians, we must continue this display of being proud Canadians by showing the same respect for our land, air and water.

“Iggy, Iggy.” The two words heard around the world as Sidney Crosby yelled for the puck on the winning goal for the Mens Hockey Team. I jumped for joy many times over and over and over.

Some of my dislikes..

The media calling every moment special, spectacular, unforgettable, superb, unbelievable, excellence.. how about some realism.

The constant commercials.. need I say more.

The Olympic Organizing Committee’s line that the Olympics will create huge revenues for all of Canada. The Olympics benefits Whistler and Vancouver for now.. end of story. How stupid do they think we are.

How much debt is worth the effort. It will take years to sort through the paperwork of expenses because there is almost 7 Billion dollars worth of paperwork. Cost soared through the roof, the economy tanked, lets hope paying it back is not painful.

Olympics vs. Social Issues. Billions of dollars would do some good on home turf. This is my biggest conundrum. The money could be used to improve allot of things like First Nation living conditions, improve drinking water quality, reduce homelessness, improve education system, improve unemployment benefits for people who lost jobs… and close to my heart.. improve youth activity programs, our youth are unhealthy.

All in all, thank you athletes for giving it everything you got!  Thank you for representing Canada proudly. Thank you for the Canadian memories.