razmaspaz

Every kid who has ever played a sport has dreamed of being the best player to ever play the game, with me it was no different. I ran track all through out middle and high school, and harbored dreams of one day being an Olympian. I knew then, as well as now, that those dreams were nothing more than fantasies, but it was always fun to pretend.

During the 1992 and 1996 Olympics I cultivated a true love for what is most certainly the greatest sports spectacle on Earth. Yes even more spectatular than the World Cup. The worlds nations come together and put aside their differences to compete. I have no doubt that in every corner of the world grown men are transformed into children as we stop to watch and cheer our countries with national and personal pride. Stories of personal triumph are played out on a grand stage, and they inspire the world to reach a higher plane of humanity. I am a perpetual cynic, but for a couple weeks every 4 years I put it all aside and believe that we can come together in harmony.

It is because of this childlike faith that I am saddened by protesters. If you aren’t aware human rights activists have been protesting the running of the torch, to the point that the running may be canceled. They are protesting China’s relationship with Tibet. I don’t want to say that its an unimportant issue, it is very important, but the Olympics is supposed to be above it. This is an event about sport, and the love of games and superhuman feats, not a political microphone. I would hate to find a cause like this used to justify promoting a more sinister political agenda in the future.

Because I’m a cynic, I know this plea will fall on deaf ears, but please, protesters, leave the torch alone.