I just watched the wonderful gold medal hockey game between the US and Canada, and I couldn't resist commenting on how poetically beautiful the outcome was! The victory by Canada, in this dream matchup of teams, winning gold on their home ice and closing out the 2010 Winter Olympics was the perfect result. Even though theoretically I should be bummed since the US lost, I can't see any losers in this situation. I went through several tissues between the overtime sudden-death score by Team Canada and the conclusion of the Canadian national anthem, simply because I was so touched by the symmetry and meaning of it all. I'm sure the joy and pride of Canadian citizens right now is immeasurable, first because they have done a fantastic job of hosting the world in their country, and because hockey is such a big thing for Canadians.
Way to go Team Canada!!!
There's something about the Olympics that touches a soft spot in my heart, because it is an opportunity for nations to put aside their differences, to build relationships and friendships on the foundation of sport, to put nationalism aside in favor of sportsmanship. To me the Olympics are a peacemaking activity, and my only wish is that the spirit the Olympics engenders may last beyond the extinguishing of the Olympic flame.
The only negative note is the NHL's proclaimation that its players will not be allowed to compete in the 2014 Winter Games in Russia, due to the disruption the Olympics presents to the NHL's schedule. I think that if the NHL carries out this threat, hockey fans should boycott all NHL games held during the 2014 Winter Olympics. Can these shortsighted fools not see that exposing NHL players and hockey in general on the world stage will help bring more fans into the game, increasing TV ratings and ticket sales? They're too focused on the loss of immediate revenue to see the long-term potential, and to recognize the opportunity cost of grabbing for today's dollars while throwing tomorrow's dollars out the window. Come on NHL, where's your spirit? Why deprive your players of the chance to represent their countries, something that a fair number of them have undoubtedly dreamt about since childhood? That's just mean.
Peace (and anticipation of the 2012 Summer Games in London),
AuntieM
About Me
- AuntieM
- I returned to school after a 20+ year absence and have since completed a Bachelor's in Sociology and a Master's in Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management. I work for a nonprofit organization where I do fund development/grant writing, manage government contracts, and assist with organizational compliance and transparency. I am also adjunct faculty in the Sociology department of a local community college. I am married, no kids, 2 cats. I am also an aspiring author with one novel completed thus far, so writing comes very naturally to me. I have long been a supporter of various liberal causes, and have reached the point in my life where I feel the need to give voice to my beliefs. This blog is intended to be a public outlet for those beliefs. It is a collection of original essays on peace, justice and positive social change, and how we can get there from here. If it raises awareness, generates discussion and makes people THINK, then it will have served its purpose.
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