Journal Entry # 16

 February 28th, 2010

So, now that the Olympics are over and everyone seems to be sweltering in pride what happens now? Do people go back to their everyday lives? Does the world go back to doing what it does? The spirit of the Olympics is supposed to bring nations together, to show the world that we can all work together and that the world can be a better place. The spirit of competition and pride in ones nation. Wow that is awesome but what I really saw was a focus on being the best. It was about winning that gold medal. How much money was spent at these Olympics from preparation to consumerism. I’m sorry but I just don’t feel that sense of pride that everyone seems to be boasting about. I guess you will be calling me unpatriotic but that’s fine. I just don’t see the big picture here I guess. People are still starving. Wars are still happening. How did this actually help solve the problems of the world. I mean sure if you are in the fortunate part of the world then you see the benefits but what about the rest of the world. The child who is about to die does he care or even know about the Olympics. I see the Olympics as a great human achievement but only after we solve the core problems. The estimated figure Canada spent on helping their athletes own the podium with new technology is 100 million dollars acquired through government programs and private donations. Add the cost of the Olympics to Canada posted in the Vancouver Sun of 6 billion dollars and then add the cost all other countries paid and what do you think the true cost of the Olympics is? It is obvious to me that this money could have had better value if we put it towards helping our fellow man.

This is just the cost of one event. How much do we spend annually on things that really do not matter? I guess the bottom line is that human beings really don’t care about anyone except themselves and this shows on a daily basis. We really do have to start caring. By an accident of birth you might be one of the lucky ones to not be in a position of poverty or any other situation that leaves your life in daily misery.  The problem is not that there is not enough to go around it is that we must change the way we view all aspects of life. Now more than ever we are globally connected. It really is time that the average person started to care and do something about it. When the masses speak usually the ones in charge start to take notice.

Seek the truth always

Gary David Currie