This article raised a question in my mind about the purpose of US Olympic athletes. In a nation where everything seems to be under the control of the One Percent, could it be that these athletes are used mostly for public relations purposes of our ruling class? Such a public relations project might serve to provide the rest of us with some moments of pride about our country, but while doing so distract us from all the failures of ordinary features of US society. After reading this article, you decide.
I had to stop myself when I began feeling pangs of pride as our Olympians excelled in London because I knew it was a pleasant mirage, an aberration. My country no longer believes in greatness or team work. The current levels of ignorance and close-mindedness that govern (and are encouraged by many of those who govern) this nation preclude it from golden accolades, particularly in terms of greatness and team work. And what our athletes did in London was just a dream—an Olympic dream.
