Looks like the bad PR on the Sochi games is starting to have an effect:
Considering the mixed signals coming from the Russian government and the Duma on this, I find Chernyshenko's characterization as "very transparent and very clear" to be laughable. My own speculation -- and it is speculation, filtered through quite a bit of cynicism -- is that the mixed signals are intentional and happening with Putin's approval. It's called "muddying the waters." Given the tenor of the various conflicting statements, the Russians have a free hand to do whatever they want, and anyone who doesn't think that's the case is dreaming.
The IOC's response is, regrettably, not surprising. Has there been a time in modern Olympic history when the Games have been free of politics? With national teams? And what I find especially telling is the comment -- from the marketing guy -- about how this could "ruin a lot for all of us." I have news for you: you've already ruined it.
Get this:
No, the law doesn't ban homosexuality. How can a law ban something that's innate? It just bans anyone being open about their orientation -- if it's "non-traditional."
And "Olympic values" at this point means nothing more than allowing the creme de la creme to continue their untroubled existence inside their little bubble. Let's face it -- who makes up the IOC? It's not working stiffs.
And Rogge would be satisfied if Putin told him that anyone suspected of being gay at the Games would be jailed, as long as they were jailed politely.
What no one seems to be commenting on is the groups of nationalist thugs who have been kidnapping and torturing young gay men -- with videos. The police response has been zero. What does anyone think is going to happen if they set their sights on athletes or attendees at the Games? Nothing. Rogge will declare it an unfortunate incident, but not his responsibility. There will, possibly, be a sham investigation. Maybe.
It's probably a good thing that there will be no Pride House at Sochi. That would make too tempting a target, a la Munich.
Update: Keith Olbermann has a similar take:
Looking back over this post, I realize that Olbermann's point has been around the periphery of my comments: it's about the money. Of course.
The head of the Sochi Olympics asked the IOC on Sunday to help “stop this campaign and this speculation” related to the anti-gay law recently passed in Russia.
IOC President Jacques Rogge said the Olympic body will remind athletes to refrain from any protests or political gestures during the Feb. 7-23 games. The IOC’s top marketing official said sponsors are worried about possible demonstrations, which could “ruin a lot for all of us.”
Sochi organizing chief Dmitry Chernyshenko was asked at the IOC general assembly about the possible impact of the legislation that bans gay “propaganda.”
He said the Russian government had made clear the law would not affect the games, and he urged the IOC to convey the message to “those who are still trying to speculate on this very transparent and very clear topic.”
“It’s very important to have your support to stop this campaign and this speculation regarding this issue,” Chernyshenko said.
Considering the mixed signals coming from the Russian government and the Duma on this, I find Chernyshenko's characterization as "very transparent and very clear" to be laughable. My own speculation -- and it is speculation, filtered through quite a bit of cynicism -- is that the mixed signals are intentional and happening with Putin's approval. It's called "muddying the waters." Given the tenor of the various conflicting statements, the Russians have a free hand to do whatever they want, and anyone who doesn't think that's the case is dreaming.
The IOC's response is, regrettably, not surprising. Has there been a time in modern Olympic history when the Games have been free of politics? With national teams? And what I find especially telling is the comment -- from the marketing guy -- about how this could "ruin a lot for all of us." I have news for you: you've already ruined it.
Get this:
Chernyshenko reiterated that the law doesn’t ban homosexuality in any way and “doesn’t contradict any element of the Olympic Charter.”
He noted that President Vladimir Putin has assured that the Russian constitution “guarantees the equality of rights and freedom for everybody” in the country, including guests, visitors, athletes, fans and the Olympic family.
“We are absolutely confident that there will be no conflicts in that regards,” he said. “It will not stop (Sochi) 2014 from proudly upholding the Olympic values, I promise you.”
Rogge said the IOC is satisfied with Russia’s explanations of the law so far.
“The constitution of the Russian federations allows for homosexuality,” he said. “And we have received strong reassurances that this law will not affect participants in the Sochi Games.”
No, the law doesn't ban homosexuality. How can a law ban something that's innate? It just bans anyone being open about their orientation -- if it's "non-traditional."
And "Olympic values" at this point means nothing more than allowing the creme de la creme to continue their untroubled existence inside their little bubble. Let's face it -- who makes up the IOC? It's not working stiffs.
And Rogge would be satisfied if Putin told him that anyone suspected of being gay at the Games would be jailed, as long as they were jailed politely.
What no one seems to be commenting on is the groups of nationalist thugs who have been kidnapping and torturing young gay men -- with videos. The police response has been zero. What does anyone think is going to happen if they set their sights on athletes or attendees at the Games? Nothing. Rogge will declare it an unfortunate incident, but not his responsibility. There will, possibly, be a sham investigation. Maybe.
It's probably a good thing that there will be no Pride House at Sochi. That would make too tempting a target, a la Munich.
Update: Keith Olbermann has a similar take:
Looking back over this post, I realize that Olbermann's point has been around the periphery of my comments: it's about the money. Of course.
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