Real Talk!

I thought I would take a break today from thinking about the Olympic torch relay. The modern day torch relay started in 1936, in Berlin. Since then, the torch has become a symbol of the opening of the Olympic games. Athens, in 2004, embarked upon the first global relay with the Olympic torch traveling the globe in 65 days.

The Olympic flame is said to represent "The light of knowledge, life and spirit and symbolizes the handing down from generation to generation" and also, “to symbolize peace and unity”. The relay is apparently homage to ancient running races.

Protest and controversy are not new to the Olympics, or the relay. In Sydney, 2000, there was flack when the torch was passed to the young daughter of the International Organizing Committee member. In 2006, Italian protestors (protesting Coca-Cola’s sponsorship) forced the Turin organizers to reorganize the torch run route. The Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee, to safeguard the fire 24 hours a day on its 137,000-kilometre, 130-day relay, formed a “flame protection squad” in August ‘07.

This year, the torch relay has descended into a highly publicized and politicized frenzy. Guaranteed an audience, protests and demonstrations have spread from city to city, bent on raising awareness of human rights violations. Olympic organizers, fans and participants are adamant that the games are not meant for the promotion of political causes.

As I said, this blog is meant to be a rest from the relay ranting… I mean, for the love of Pete, there’s concern about worldwide food shortages… melting glaciers…surging energy prices… diminishing supplies…a slow global economy… among so many other problems, near crises.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I like the Olympics & I do understand that they are a great opportunity for world camaraderie… all I am saying is, if it’s going to be a big problem with people trying to snatch the torch, or the torchlight… maybe it’s time for Olympic participants to bring their own torch. Each country could use their torch to join in lighting one flame at the opening ceremony.

Of course, I’m still hoping that we can figure out some form of decent global governance… because I really want world peace.

Some people used to believe that the sportsworld provided a good example of governance, but then lately, there's been an awful lot of scandal brought out about the sports world, too.

This week, there was news that eight Florida girls were arrested when they “allegedly” took video of each other beating the living heck out of a friend, for a YouTube post. A Texas compound was raided and authorities took 133 women and 400 children into custody because they were in danger from the polygamist cult leader.

Over recent months, the level of violence along the U.S.-Mexican border has begun to rise substantially. There are all kinds of immigration tensions. Oh, I could go on.

One website tells me “The United States government has been working with Extraterrestrials and even shares underground bases” with them. & Researchers have discovered that plants have signalling and response systems that could make major contributions to robotics and communications research.

I can believe the thing about plants.

A lot of people point fingers at a Bilderberg group. Formed annually by a steering committee that selects 100 socially exclusive, successful people from Europe and North America, the group is said to have first met in 1954. Gathering, by invitation only, they exclude the media, in order to prevent fallacies in reporting.

The primary intention of the Bilderbergs is said to have been to further the understanding between Western Europe and North America through informal meetings between powerful individuals. A growing number of lower and middle class North Americans believe that this group have manipulated national policies, fixed elections, created wars, recessions, masterminded murders and ousted world leaders.

I’ve been told that the Bilderbergs are playing a giant game in which we are simply pawns, not only expendable, but at times, requiring extermination. All part of their plan to control the world, be the rich, save themselves and enjoy a life that most of us are unable to imagine. Some people believe they are already set up for life on another planet, should the need arise. We are basically the miners of their gold and they get to tax us for that benefit, too.

It’s hard to grasp it all. I realize there is a lot of stuff that we haven’t even contemplated, let alone begun to understand.

The idea of a relay for the Olympics is lovely... I like to imagine the zen possibilities... one man (or woman)running across the world, safe against any political persecution... quietly running through various governments, unrest and the busy world, untouched, pure humanity....

You know, it’s a lot easier to take a rest from all of this when you’re sitting watching the lake… listening to the birds… watching the deer graze. I really do love the country experience.