[ShepherdsDog]

http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/could-this ... -1.2527895

Who gives a fuck? Is anyone watching the Olympics to learn about gay lifestyles? Someone`s sexual preference should have zero bearing on their athletic prowess and accomplishments. Russia`s stance on homosexuality is wrong, but the response is getting ridiculous too.

[QBC]

Absolutely, this is such a non-issue for the Olympics. I may not agree with Russia's law, but this is turning into a media circus surrounding one and one only special interest group who has decided to milk the free press for all it's worth for their agenda. This is not what the Olympics are supposed to be about. Shame on them.

[Jabberwalker]

It's all about athletes and their achievements.

In the immortal words of Samuel Goldwyn: "If you've gotta message, use Western Union."

[N_Fiddledog]

ShepherdsDog ShepherdsDog:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/could-this-be-the-gayest-olympics-ever-1.2527895

Who gives a fuck?

Not me...or at least I didn't think so, then I saw the question in the title and found myself clicking to see what it was about.

So in answer to the first question, "Could this be the gayest Olympics ever?"

I answer...that would have to be pretty gay.

[Canadian_Mind]

My issue is that this is Russia... It's their country. While we may not agree with their values, who the fuck are we to try to interfere? As good as our intentions are, it's going to piss them off, and the consequences likely wont be pretty.

And it's not even about fearing them. We would be just as pissed off if they (and the rest of the world) protested and attempted to influence our pro-gay policies. We need to learn a little civility and courtesy.

[Guy_Fawkes]

The Olympics hasnt been about the athletes for 30 years, since the 80's it's just been a forum for politics and commercialism. To me it seems natural that gay pride has been grabbing the headlines, because if it wasnt it would be some other issue that has nothing to do with sport.

[ShepherdsDog]

[Guy_Fawkes]

[ShepherdsDog]

is that your way of showing solidarity with the protestors?

[Public_Domain]

The US Government announced yesterday that it's extending federal benefits for gay marriages to all 32 states that currently don't...

Seems to be an effort to just poke Russia in the eye. It isn't about gay rights, just about being "better". Ten years ago, no one would have blinked an eye at Russia's somewhat anti-gay laws. But now? Let's all pile on and pretend we were great from the beginning.

It's pretty annoying.

[Jabberwalker]

The U.S. doesn't have to play that game with Russia any more. Actually, both of the late 20th century superpowers are fading away for different historic reasons.

Anyway, that sort of 2-bit propaganda battle probably won't get much traction in this wired world. If the U.S. is going to change THEIR attitudes towards gays, do it for the right reasons.

[andyt]

Public_Domain Public_Domain:

The US Government announced yesterday that it's extending federal benefits for gay marriages to all 32 states that currently don't...

Seems to be an effort to just poke Russia in the eye. It isn't about gay rights, just about being "better". Ten years ago, no one would have blinked an eye at Russia's somewhat anti-gay laws. But now? Let's all pile on and pretend we were great from the beginning.

It's pretty annoying.

Or, you know, they could be doing what is right. Benefits is a huge piece of it. Good on Obama.

[N_Fiddledog]

This might be relevant to those who care.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon ... -1.2528555

[Public_Domain]

andyt andyt:

Or, you know, they could be doing what is right.

I severely doubt it in this age where every government and corporate action is only taken out of spite.

Why now? Why not 4-6 years ago?

Because it is most convenient and effective to do it now, so as to have more leverage to bitch about Russia and spur up some more good ol' Western nationalism.

I am shocked anyone actually believes the government would make an action for purely altruistic reasons.

And they call me an idealist,

[andyt]

Why not 50 years ago? Because the time has come and they'll get more votes for doing it than not. If you think they only or even primarily did it to poke at Russia, you've got a screw loose. This is domestic politics. They may have used the fervor around this to time the announcement, but again, that's got nothing to do with Russia.

Who the fuck cares about those gay hating Russian assholes anyway?