[desertdude]

andyt andyt:

In the spirit of the Olympics tho, I think competitors should be able to wear the logos of their sponsors, the way say Nascar does.

I think that rule is there to preserve the spirit of the Olympics, as the popular sports and athletes of such afore mentioned sports from rich countries would get massive sponsorship deals and IMO would lead to better facilities, coaches, training etc etc giving them a even bigger advantage over others then they already have, like say a weightlifter from Mongolia training in a run down gym with minimal equpiment vs a weightlifter from the US.


http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2012/0 ... _trai.html

[Guy_Fawkes]

Didnt stop Nike. http://www.albawaba.com/sport/nike-warn ... ear-436345

[saturn_656]

That and the IOC doesn't want corporate sponsors of athletes to steal the thunder from their sponsors.

[Freakinoldguy]

andyt andyt:

Brenda Brenda:

So, what did anyone think of the headscarf she was wearing?
I must say that I have NO problem with it AT ALL. ALL swimmers wear something similar.

Who cares what someone wears as long as it doesn't compromise safety. In the spirit of the Olympics tho, I think competitors should be able to wear the logos of their sponsors, the way say Nascar does.

Good idea.

It would be nice to finally see pharmacuetical companies and steriod manufacturers get the recongnition they deserve.

[Guy_Fawkes]

[Xort]

Guy_Fawkes Guy_Fawkes:

A government can do A LOT to change peoples perceptions of something, look at China and North Korea. Your statement "government is the will of the people" is true in a democracy, a Monarchy is far from that.

The government is bound by what the people will accept. In SA what the people will accept is a hard line theocratic state. The King is doing everything he can to try and turn his nation into something better but he is held up by what I think everyone can agree on is the worst kind of Islam.

[Guy_Fawkes]

They are a hard line theocratic state because that is the flavor of Government the Monarch wants. I dont believe for one second he is trying to make a more progressive nation, the only reason he is even taking these small steps is to placate to western ideals. As long as he has autocratic power over his nation he is happy.

[Xort]

Guy_Fawkes Guy_Fawkes:

They are a hard line theocratic state because that is the flavor of Government the Monarch wants. I dont believe for one second he is trying to make a more progressive nation, the only reason he is even taking these small steps is to placate to western ideals. As long as he has autocratic power over his nation he is happy.

Well that's counter to what everyone else thinks about King Abdullah, and the track record of what he has tried to change in his country.

Maybe you might want to do some research into what Abdullah has been upto over the last 7 years. But you are free to believe as you like.

[Guy_Fawkes]

This is the same regime were a man could be put to death for a tweet. Hamza Kashgari has all but been convicted of apostasy. The guy was as good as out of the country, and would have just disappeared in New Zealand, instead he now sits in a Saudi Prison awaiting his kangaroo court. Ya they are SOOOO progressive.

You say my view point is my opinion, Im glad I live in a country where it doesnt cost me my life to have it.

[desertdude]

Xort Xort:

In SA what the people will accept is a hard line theocratic state

And how do you know this ?

[Xort]

Guy_Fawkes Guy_Fawkes:

This is the same regime were a man could be put to death for a tweet. Hamza Kashgari has all but been convicted of apostasy. The guy was as good as out of the country, and would have just disappeared in New Zealand, instead he now sits in a Saudi Prison awaiting his kangaroo court. Ya they are SOOOO progressive.

I said nothing at all about SA being progressive. I can respect you having a different opinion, but when you lie about what I said I object.

King Abdullah is making reforms, but social change takes time if you don't want a civil war. Look at King Abdullah's record, he is trying, but he can only move so fast.

I have nothing but contempt for SA as a nation and it's brainwashed population of religous extremists. But I can look at someone that and trying to change things and give credit when it's due.

desertdude desertdude:

And how do you know this ?

Because that is the government and nation that they have and the majority are pushing against the reforms of progressivism.

[desertdude]

I'm sure you know the difference between an elected govt and a monoarchy right ? And what majority do you speak of pushing against what reforms ?

It was the king who suggested that women be allowed to drive and the public came out into the streets against it right ?

[Xort]

desertdude desertdude:

I'm sure you know the difference between an elected govt and a monoarchy right ?

Yes, how much do you know about the political structure of SA?

$1:

And what majority do you speak of pushing against what reforms ?

The majority of the population, and reforms like letting women vote in local elections, opening coed schools, programs to provide grants for international education, changing the head of the religous police for someone less hardline.

Those are the types of reforms the King is making, and they are not popular. Which is why he is only make small changes.

Do you have a point to make, or is your style just to ask leading questions?
So far I think every sentance you have said to me was a question.

[Brenda]

Xort Xort:

desertdude desertdude:

I'm sure you know the difference between an elected govt and a monoarchy right ?

Yes, how much do you know about the political structure of SA?

Considering the fact he has lived in that area all his life, my guess is a whole lot more than anyone else on this board. Just sayin'.

[desertdude]

I have lived ALL my life not more than a 3 hrs drive away from the Saudi border, have been to Saudia, have good friends living in Saudia . Saudis come and go here as often Americans cross the Mexican border. Have talked and spent time with Saudis etc etc etc.

So yes I do know a whole lot more about Saudia and how Saudia works and what is the population in general are thinking.

You have it the other way round my friend. All the so called "reforms" you talk about are from pressure from the public to change things ( and many people have been pushing for these for over 20 years now ) and just to keep them calm and to be able to say look we are working on it and a few crumbs are dropped off the table.

Womens vote is farce without any real power, last I remember there was only one higher education institute that was sort of co-ed ( K.A.U.S.T ). The religious police is a joke with the Saudi public and most and almost the entire younger generation despise them and are the butt of jokes.

So basically you have absolutely NO idea what you are talking about ?

Yes it has developed into a for the lack of a better term a misogynistic culture but what do you expect with centuries of hard line rule, its only in the end of the last century and opening up of the world in the form of media they have seen a new way of living, even due to its neighbours, Kuwait, Bharain and UAE all developed into very liberal countries after the 70's.