Editorial: Olympic gaffes get games off to roaring start
BY World's Editorials Writers
Friday, July 27, 2012
7/27/12 at 3:14 AM
The Summer Olympics officially get under way Friday. There will be lots of pomp and, of course, a good dose of politics and missteps.
There already have been a couple of gaffes. Play in women's soccer began Thursday. The Americans won. The North Koreans also won their game but not before an hourlong boycott by the North Korean team when it was noticed that the South Korean flag was flying rather than the North Korean flag.
You can dislike North Korea all you want, and there is plenty of reason to do so, but even the most fervent anti-communist ought to be able to see the team's point. Someone at the Olympics in London needs a flag lesson, quick.
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney is making an international trip to prove his diplomatic bona fides. His first stop was in London. Romney was the honcho at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics.
When asked about the London games, Romney told NBC News: "There are a few things that were disconcerting. The stories about the private security firm not having enough people, the supposed strike of the immigration and customs officials - that obviously is not something which is encouraging."
Concerning the citizens of Great Britain he said: "Do they come together and celebrate the Olympic moment? That's something which we only find out once the games actually begin."
Not surprisingly, it caused an uproar in the British press. British Prime Minister David Cameron was asked about Romney's comments and replied: "We are holding an Olympic Games in one of the busiest, most active, bustling cities anywhere in the world. Of course it's easier if you hold an Olympic Games in the middle of nowhere." He obviously was alluding to the Salt Lake games.
So we're off to a roaring start of the Summer Olympics. The opening ceremony takes place Friday night. And the real games will finally take center stage.
Original Print Headline: Games gaffes
