Spunkygirl Monologues

Introductory Note: Dear Readers, this post is based on my views during my time not only while the Olympics were in Vancouver, but from various other trips I’ve taken to the city.  I realize that this post may make me a tad unpopular, but please read it carefully before posting any hate type comments.  Thank-you

As with all Olympics there’s controversy and protests happening in Vancouver.  In fact on my way into the city on Friday I was unable to drive through Main Street as it was full of people protesting against the Olympics.

Protest Group on 1st Ave and Main St. February 12, 2010

This was a very peaceful crowd.  There were several press people, camera crews and tourists amongst the crowd trying to get a feel for what was happening. Now from my understanding their angry about the money being spent on the Olympics when the city has problems like Homelessness, housing etc.  Okay, I can see what you may be angry if you’re directly affected by rent hikes, lack of housing options etc.  But these are all problems that a.) Vancouver has had for many many years as do most major cities around the world and b.) these are problems that are not quick fixes. To think someone in City Council would say, “Oh hey, let’s use this Olympic money and just house everyone!” is silly. It’s not an easy fix.

One of the points made on the flyer I picked up was talking about an increase in Police services, spies, etc. and how unnecessary that expense is. Ummm anyone remember Munch? Or how about 9/11? The entire world is watching Vancouver right now.  There are athletes from around the globe, from waring nations. The need for security is crucial. Yes, the road closures can be a pain in the ass, but I’d gladly take road closures, circling helicopters and a severe increase in security over a terrorist attack that ends up killing people. Call me crazy, but those decisions make sense to me.

As for the decision about excluding Women’s Ski Jump, I don’t know enough facts about what’s happening to make a well rounded statement. From what I’ve been able to dig up this would have been the first Olympics where there was a Women’s Ski Jump event. I don’t know why the IOC decided against including the sport in 2010.  If you have better information than I do on this, please comment so we call all learn a little more.

Here is one thing that I do know, turning peaceful protests into violent ones is STUPID! Yes, I said stupid.  Violence does NOT get your message out more clear, it doesn’t make people want to run out and “join the cause”.  Violence erases your main message, and it’s effectiveness. Whatever work you may have done to bring the issues to light has now been tainted by the small few who thought they were cool to wear masks, taunt cops, and vandalize shops, cars and other vehicles. This is why I will never support groups like PETA or Greenpeace. I don’t agree with using violence to get my message across and I don’t think you should either!  Let me ask you this question, during the last few days, have you taken stepped out of your anger to see (I mean actually SEE) what’s happening around you, in your own city? If you haven’t, then let me tell you…

• I’ve seen peoples gathered around the screen on Robson St outside HMV, watching the news brief about the tragic death on a training Luge run. My thoughts and prayers go out to Nodar Kumaritashvili’s family.
• I’ve seen children so excited their entire bodies were shaking when the Olympic torch passed by them.
• I’ve turned off my radio when driving and listened to the crowds of people cheering, having fun and celebrating their country.
• I’ve seen representatives from all over the world, smiling and greeting the people around them.
• I’ve been in crowded stores and experienced none of the frustration and angry that’s always apparent at Christmas time. The shops are just as busy, but the people in them are happier.
• I’ve overheard travelers at the hostel commenting on the friendly and polite encounters they’ve had.
• I’ve held an Olympic torch because a guy walked into the bar I was eating at with one. There were a bunch of people who walked up and asked to hold it and have their photos taken with it. We remained seated and watched. As he was about to leave though, he came over and asked if we’d also like to hold the torch and have a photo taken, of course we said yes! The torch belonged to Larry Campbell.

This post has taken a very different turn then I had originally intended. I was going to rant and rave, but why? I’m just contributing to the overall problem if I do. I refuse to support any cause that uses violence to get its message across. I will however listen to anyone with a solid view.

When I arrived in Vancouver this morning I was dreaming of checking into the hostel and having a nap. My plans to sleep in at the hotel in Kamloops this morning was thwarted by the fact that my paycheque had not been deposited into my bank account.  It was a scary scene as I had $40 in my pocket and ¼ tank of gas left in my car.  After some frantic calls to payroll and my boss I filled my car with gas and started driving to Vancouver, waiting to hear about whether I’d have money to get home. Thankfully shortly before arriving in Vancouver my boss and I connected and she agreed to deposit money into my account for me.

I don’t drive to Vancouver very often, most times I fly. So remembering which exit to take off the Trans Can 1 is a challenge.  This morning I chose to take the E 1^st Ave exit, which turned out to be a good choice.  When I first noticed the people on the side of the road, I didn’t take much notice, but when all the cars had to pull over I clued in.  I was right where the Olympic Torch was going to be.  Now I’m not a HUGE fan of the Olympics, meaning I watch a few events and sometimes the Opening Ceremonies, but never the torch runs.  It never seemed all that exciting.  Let me tell you, seeing it on T.V. and seeing it in person are two different things.  In person you can hear the cheers and excitement of the crowd, you can feel the energy and the pride, you can see the utter thrill on the kids faces.  As the torch came closer my eyes were glistening.  I was very proud to be Canadian at that moment.  I was on cloud nine. After all, this was a complete accident.

After arriving at the hostel in Jericho Beach I was anxious to go to Granville Island to pick up a couple of notebooks and some bread.  I wasn’t sure what driving would be like, so I opted for a taxi.  As we neared the entrance I asked the driver to let me off and I’d walk the rest of the way.  It turned out to be a wise choice.  For the second time today I had stumbled on the route of the Olympic Torch.  This time there were infinitely more people lining the street. Getting a good angle would be a challenge, but the vibe of the crowd kept me standing at the sidelines. This time as the torch came into view the crowd began to spill onto the street, including yours truly.

I loved the feel of the crowd as the torch passed by. As soon as the runner was clear people left the sidewalks and walked behind him, cheering, shouting and being proud Canadians. Yes, there is a lot of controversy surrounding the Olympics, in fact I believe there has always been controversy during the Olympics. But I don’t want to talk about that in this post.  This post is about being proud of our Country and our people.