Iraq banned from Beijing Olympics amid feud

[Spunner]

And how is it important to said nations. What practical, positive use does/did it serve? I see zero justification is millions of dollars and hours being spent to run around. If the olympics consisted of competition to see which nation could cure cancer first: fine. Which nation has the brightest students? Great. But as it is, it's to see which nation has the fastest citizens (running, swimming, wtc). In my opinion, it seems worthless and a waste of time, money, and effort.

It's called national pride.

 

[BlueBalls]

What a kick in the teeth.

 

[Psychology]

I always love that argument. It's the standard argument given when looking for a justification not to spend money on one thing but on something else. You could argue that we shouldn't spend billions on the space program when that money could be going to find a cure for cancer. You could argue that the millions of dollars spent on the ink used to print pretty pictures on a Twinkie box should be used to find a cure for cancer. The fact is, in all aspects of life, zillions of dollars are spent on things that have no altruistic value whatsoever. Money is not the end all to cure all.

I could then argue for the economic impact that the games have on the host country, nationally and in the local communities hosting the event. I could argue the entertainment value that competition provides those who watch and participate in the events. I could argue the good will resulting from the games that, at least for a short period of time, surpasses the tragedies of the current world we live in. I could argue a thousand positive things that result from countries spending money on the Olympic games. But then again, the Olympics is not always about money.

Actually now that you mention it, I've always been against space programs for that very reason (or at least similar reasons). I don't really see how spending time and money into space is useful when that could be spent helping those of planet Earth. And besides, all of that research on the other planets won't mean shit when the sun explodes.

 

[DudeRulez]

And how is it important to said nations. What practical, positive use does/did it serve? I see zero justification is millions of dollars and hours being spent to run around. If the olympics consisted of competition to see which nation could cure cancer first: fine. Which nation has the brightest students? Great. But as it is, it's to see which nation has the fastest citizens (running, swimming, wtc). In my opinion, it seems worthless and a waste of time, money, and effort.

blah

 

[Ceska]

Actually now that you mention it, I've always been against space programs for that very reason (or at least similar reasons). I don't really see how spending time and money into space is useful when that could be spent helping those of planet Earth. And besides, all of that research on the other planets won't mean shit when the sun explodes.

Do you question why you spent $10 at the movies or $50 a month on television when that money could have instead been used to feed starving people in Africa or to help cure cancer? What about the thousands of dollars you spent on your education? Could that have gone to cancer research instead? You likely did not spend it that way and nobody expected you to.

The goal of living is not simply .... living. A life well lived consists of other things such as striving toward goals, socializing with others, and investigating the world around us. Competition and entertainment are a part of this as well. The flow of money is the result of choices people make, just as you chose to spend money on an internet connection rather than cancer research.

I agree with you that society's values (where they choose to spend the majority of their money) are frequently not as benevolent as they should be. This is why actresses and professional athletes often make more money than doctors or social workers. The dollars follow what people value most. The fact is, people like to be entertained. A lot. Often more than helping others. Is that good? Maybe not, but it's the way it is. Maybe you don't spend more on television and other forms of entertainment than cancer research, but most people do.

The fact that people are more interested in spending billions of dollars now on the possibility of finding microbes rather than in curing diseases strikes me as a poor value judgment as well. The only way to change it is to compel people to value the other things more. It'll be a tough job though - people love to be entertained - but if you put together a Worldwide Cancer Cure Off, I'll buy a ticket. :thumbsup:

and the good news is all that cancer research won't be wasted 'cause the sun won't "explode" as a red giant for another 8 billion years.

 

[dick van cock]

update: Two Iraqi athletes will be permitted to compete in track & field events.

(maybe somebody will put up a link)

 

[Beliel]

Actually now that you mention it, I've always been against space programs for that very reason (or at least similar reasons). I don't really see how spending time and money into space is useful when that could be spent helping those of planet Earth. And besides, all of that research on the other planets won't mean shit when the sun explodes.

You, sir, are an idiot. :dunno: