"You know, it's hard to know just how well it will turn out. There are a few things that were disconcerting, the stories about the private security firm not having enough people, supposed strike of the immigration and customs officials, that obviously is not something which is encouraging. Because there are three parts that makes Games successful. Number one, of course, are the athletes. That's what overwhelmingly the Games are about. Number two are the volunteers. And they'll have great volunteers here. But number three are the people of the country. Do they come together and celebrate the Olympic moment? And that's something which we only find out once the Games actually begin.”
"And as I come here and I look out over this city and consider the accomplishments of the people of this nation, I recognize the power of at least culture and a few other things."
So said Mitt Romney on his visits to London and Jerusalem. Boy, did he make headlines. But the statements made front page news not because what he said was essentially correct, but because it was essentially politically incorrect.
Both statements, if not completely factual, are, at least, replete with reality. Lets get real - the Brits were worried about strikes of customs officials and there were stories about insufficient security possibilities. Threatened labor issues deliberately timed to the Olympic Games are hardly a manifestation of "people coming together.....to celebrate the Olympic moment." By the way, have you noted the empty seats that now have to be re-sold to be filled.
There certainly is a cultural difference between Arab states (including the Palestinian Authority) and Israel. Is there really a dispute here? If economic success is the issue under discussion, Israel wins in "straight sets. " A culture dedicated to freedom, cultural exchange, governmental openness and debate, and success in research and development for its population and the world is one that will (and has) resulted in economic success. Can one really say that the economic "culture" of Arab states is dedicated to similar outcomes? Has any Arab state reached the economic success and international reputation in science and industry that Israel has?
Yes, Gov. Romney seems to know how to be direct. He has to learn to be more indirect - in other words, more politically correct." That's the way to win elections!
So said Mitt Romney on his visits to London and Jerusalem. Boy, did he make headlines. But the statements made front page news not because what he said was essentially correct, but because it was essentially politically incorrect.
Both statements, if not completely factual, are, at least, replete with reality. Lets get real - the Brits were worried about strikes of customs officials and there were stories about insufficient security possibilities. Threatened labor issues deliberately timed to the Olympic Games are hardly a manifestation of "people coming together.....to celebrate the Olympic moment." By the way, have you noted the empty seats that now have to be re-sold to be filled.
There certainly is a cultural difference between Arab states (including the Palestinian Authority) and Israel. Is there really a dispute here? If economic success is the issue under discussion, Israel wins in "straight sets. " A culture dedicated to freedom, cultural exchange, governmental openness and debate, and success in research and development for its population and the world is one that will (and has) resulted in economic success. Can one really say that the economic "culture" of Arab states is dedicated to similar outcomes? Has any Arab state reached the economic success and international reputation in science and industry that Israel has?
Yes, Gov. Romney seems to know how to be direct. He has to learn to be more indirect - in other words, more politically correct." That's the way to win elections!
1 comment:
good blog
Post a Comment