THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 4, 1996 TAG: 9608030023
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 29 lines
In Atlanta on Friday night, July 19, Hampton Roads, the nation and the world were treated to a display of pomp and dazzle equal to none ever seen before. The colors and pageantry were truly astonishing. Even the moments of brotherly love and cooperation were believable.
However, all that glitters is not gold. For every sparkle and smile shown in Atlanta, there is the real sound of crackling gunfire and the resulting wails of sorrow heard here and in many nations. For each statement of togetherness and peace there is real savagery and terrorism inflicted upon countless innocents.
Where the infield of the Olympics stadium was filled to overflowing with happy, well-fed and comfortable participants, there are the real faces of the hungry and dispossessed continually increasing throughout the world. These games, staged every four years, are heralded as an example of how the world can get along. When viewed as to how well the games have helped mankind, a good cry would better serve.
There has never been an Olympics when there was no war, poverty, desperation and hunger somewhere in the participating countries. We smile and feel proud of ourselves for staging such a good show. But does anyone really get what it is we celebrate?
BRUCE TURNER
Virginia Beach, July 22,1996 by CNB