by Sean Paul Kelley
Member since:
January 15, 2006

Masks?

August 05, 2008 09:34 PM EDT (Updated: August 06, 2008 10:14 AM EDT)
views: 73 | comments: 25

This is just dumb. First, it's a slap in the face of the Chinese and the pride they as a nation are justifiably taking in hosting the games.

Two, as the Times notes:

The Chinese and the International Olympic Committee, including Arne Ljungqvist, chair of the I.O.C. medical commission, have repeatedly said that athletes were not at risk because of the air quality here.

During a previously scheduled news conference Tuesday night, Ljungqvist dismissed the athletes’ actions as unnecessary.

“I don’t see the need for it, honestly,” Ljungqvist said of the masks, although he noted that some athletes with respiratory conditions may need to wear them.

So, unless all the American cyclists have respiratory conditions then there just isn't any need. Don't American athletes have any sense of political propriety, or rather just good manners?

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Comments: 25

Jason S. Aug 5, 2008, 10:34pm EDT
I think the runners and endurance sports should be carefull... Just do your training in new york instead of the alps.. and you'll be fine!
Sandi S. Aug 6, 2008, 8:32am EDT
I don't know if the athletes should trust their health to authorities that have an investment to protect. Of course they are going to say the air is fine.

Haven't you seen pictures of Chinese people wearing these types of masks? They seem just as worried about it.
Sean Paul Kelley Aug 6, 2008, 10:12am EDT
As an aside, the cyclists have apologized.
Dawn S. Aug 6, 2008, 10:21am EDT
I saw on a news broadcast that several athelete that arrived early and began practice when the quality was so bad last week actually needed medical attention.
Dawn S. Aug 6, 2008, 10:23am EDT
I think they said the rain later in the week improved the quality enormously.
L. H. Aug 6, 2008, 10:31am EDT
I don't blame them, it's not an insult, after all the Chinese themselves have been undertaking MAJOR changes to lessen their own pollution for the OLYMPICS to be OR at least look as if their air is cleaner.
Sandi S. Aug 6, 2008, 10:42am EDT
Great. They apologized for taking care of their own health. Meanwhile, do we see China apologizing for the way they treat their people, the lack of industry standards that lead to the pollution, anything?

Sean-Paul, though you have many insights and experiences to share, I think you are way off base on this one. That's not a stab. I love reading your posts. But this one just got under my skin.
Christine H. Aug 6, 2008, 12:44pm EDT
It did appear a bit rude, but also made me wonder why the Olympics are being held there if the air quality is truly that bad.
Sharon B. Aug 6, 2008, 1:21pm EDT
I agree with Christine. Why would they hold the Olympics where there is that poor of air quality. If I worked that hard to be in tip top shape for something like this I would not want to pollute my lungs for even one hour with that poor of air quality.
kristin s. Aug 6, 2008, 2:27pm EDT
I dont think thats being disrespectful
Harry Covert Aug 6, 2008, 3:25pm EDT
Americans play football in rain, sleet or snow ... some catch colds, some don't. The Olympics are games. Let's not forget the international olympic committee awards the city/ country sites. The athletes will be fine in Beijing. They should be competing not politicking.
Harry Covert Aug 6, 2008, 7:13pm EDT
I was glad to see the Chinese drag off the American "protesters" today. Save the politics for after the Games. Let the athletes wear masks. Or just come on home and play softball.
The Olympics, in modern times, have always set an international stage for all kinds of protests and politicking. It is not "just about the games." It's also a huge money-making event.

I don't see what's rude about wearing a mask. It's a personal choice.
Jan S. Aug 6, 2008, 10:15pm EDT
Imagine how we would feel if others came to our country wearing masks.
Kathryn E. Aug 7, 2008, 8:50am EDT
I wouldn't go, personally, I have asthma. My family will be in Shanghai, I will get a separate report about air quality there. We had to buy longer shorts for the trip.

Your article is Featured in the Triple Name Club.
Denise B. Aug 7, 2008, 10:49am EDT
"Don't American athletes have any sense of political propriety, or rather just good manners?" Obvioulsy NOT! they not only embarassed themselves they embarassed everyone in both our country and China
Yum Chum Aug 7, 2008, 12:42pm EDT
This is no time to criticize our athletes. It's not their fault they had been instructed to do so by the team doctors and specialists, who obviously did not find the air quality as good as it should ideally be. If our athletes are expected to win medals in a dirty polluted environment, we need to stand behind them and help them with all our resources and not make fun of them.
Sandre M. Aug 7, 2008, 3:19pm EDT
No, the members of the team have no sense concerning good manners toward their host country. As we say where I'm from, "Tacky!"
Imagine how we would feel if others came to our country wearing masks.

I really wouldn't care, it's a personal choice. And if I felt I was going to a place that may jeopardize my health, I'd wear whatever I needed to feel protected. It's not about manners. It's about being comfortable wherever you are. What a person wears doesn't hurt anyone. Why don't the offended Chinese look the other way as they do when human rights issues are brought to light in that country?

My new neighbor wears the burka-like clothing of her home country in Africa. Should I greet her with a welcome basket containing blue jeans and a t-shirt because people might think she's a terrorist if she dresses in her own familiar fashion? Should I be offended because she's not wearing a pair of Crocs or a pink sweat suit that says "Baby Phat" across the ass?
Carl Prime Time Lee Aug 9, 2008, 9:38pm EDT
Thank you for using Gather Broadcast, where there is an open line of communication for all and you’re more than a connection.

(This is a comment link for A Stone’s Throw Away. It was written for you’re entertainment. Go enjoy!)
Kristen D. Aug 11, 2008, 12:30pm EDT
Thank you for posting to Pointed Remarks. Get pointed!
Kristen D. Aug 11, 2008, 12:31pm EDT
I have always had a problem, and can't even go to some places because of all the smoking. It's hard for me not to sympathize with the cyclists on this one.
Austin Cushing Aug 12, 2008, 6:22pm EDT
This comment is to let you know that this content has reached at least ten comments, and as such has been removed from Comment Speedway! Congratulations, and check out this week's Help These Articles!
Holly K. Oct 27, 2008, 9:50pm EDT
It does seem like a rather rude thing to do.
sarah g. Oct 27, 2008, 9:55pm EDT
I don't think it's rude..I think it's preventative.

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