General Discussion

MADem

(135,425 posts)

189. Well, Obama isn't championing him--and good for him.

Sat Feb 8, 2014, 01:36 PM

Feb 2014

But I can't say as much for those who insist that objecting to Putin's politicization of these Games is a "swipe."

It's offensive if someone doesn't bring it up, particularly on a progressive board.

Putin could have avoided excoriation had he not made it a point to make gay athletes feel unwelcome. Why is that so difficult for you to grasp? No capacity for empathy? No concern if it's not your concern? Post a picture of a clock and engage in a bit of "clockwork" snark about a real, serious and frightening human rights issue that's playing out before our eyes?

What is "bad form" is people who will kick over the traces and pretend there isn't a problem, here. Amazing how some can haul out the "Then they came for me" poem when they have their feelings hurt about something, but lack the capacity to grasp that people's lives are endangered in that country for being who they are, and the cultural mindset of the dictator in charge is that this attitude and circumstance are points of pride.

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Is anyone watching this ghastly OLYMPICS Opening Ceremony display on NBC? [View all] MADem Feb 2014 OP

WAIT for the second half, after the speeches and then wait for the lighting of the Olympic flame Fred Sanders Feb 2014 #1

Is Pootie's girlfriend THAT remarkable? MADem Feb 2014 #12

The escorts look like plug-in air fresheners. nt greyl Feb 2014 #2

Now that is funny....AND a perfect description. kelliekat44 Feb 2014 #23

I hope those ladies in the weird costumes are getting paid well. undeterred Feb 2014 #3

I think that's what Pootie wanted them to look like, sad to say. MADem Feb 2014 #15

The headdresses are stylized ethnic/folk headdress HereSince1628 Feb 2014 #16

If they looked like that, and had a costume to "go with," they wouldn't be so awful. MADem Feb 2014 #18

I feel compromised by the US Bad Xmas Sweaters HereSince1628 Feb 2014 #32

Well, Ralphie needs to GO as the designer of the US costumes. He sucks. He's had a couple of MADem Feb 2014 #45

Team Canada made up for the sweaters. WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #48

The Russian coats were beautiful, imo. Control-Z Feb 2014 #130

I think I'd agree with that. WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #204

Yeah, totally lost. undeterred Feb 2014 #36

The same was said of "Abide With Me" during the London Olympics. WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #190

It's not a question of "Google." Or "American audiences." MADem Feb 2014 #195

Now you're the arbiter of taste... WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #200

I don't know how old you are, but that's not "modern/futuristic." MADem Feb 2014 #207

Some have said they see "The Jetsons" or "Barbarella" in those outfits... WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #213

Those costumes are entirely appropriate to the traditions of Rio. MADem Feb 2014 #216

This thread is gonna be full of Ugly American. WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #26

Reminds me of Princess Beatrice at the Royal Wedding Tanuki Feb 2014 #40

That hat reminds me of a toilet seat. undeterred Feb 2014 #47

....... Tanuki Feb 2014 #52

.... undeterred Feb 2014 #58

OMG! adirondacker Feb 2014 #76

"Ushers"? WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #88

I thought the opening sequence was cool, but the ring snowflake was funny--equality karma indeed. fishwax Feb 2014 #4

One snowflake refusing to conform? WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #55

Yeah, but Pootie called him a SPECIAL SNOWFLAKE, arrested him, threw him in jail, and will MADem Feb 2014 #68

To the gulag... WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #84

Snowden is confined in luxurious accommodations.... MADem Feb 2014 #87

Ooh, do post pics of Snowden's luxurious accommodations. WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #91

He may well be living in that salmon-walled place where he was photographed in that shiny new suit. MADem Feb 2014 #93

From a musical (not lyrical) point of view... awoke_in_2003 Feb 2014 #5

Thank you, I just posted about it below. MH1 Feb 2014 #13

Agree. WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #29

Did you notice the two men dancing together during the ballet ohheckyeah Feb 2014 #127

I missed that. What made me chuckle was the little... WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #197

No, the Russian national anthem is not the same tune as the Internationale Lydia Leftcoast Feb 2014 #117

I completely agree. I think their Ilsa Feb 2014 #96

Agreed.. pangaia Feb 2014 #104

I think I heard a few notes from Trolololo as well! FrodosPet Feb 2014 #125

It sounds goofy flamingdem Feb 2014 #6

I was about to start the same thread! Pharaoh Feb 2014 #7

"They" say it is the most expensive opening in History. Auntie Bush Feb 2014 #24

I didn't make it past the Cost as propaganda piece with the Russian tennis star liberal N proud Feb 2014 #8

Nope. Watching it on CBC. Barack_America Feb 2014 #9

I don't get your issue with the anthem. MH1 Feb 2014 #10

No--the first anthem of the Russian federation was quite different, and they had it for ten years. MADem Feb 2014 #33

Well, not being a Russian myself, I don't get a vote. MH1 Feb 2014 #42

It doesn't really matter what they think. It was an executive decision. MADem Feb 2014 #54

Well, I'm curious what they think. As I recalled it, the Internationale was quite popular, MH1 Feb 2014 #56

If they still hold Russian passports, they'd be well advised to say it's all WONDERFUL! MADem Feb 2014 #64

When was the vote on our national anthem? former9thward Feb 2014 #144

1931. MADem Feb 2014 #145

No vote by the people. former9thward Feb 2014 #148

A vote by the elected representatives of the people. MADem Feb 2014 #149

The same thing happened in Russia. former9thward Feb 2014 #151

You're not serious, are you? MADem Feb 2014 #161

Yes, and our system is so, so perfect. former9thward Feb 2014 #166

You can't even compare the two--and since you're actually trying to, all I can say is I feel sorry MADem Feb 2014 #170

I have spent a month of my life in Russia. former9thward Feb 2014 #176

How special! And now you're an expert on the place... MADem Feb 2014 #178

Russia has had a strong man type government for as long as it existed. former9thward Feb 2014 #181

You sound like those guys who claimed that slaves liked slavery, and women preferred to MADem Feb 2014 #184

I'm not trying to impress you sparky. former9thward Feb 2014 #188

Well, you haven't impressed me, but I get the distinct impression you were trying like hell. MADem Feb 2014 #193

Wow, Seven strawmen in two sentences! former9thward Feb 2014 #196

I don't think so. MADem Feb 2014 #198

No one gets to vote on it. The Wielding Truth Feb 2014 #80

I thought the Russian Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony was pretty spectacular..... democratisphere Feb 2014 #11

I agree. The second half projection technology combined with live performers was magical and the Fred Sanders Feb 2014 #17

The history of Russia is very interesting. democratisphere Feb 2014 #25

It's fascinating. WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #34

Me, too. I'm very impressed by Basilica and the ship at sea.... TheDebbieDee Feb 2014 #21

The Ballet Dancers, Costumes, Staging and Music are exceptional! democratisphere Feb 2014 #31

That was breathtaking. WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #39

"Fun" fact--the gouged the eyes out of the guy who designed that basilica, so it would be "unique!" MADem Feb 2014 #99

Legend has it... WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #121

Ditto otohara Feb 2014 #152

I agree. It was captivating. Impressive LibDemAlways Feb 2014 #157

I won't be watching that davidpdx Feb 2014 #14

It isn't ghastly. I must be watching the other Olympics. kwassa Feb 2014 #19

Whoa, did you see those cool wave effects? JVS Feb 2014 #20

Agreed. Amazing! democratisphere Feb 2014 #22

Please don't watch the ballet. elleng Feb 2014 #27

Ha! I just tuned in to this. babylonsister Feb 2014 #30

Good timing! elleng Feb 2014 #37

Right now, theyre talking about Putin wanting an increased birthrate in Russia... MADem Feb 2014 #46

Red balloon? You really don't do symbolism, do you? WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #59

Thanks!!! elleng Feb 2014 #61

Swan Lake was pretty cool. WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #65

Swan Lake is ALWAYS cool!!! elleng Feb 2014 #67

I always think of Billy Elliot... breathtaking. WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #71

Yes, GOOD explosions! elleng Feb 2014 #72

I do "do" symbolism...but I don't think it's particularly edifying to lift a child MADem Feb 2014 #62

You're difficult to take seriously with your use of "Pootie." WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #66

So are you with your championing of a bigot! MADem Feb 2014 #70

Take one of those psychedelic mushrooms, MADem. WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #74

I don't do psychedelic mushrooms...sorry! MADem Feb 2014 #85

First world problems. WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #98

I think running water that doesn't poison people is a priority in most countries. MADem Feb 2014 #103

There's no denying there are problems... WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #110

Are we holding the Olympics in West Virginia? MADem Feb 2014 #115

It was "pulled off" tonight, and you don't like it. WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #118

What a pathetic assertion. MADem Feb 2014 #122

Hey, if the, ah, um, valenki fits, eh? WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #172

The Chinese didn't approach the press in a bullying fashion and boast about their MADem Feb 2014 #177

No one is championing Putin... WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #186

Well, Obama isn't championing him--and good for him. MADem Feb 2014 #189

It wouldn't have mattered if every hotel LibDemAlways Feb 2014 #179

Yup. And the stray/abandoned dog situation saddens me to no end... WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #212

Running water that doesn't poison people isn't much of LibDemAlways Feb 2014 #163

I'd say they are treated qazplm Feb 2014 #165

Poisoned water is poisoned water no matter where LibDemAlways Feb 2014 #173

We aren't holding the Olympics in West Virginia, and we don't beat the MADem Feb 2014 #171

Isnt Russia qazplm Feb 2014 #164

LOL WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #169

The Swan Lake? MADem Feb 2014 #60

The LONDON opening ceremony was truly "ghastly." WinkyDink Feb 2014 #28

I thought that was OTT as well, but by comparison to this thing, it was restrained. MADem Feb 2014 #35

It looks like "Triumph Of The Will" meets "Barbarella" friendly_iconoclast Feb 2014 #43

Hee hee! That's about it... MADem Feb 2014 #49

Russian history was't pretty----especially for the Russian people. WinkyDink Feb 2014 #134

Welcome to Sochi! William769 Feb 2014 #38

He washed his face in the sink instead of in bottled water...fool! nt MADem Feb 2014 #50

That will teach him! nt William769 Feb 2014 #53

I like the lights everyone in the crowd have. They just glow without lightening Auntie Bush Feb 2014 #41

Watching it now pipi_k Feb 2014 #44

It will be interesting to see the world feedback Pharaoh Feb 2014 #51

Good grief--I think that bathroom takes the cake! MADem Feb 2014 #57

Heck it looks a lot fancier than our barracks in Fort Gordan 1968 n/t doc03 Feb 2014 #77

You should see barracks these days--you'd confuse them with condos. MADem Feb 2014 #89

Wow I would have stayed in if we had luxury digs like that. doc03 Feb 2014 #100

HA! The BOQ I stayed in at Fort Gordon was the same .... oldhippie Feb 2014 #147

It was joyless tavernier Feb 2014 #63

Please tell me: I am on the west coast, when do they start? potone Feb 2014 #69

I dunno-I tuned in at eight-ish, east coast time. MADem Feb 2014 #73

Watching the alphabet on the West Coast flamingdem Feb 2014 #75

They have a brilliant culture and a fascinating and long history. MADem Feb 2014 #123

Hey ! It's a different world and culture there ! I loved the Russian singer/music. nt Laura PourMeADrink Feb 2014 #78

What I saw of it was an awesome show, I guess I am doc03 Feb 2014 #79

I'm with you Puzzledtraveller Feb 2014 #159

+ 1000 LibDemAlways Feb 2014 #180

The part where the Russian Olympic Chairman Spoke Was Hysterical Vinnie From Indy Feb 2014 #81

I watched with someone who is hard of hearing and unwilling to get an assistive device. MADem Feb 2014 #124

Maria Sharapova is also beautiful, remember in the Cold War when all the doc03 Feb 2014 #82

OH NO YOU DIDN'T Skittles Feb 2014 #92

I thought it was an awesome opening ceremony. Miles sufrommich Feb 2014 #83

The dance segment done to... 3catwoman3 Feb 2014 #86

Swan Lake as performed by a pod of jellyfish, Tanuki Feb 2014 #90

Jellyfish-mushrooms! MADem Feb 2014 #94

Yes I did! TexasTowelie Feb 2014 #133

It was pipi_k Feb 2014 #146

Rank amateurs. Bennyboy Feb 2014 #95

I will confess it's been many years since I've been to a concert of that type.... MADem Feb 2014 #97

I think it kind of works, design wise flamingdem Feb 2014 #101

Unfortunately, TV viewers in Mother Russia didn't get to see that! MADem Feb 2014 #129

seriously that is the first thing the lights do.... Bennyboy Feb 2014 #105

Shows what I know about modern lighting and staging!! MADem Feb 2014 #108

It got a lot better... Bennyboy Feb 2014 #112

The band MOE last night Bennyboy Feb 2014 #183

I liked it. And Putin's girlfriend- babylonsister Feb 2014 #102

She (how appropriate) carried a TORCH!!!! MADem Feb 2014 #109

the ballet was very nice... chillfactor Feb 2014 #106

Apparently you have not noticed that ALL Olympics Opening Ceremonies are Ghastly. madinmaryland Feb 2014 #107

Of course they are, but some are more ghastly than others. MADem Feb 2014 #111

I am curious why you found the "production" ghastly? I have been seeing the Olympics going back madinmaryland Feb 2014 #113

Never mind, indeed. MADem Feb 2014 #114

I'm offended by what I consider to be your "GO USA" mentality and your madinmaryland Feb 2014 #116

Where, pray tell, have I said "Go USA?" I haven't. MADem Feb 2014 #119

Dubya's nickname for Putin... isn't that clever?! WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #120

They aren't "those" headdresses, though. The "stylized" aspect is lost when paired with a skirt MADem Feb 2014 #131

LOL @ "slit up to where ever". WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #185

Russia is in the midst of government incited porgroms against gay people Hippo_Tron Feb 2014 #219

I thought this was one of the best. Control-Z Feb 2014 #132

At least their anthem sounds nice, ours is a British drinking song davidn3600 Feb 2014 #126

Theirs is the old USSR one, with different words.... MADem Feb 2014 #128

I think our anthem sounds just fine qazplm Feb 2014 #167

Absolutely dreadful. Paladin Feb 2014 #135

China's was quite a spectacle. MADem Feb 2014 #136

China's show was impressive to the point of being a little ominous. Paladin Feb 2014 #137

Fair point. MADem Feb 2014 #138

+1. Japan's starting to worry me more than China. (nt) Paladin Feb 2014 #140

They're talking about changing their constitution to support military conduct MADem Feb 2014 #142

I thought it was great B2G Feb 2014 #139

Nope - TBF Feb 2014 #141

I also thought it was great! Owl Feb 2014 #143

the whole point of the olympics NM_Birder Feb 2014 #150

Pity that didn't happen. MADem Feb 2014 #153

I love the Olympics, NM_Birder Feb 2014 #191

I cannot be bothered to watch it. The overly dramatic burlesque is to be expected. JDPriestly Feb 2014 #154

One of the best opening ceremonies I have seen. Puzzledtraveller Feb 2014 #155

I thought it was gorgeous Baclava Feb 2014 #156

I agree Puzzledtraveller Feb 2014 #160

LOVED IT ! NM_Birder Feb 2014 #192

IMO, best ever Olympic torch... 3catwoman3 Feb 2014 #158

I have to agree. I don't know if it was "for real" or a bit of artistry, MADem Feb 2014 #162

I liked the dream sequence marlakay Feb 2014 #168

Yeah, the most disturbing pipi_k Feb 2014 #174

I understand your point, but realistically they are the world champions. goldent Feb 2014 #215

**Snap out of it!** frazzled Feb 2014 #175

It would be nice if they could, but you haven't been following the thread if you MADem Feb 2014 #187

And you didn't follow my post frazzled Feb 2014 #201

You're saying you took attendance? Or are you saying that because you believe MADem Feb 2014 #206

MHO of the opening ceremonies: northoftheborder Feb 2014 #182

I thought it was beautiful. egduj Feb 2014 #194

Thank goodness for the innocence of children Blue_Adept Feb 2014 #199

Hate blinds you whatchamacallit Feb 2014 #202

Well, I suppose it takes one...? You're obviously speaking from experience. MADem Feb 2014 #210

Wow, how two people watching the same thing have totally different reactions.... Swede Atlanta Feb 2014 #203

I don't think you will get your wish (about a post-Soviet Russia). MADem Feb 2014 #211

Post removed Post removed Feb 2014 #205

I refuse to watch AndreaCG Feb 2014 #208

I can't say as I blame you. nt MADem Feb 2014 #209

"Sorry Putin, the Sochi Opening Ceremony Was Totally Gay" WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #214

Late to the party, but I liked the opening ceremony. FSogol Feb 2014 #217

I liked the opening ceremony Harmony Blue Feb 2014 #218

I'm boycotting the Winter Olympics. Rex Feb 2014 #220

I am watching snippets, and clucking disapprovingly! MADem Feb 2014 #221