by Mark Silva
What's in a word?
When the White House reported that President Bush had closed his encouraging words for the U.S. Olympic team with: "So I guess all I've got to say is, go forth, give it all you've got,'' one could summon up an image of a Roman emperor exhorting his athletes to take the field.
But it turns out there was a glitch in the transcription, which the faithful stenographers of the White House faithfully corrected this afternoon. This is what Bush said, they say:
"So I guess all I've got to say is, go for it, give it all you've got''
"Go for it."
More like the script from Ocean's Eleven than Julius Caesar.
More sporting even, and Bush maintained that he had gone to China for the opening of the Summer Games more as a sportsman than a statesman.
So hear ye, oh soldiers of the Olympiad. Go for it.
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Comments
Yay, President Bush. Yes, indeed, American athletes, "go for it." And thanks to President and Mrs. Bush for being there to honor the U.S. competitors.
Posted by: Darius | August 8, 2008 10:56 PM
Take heed former president Carter and presidential hopefuls. THIS is how you handle the IOC's moronic award of the Olympic Games to an oppressive nation. Instead of overly politicizing a world sporting event and crushing the dreams of hundreds of US athletes by boycotting, you give a tough speech, make your point, and encourage your athletes. Thank God we didn't repeat the dumb mistake of 1980.
Posted by: Emerson Bolen | August 9, 2008 12:11 AM
The olympic games were hijacked 40 years ago. These activities that you are witnessing in China are corporate events, to promote the host nation. The athletes are pawns in an economic enterprise. If they want to be part of a political statement, then let them proceed to participate. The original idea of the" modern version " of these games was to promote amateur athletics and it is laughable what is masquerading as amateurs these days. There are more than enough national events, in any country for amateurs to hone their skills and perform. What is really astounding, is to blame former President Carter for not going along with the charade and go to Russia and act as though the Russians hadn't just invaded Afghanistan. He made a great political statement, by boycotting the olympics, as President Bush should have done, but he turns out to be, the Corporate water-boy !! As a lot of us know, the thrill of athletics is in the performance, not the stage !!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, Chicago | August 9, 2008 10:09 AM