Canadian P(r)i(d)e

I want to take a step up from the Alberta context and talk about the national context in this post. Despite warm weather, organizational mess ups and someone (quite unfortunately) dying, the Olympics are succeeding above and beyond in one area. Newfies, Quebecois, Torontonians, Albertans and Vancouverites are running across the streets of this country proud of the maple leaf. At first it was 'Own the podium' and setting the expectations high. But now, as Canadians watch our athletes do their best against very stiff competition, it doesn't matter if they place gold, silver or dead last. As Canadians watch our athletes, we are just proud that people are watching Canada, people are having fun here and Canadian athletes are sometimes even winning a sport or two.

This patriotisms is even catching some people by surprise. Some people are even ashamed that we are so proud of an event that cost someone his life, has cost governments billions and will do nothing to house the homeless or cut greenhouse gases. Criticizing ourselves is almost as Canadian as the maple leaf. The events haven't been perfect. As a democratic nation we need to allow the critics a chance to speak. But the critics also need to look at the big picture.

True success comes from the heart. The heart of a nation is beating hard in Vancouver. From traditional events like the biathlon to extreme sports like snow board cross and moguls to team sports like hockey, these games are a chance for us to watch the best of the best compete and 3 people or teams will get medals. But for me, true success happens when those same athletes can take off their snow gear, have a shower and then meet in downtown Vancouver or Whistler for a beverage and some good times. That's the spirit of the Olympics and that seems to be alive in Vancouver. So instead of criticizing mother nature and faulty equipment, just sit back, go have a beverage and join in the party that starts in Vancouver and is radiating throughout this country.