Alternate universe

Manning and Colts Agree on New $90 Million Deal

Something is very wrong with our culture. I’m all for capitalism, free enterprise and supply and demand economics. I don’t begrudge Mr. Manning negotiating the most lucrative deal possible as compensation for his services. Good for him. Honestly. I applaud him. However, I do wonder at a society that places this level of value on the skill of an athlete. It’s what it says about us.

For the same reason I am disgusted by the Olympics. It is no less than a perverse glorification of self and worse, yet nations are now subsidizing their athletes in a sick display of nationalistic excess all in the name of sport. It brings out the very opposite values it purports to promote. Here is Wiki’s summation of those values:

According to this philosophy, the good sportsmanship, sense of fair play, and respect for fellow athletes that is developed through participation in sports teaches men and women of different races, religions, and nationalities to work peacefully together in competition toward common goals. The Olympic Movement works to expand such lessons beyond the sports arena in the hope of promoting peace and a sense of brotherhood throughout the world.

Sure. In reality, however, we witness cheating, doping, corruption, bribery, nepotism and elitism on a scale that would embarrass Al Capone. Worse yet, the poobahs of the IOC walz around the planet like latter day Emperor Neros demanding, and receiving, lavish gifts and wordly acclaim King Solomon could only have dreamed of.

Add to all that the Bacchic rites of sexual degeneracy and excess in the athletes villages and I think it is more than fair to describe the olympics as the Pagan Games.