Olympics – What’s Not To Like?

The Olympic fever has been simmering in Italy ever since 1999 when Torino was selected by the IOC to host these Winter Games. It seems that this fervor is now angrily boiling – with protestors interfering with these Games.

As an example, the Olympic torch route has been re-routed in a few cases to an alternate path to avoid clashes with angry crowds who have attempted to assault the torch bearer and extinguish the torch’s flame! And as this path leads closer and closer to the Olympic Stadium for the Torch Lighting, security will be “beefed-up”. What are the reasons for this undercurrent of anger? First, many environmentalists are using this opportunity to demonstrate against the planned construction of a high-speed rail line between Torino and Lyon, France. Second, in other cases, anarchists are believed to be the ringleaders as they continue to challenge government rule and seek to use these Games as a platform to reiterate their stance. Third, as occurred in France and other countries recently, a great number of young adults are expressing frustration and anger about their futures here in Torino as well – as evident by this graffiti-sign in a posh shopping area in Torino.

The Torino Olympic Committee is indeed ready and prepared for these protestors – having planned for such outbursts as these during the last few years. TOROC has hired close to 10,000 employees on its security staff – many of whom are military – as part of its $100 million budget.