The world complains about the poor & homeless... but why do we spend hundreds of billions on the Olympics?

Question

I think this world is screwed up because we're saying the economy sucks, and we can't support the homeless/poor etc. blar, blar, blar.

But here we go spending hundreds of billions on some crappy Olymics games to complete like savage idiots trying to win a stupid race.

Where do you find any acts of human normality in this stupid, pointless over-rated thing?

Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the begining and respect the Chinese culture and heritage.

Just wondering....

Answer 1

Well, then let's chuck all fun, sporting competitions, and everything else.  And the thousands of athletes who have trained for years; let's just tell them to bugger off, right?

Actually, for many poorer nations, Olympic participation is very important.  In addition to getting housing for two weeks prior to the start of the games, plus a week after the conclusion, they get free meals and free medical/dental coverage while there.  You were aware of this, no?

Maybe, just maybe, someone watching the Olympics gains a moment of happiness in an otherwise less-than-ideal situation.  

Answer 2

cuz were retarded gimme 10 points

Answer 3

coz ppl cant feel what poor ppl are going through til the time they get into some same situation...

Answer 4

no matter how much we pay, theres always going to be homeless people.

no matter what, thats just how society is

and we spend so much on the olympic games because it happens once every 4 years, and its a chance for the whole world to gather together.

Answer 5

i agree we should take care of our own first ,but it wont happen as long as the republicans are in power vote fir obama its the only chance we have of getting out of the mess the republicans created . they should come right out and say they are a bunch of n**i low lives.

Answer 6

Couldn't agree more but regretfully money talks bullsh** walks but with $ people and governments get their ideas + values (whether if right or wrong) shown off to the world

That's why I don't mind socialism + communism: most everybody is on the same level. It's certainly not the case in many western societies where billionaires like Bill Gates have offices minutes from disabled vets who survive on bread-on-bread sandwiches.

Answer 7

Even if hundreds of billions of dollars is an exaggeration, I doubt we spend much more over a million or two, if that.

If anything, you should state your case for wars. That costs billions of dollars (without exaggerating) Millions just for a single fighter jet!

The Olympics brings an intangible, priceless effect on the world- peace. That from now until the end of the games, the world can focus on friendly competition. Good natured, hard working- competition.

EDIT - Haha, love the two thumbs down for a Q that isn't even in the right section.

Answer 8

Maybe the money could be better spent but it is a good thing.  People like to compete and its a chance for these people to compete in a mostly fair competition to see who is the best in the world at something.  Its a chance to bring people from all over the world together for a few weeks.  With the terrorism problems since 9/11, London, and Madrid bombings the costs have skyrocketed for anyone hoping to hold the Olympics.  If the world quits then the terrorists win.

Answer 9

Well if you gave the money to the homeless they would just buy drugs and alcohol and be back begging as soon as they ran out. The liquor stores and drug dealers would be the only ones to benefit, for a lot of these bums it is a life choice.

Answer 10

Don't get me wrong,  I actually love the excitement and drama of the Olympics.  I did think, though, during the Opening Ceremony, of how much money had been spent and wasted...we could feed so many people with that money.

Answer 11

cause we dont want the world fat obisty is an issue to with out people playing sports their will be more obsity and people die and get problems from obisty we have enough fat people  etheir way we other saving people or making people fat etheir way sucks  

Answer 12

bc the olypic games is just like any other sporting event except its been around alot longer and its known worldwide it its the homeless ppls fault there homeless ne way and nobody wants to give them money bc nowadays all they want money for is drugs and alcohol and cigarettes.... good enough answer?? oh and i have nothing against homeless ppl bc i feal bad for the ppl that really are homeless and wont spend money and those kinds of things i mean there have been ppl i almost gave money too but want sure if they really needed it...  

Answer 13

No offense intended, but you seem to miss what the Olympics are about.  A lot of good comes from all of the countries of the world coming together to compete in friendly athletic events.  For a few weeks the focus can be on something other than politics.  Sports have a way of uniting countries like nothing else can.

Answer 14

I think the same. You're right on. And Bill Gates thinks along these lines too. He feels that if ALL the greedy businesses out there were to help out, it would make a difference in poverty. He's right. But greed knows no end. I remember that when I worked for Nordstrom. And it was the same when they celebrated the millenium on the east coast, the amount spent on fireworks. Sure, I love it, but it gets you to think how sad it is that we can't spend the same on things of higher priority. Humans are imperfect and therefore imperfection will continue.

Answer 15

yeah exactly, i am completely with you on this one.

just imagine if we spent all that money for vaccines and food for african children.

or poors in pakistan or india.