Western journalists document memorable accomodations in Sochi

[james_davis_nicoll]

The key thing about Potemkin villages is you don't let actually try to stay in one.

Comments

[scott-sanford.livejournal.com]

If the venue is the only one in town, perhaps. The IOC has a de facto monopsony on 'insanely high profile international athletic events.' It's simply not an option to go down the street to a competing event of equivalent prestige; the athletes can compete in the Olympics or stay home. Athletes who wish to compete at this level have only the one venue.

[joenotcharles.livejournal.com]

Athletic competition is not a critical function for society, so I'm comfortable saying that not supporting corruption and oppression trumps an athlete's desire to compete at this level.

[viktor-haag.livejournal.com]

The trouble is that not joining in this competition might remove an athletes opportunity to participate meaningfully elsewhere as well.

[joenotcharles.livejournal.com]

Yes, my statement covers that.

[aboutlikepleats.livejournal.com]

Kind of blipped over the difference between "a critical function for society" and "a critical function for an athlete", didn't you?

Happen I agree with you in terms of the choice I would make, me, but I have nothing at stake in this particular choice. I'm a little reluctant to so blithely if not smugly make that choice for someone else.

Y'all do what y'all want to do, though. Obviously.

[viktor-haag.livejournal.com]

So, as long as it's the livelihood and food not coming out of your mouth, you can feel comfortable to make bold statements. That's fine for you. I'm not going to presume to demand those kinds of principles of others, but I suppose I'd applaud them when they manage to make such a stand in the face of grim circumstances.