Online Message Board: What Do You Think of the 2002 Olympics? So what's on your mind with the 2002 Winter Olympics? Is the traffic as bad as you thought? Do you agree with the judges that gave the Canadian skaters the silver? How's the coverage? We want to hear what you have to say. Please keep it clean. Note that all messages are reviewed before going live! Here's what others have to say:

Paige Rage -- Rebecca of Riverton, UT

I'm all for freedom of speech, however I feel a respectable newspaper such as the Denver Post has an obligation to it's readers to publish accurate and well investigated stories. That is not the case with Woody Paige's article. How much research went into this when he cannot correctly publish the theme name of the Olympics ("Light the FIRE within", not FLAME). Mr. Paige comes across as a bitter, angry man. His ignorance and bigotry have no place in newspapers. Perhaps a deal can be struck with the Taliban...trade one journalist (Mr. Paige) in return for another (Daniel Pearl).   

Woody is Jealous -- Tatyana from Provo of Provo, UT

I am a Russian citizen living in Provo. After I read Paige's article I said to myself: "What is that guy's deal?" Yes, there are a lot of mormons in Utah. And yes, they are different from most of the people. And yes, they want to show what their culture is like. Mormons are part of Utah's history and no one could and should ignore that. In Sydney it was a big deal for them to talk about their aboriginal athletes. Did Mr. Paige complain about that, too? If the Olympics were in Rome, and the Pope hold the torch for a minute, would Mr. Paige protest that? When the Olympics were in Moscow, Russian folk dancers performed during the ceremonies. I guess Mr. Paige would have said that it was inapropriate because the dancers were promoting Russian culture, just like the Mormon Tabernacle choir was promoting Mormon culture. As far as the bad traffic, I did not have any problems going to see curling or to downtown Salt Lake City. I have many friends and work collegues who did not have anything to complain about either. If people plan wisely they can get wherever they need on time. There is always a minority that just cannot be satisfied. I agree that not everything is going perfectly, but I wonder if Mr. Paige was in charge of the Olympics what it would have been like? From all his comments I conclude he would never get out of his car to direct the traffic. He would rather shoot the people who caused the delay. I think Mr. Paige needs to take his bitterness elsewhere. And maybe, he should invite the other bitter people he interviewed to join him. After all "misery loves company". His email is wpaige@denverpost.com His editors email is sports@denverpost.com  

Woody Needs to Travel More.... -- JA of Ogden, UT

I have lived in Utah for 5 years and before that I lived in Colorado. Colorado is beautiful and so is Utah. When I first moved to Utah I hated it, everything was different and there were a lot of mormons. Those mormons eventually became the nicest people I have ever known, after living in four different states and in Europe. The skiing here and in Colorado is awesome. One thing Utah does have is more fluffy powder than any other state. It is cruel of a man to take one visit and judge a state through lies and half-truths. It takes time to judge a state and its contents. Woddy needs to be fired. No man or woman has the right to have published such cruelty. Yes we do have freedom of speech and press, but this man has over done it. Myself and my many friends in Colorado despise the Denver Post for allowing such an article to be published.  

Yo Woody -- JR of Dayton, OH

Dude - Ease up on the dope man - you obviously can't afford to lose any more brain cells!! (somewhere a village is being deprived of its idiot) Condolences to our friends in Colorado who have to put up with this "lemon" on a daily basis!! I do have a question for the personnel manager of the Denver Post - What were you thinking when you let this one slip in under the door?   

Woody -- Derek of Provo, UT

The following is what I wrote to Woody. Woody, Extremely classless article! Couple of questions: 1. When was the last time you were in Utah? Obviously since opening ceremonies, because you would never write an article all based on second hand information, right? 2. Was there a deadline to get this article live? Maybe you should consider researching before you write, checking your sources and proof reading! Know this, and rest assured I won't stereo-type the people of Colorado or the Denver Post because of you. "Light the FIRE within" Woody!   

Return to Sender -- Larry of Salt Lake City, UT

The only apology the Denver Post owes Utah, or the rest of the literate world, is to fire Mr. Paige. Not only would they be doing themselves a favor but they could also help Woody reach down to his potential - in the yellow journalism tabloids. I personally would look forward to seeing one of his headlines in the checkout line such as: "Alien Jello Scam Abducts the State of Mormons".  

5 Words, Mr. Paige... -- Jon of Lehi, UT

Dear Mr. Paige: FIVE WORDS: Prejudiced, hateful, jealous, ignorant, bigot. PREJUDICE: A preformed opinion, usually an unfavorable one, based on insufficient knowledge, irrational feelings, or inaccurate stereotypes. HATE: To dislike somebody or something intensely, often in a way that evokes feelings of anger, hostility, or animosity. JEALOUS: Feeling bitter and unhappy because of another's advantages, possessions, or luck. IGNORANT: Lacking knowledge and education in general or in a specific subject. BIGOT: Somebody who has very strong opinions, especially on matters of politics, religion, or ethnicity, and refuses to accept different views. Yes, this sums up you and your recent article regarding the Salt Lake City 2002 Olympics. Nevertheless, I forgive you.   

Paige's Pungent Remarks -- John of Draper, UT

The bitterness of Mr. Paige's remarks are vindictive enough to suggest some type of rejection at the hands of a Utah/Mormon. One can only speculate whether or not these acrimonious remarks stem from a broken relationship between him and a Utah woman or if he was bullied by a Utah boy as a child. Regardless of the reason for his embittered remarks, Mr. Paige has demonstrated his lack of objectivity and judgment. His attitude has obfuscated the fact that Salt Lake City has been an accommodating host for the 2002 Olympic Games, a view shared by athletes, americans and international visitors. The allusions to Jell-O and the White Salamander letters are desperate attempts to foment Utahns who've received nothing by praise for their friendliness and hospitality. In short, Mr. Paige's attempt to besmirch the LDS Church and Utah have only confirmed that he and his newspaper produce fodder that does not even meet the low standards of the tabloids!  

W. Paige - fiction over fact -- Dawn of Salt Lake City, UT

May I submit: In the mind of Mr. Paige, fiction, myth and lore is more interesting than facts. The fiction, myth, and lore: His entire article about Salt Lake and the Olympics. The Facts: My husband has been involved with the Olympic effort in Salt Lake for 4 years at an executive level. His heart and soul is invested in the enormous effort it takes to host the Olympic games.... regardless of which state or country you live in. We have made dear friends from several foreign countries; many of which are involved at the senior management level of television. Without a microphone shoved in their faces, so far, all have been very complementary of the city, the venues, the coverage on television, and the friendly, intelligent people. While some of our friends and collogues have been confused by the interesting liquor laws in Utah (I live here, and I'm still confused) no one has found them to be oppressive...just different. My husband and I are not LDS and are normally very aware of the church influence, so contrary to Mr. Paige’s article, I would like to note that I have been handed religious information exactly once...and it was not from a member of the LDS church. Additionally, I have extensive family from Texas, (did he refer to Texan's as foreigners?) who just spent 5 of the best days of their lives in Salt Lake...commuting to and attending events, meeting people, eating in restaurants, and enjoying other non-venue experiences. I would suggest that Mr. Paige know the facts before he speaks.... otherwise, save himself and the Denver Post the embarrassment of opening his mouth.   

Paige the moron -- Travis of Seattle, WI

Well, it's nice to see that The Denver Post has already seen the light and removed Woody Paige's column from their web site. What if he had written similar comments about black people or Jews? He'd be fired by now and facing a dozen civil lawsuits. But if it's the Mormons then hey, that's perfectly fine. If The Denver Post does issue an apology tomorrow, I'm predicting that it will be a half-hearted one at best. What they should do is completely and utterly repudiate the bigoted words that Paige wrote but I'm not holding my breath.  

Good Job Woody -- Jerry of West Jordan, UT

I guess Woody doesn't read the ski magazines (does he read at all??)...or he would know we've been known as the "Home of the Steep and the Deep" for 30 years (Warren Miller, where are you?..oh..at Snowbird, filming the next one!). I grew up in northern Utah, where I learned to ski. Moved to Denver and lived and worked there for three years. When I moved, my eyes were big and heart pounding. I thought I was going to the big time. Three years later, after skiing nearly every place in Colorado (several times), I moved to SLC. Considering access (!!), snow quality and quantity, size and cut of the runs, Utah is as good as it gets. But I wouldn't expect Woody to figure that one out....loose cannon that he's always been. Colorado has a few more resorts .... but none better. Send him the green jello pin, a few boxes of the real stuff....and a real BEAR hug...lol...what a jeolous stick in the mud!!  

Utah Olympic fuss -- Catherine of Salt Lake City, UT

Unfortunately (or fortunately) I have not been able to read Mr. Paige's column as it has been yanked from the Post's website so I cannot comment on it. All I would like to do is correct every emotional Utah supporter who has slammed him for inaccuracy. He is a columnist NOT a reporter. Accuracy is not a factor. It sounds as if he went overboard in his feelings and opinions. I'd like to point out from an armchair Olympic perspective that only one religious leader in Utah got to hold the torch and pose for numerous photo/media ops. Hinckley. No one from the Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, or any other faith leadership was represented. This is Utah and it is a Mormon state. There is no separation of church and state. And yes, the church is using every opportunity to promote itself. If I have to see Donny and Marie rhapsodize about Welfare Square one more time, I'll be ill. As a former resident of Colorado, I would close by saying to the reader who said that Colorado could "not pull off the Olympics" when they were awarded that is also incorrect. A vote was put to the people of the state who said, strongly, they did not want to pay for the "privilege" and have their beautiful state and slopes ruined. For all the hoopla and euphoria you are all experiencing now let's see how good it feels when the world leaves and our taxes are raised once again to make up the deficit that is sure to come despite leaders' assurances to the contrary.  

Predictions for Woody Paige -- Glen of Sandy, UT

Regarding Woody Paige's irreverent attempt at humor concerning Salt Lake City and the Olympics, I'd like to make some predictions - in the same vein as my old high school yearbook predictions. I predict that SOMEONE in Salt Lake City doesn't see this article as humor, but rather as vicious, mean-spirited and untruthful. I'm not suggesting whom; it could be just about anyone. I predict that they sue the Denver Post for libel. I predict that the Denver Post can't take the heat, and in the process of falling all over themselves to apologize, they fire Woody Paige. I predict that Woody Paige can't find employment because his reputation is so badly tarnished. He ends up crisscrossing the country as a vagabond on the rails. On one of his trips, he finds himself coming to a stop in Salt Lake City. Assuming no one will notice him he wanders the streets until he winds up at Temple Square. There, a sweet young sister missionary teaches him the truth about her religion. I predict the Salt Lake people extend a warm hand of fellowship to Woody. As he begins to regain his self-worth, he feels a need to repent and reclaim his life. Woody stays in Salt Lake and is converted. Due to his past interest in sports, I predict that Woody is called to be a Scoutmaster in his suburban Salt Lake Ward, a fate that I could only wish on someone like Woody. Moral of the story: The sweetest way to exact your revenge on an enemy is to convert them to your cause. Woody Paige, we hope to be seeing you soon!   

Paige's Folly -- Barbara of Salt Lake City, UT

To quote Woody Paige's commentary in The Denver Post about the SLC Winter Olympics and Utah society in general, "Be careful what you wish for, Salt Lake City... Now, everyone in the world knows." I feel compelled to add: you should be more careful, Mr. Paige and Denver Post Staff, than to wish for the instant notoriety that arises from writing and blatantly publishing outlandish, untruthful, juvenile drivel. Now everyone in the world knows you're idiots.   

Another Comment about Mr. Paiges article -- Eric of Salt Lake City, UT

I was one of the ones offended by the article in the Denver post. I had the chance tor read it after it was mentioned on the Doug Wright show. Had I had a cell phone or was near a phone I would have called. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has done a whole lot to make the olympic experience great. However, I do not believe for one minute that the Salt Lake 2002 Olympics are a giant publicity campaign for the church. But while we are on the subject of the church, they have done a remarkable amount of good for the Olympics including donating land for the Medals plaza. Because of the things that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has done, I have started to lose my curmudgeonly attitude about the olympics. How wonderful it was to be able to see the opening ceremonies of the olympics and to hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing what seemed a very reverent setting of the National Anthem. How wonderful it is that as part of the Cultural Olympiad we have the blessing of hearing the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing with some world class soloists and ensembles for free! And for a very reasonable price they have produced "Light of the World." And yes it does deal with some of the history of the church but is not an "in-your-face" proselyting presentation as Mr. Paige seems to think about every aspect of the church. It was a fantastic production and there was something in it for everyone. I am sorry if Mr. Paige was bothered by even the presence of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But the fact of the matter is Mr. Paige that members of the church settled this valley to escape persecution and have always been welcoming of people of all faiths. Basically your article was nothing to do with the Olympics. It was just slamming of things that many of us hold sacred. So alcohol is not as readily available as you would like? Too bad. It's really too bad that you didn't look at all of the good and appreciate all of the hard work that has gone into making the olympic experience something special for everyone. I'll admit that before the Olympics began I was worried about the traffic headaches and other logistical matters. I was bothered by the fact that most of the event tickets are way out of my price range. But I am really grateful that the olympics are here. I have not found any difficulty with traffic except when I forgot to consult UDOT about when certain roads were going to be closed. Even then it was a minor inconvenience and nothing earth shattering. And even though I can't afford the tickets to various events that I would love to have seen, I have been able to enjoy the excitement of meeting people from all over the world. I have been able to enjoy the fact that almost everyone I have met locally and from abroad have been very warm and caring and we could find things in common. I thoroughly enjoyed the various things that have been part of the cultural olympiad. I have come to realize (and if you had stayed long enough you would have too) that no matter what this is a once in a lifetime experience to be cherished. And for the record, It was Moussilini not Hitler who made the trains run on time.   

Ross Perot would say.. -- Jason of Salt Lake City, UT

Now Thats just SAAAAAAD!!!!!Denver!  

Woody's E-mail Address -- David of Provo, UT

By the way, Here is Woody's e-mail address: wpaige@denverpost.com I am sure he would like hearing from all of you. Dave, Provo  

Woody Paige's horrible "article" -- Tim of Parker, CO

The Denver Post should be ashamed of publishing such garbage and trying to pass it off as journalism. Mr. Paige is obviously a confused, pathetic and bitter individual whose uneducated comments should not be published. I am offended by the comments and am embarrassed to live in the Denver area with such an idiot.  

One more vote -- Teresa of West Jordan, UT

I just wanted to add one more voice in the hope that The Denver Post and those responsible for empoying Woddy are paying attention. If the remarks made by Paige (I'll not dignify him with the title 'Mr.") had been directed at virtually ANY other group of people, ie: Jews, Catholics, Muslims, African-Americans, Native Americans, women, homosexuals, the list goes on and on, not only would the ACLU surely be involved, but there would be an absolute outrage and uproar by countless legal and civil organizations across the country and possiby world. I don't care if the man has a distaste for Utah, Jell-O, or members of the LDS faith. But to blatently lie, mis-inform, and immaturely bash, and THEN have the audacity to call it journalism -- shame on him, and even more shame on those that continue to employ him. I echo the words of many others -- under no circumstances should Paige continue to write for a credible (I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt here) newspaper. Frankly, a retraction and an apology are NOT enough. Treat this man as you would someone who in the same forum and without a headline of "Editorial" wrote equally derogatory and false statements about any of the aforementioned groups of people. In other words -- FIRE HIM!  

Between the ears of Mr. Paige -- Bonnie of Orem, UT

Mr. Paige has jello for a brain.  

Poor Mr. Paige... -- Chris of Roy, UT

After reading Mr. Paige's article that was e-mailed to me earlier today, I can only wonder if the poor man has traveled any closer to Utah than the bowling alley in Grand Junction. Someone please send him a ticket to come on out to our "Pretty Great State", but just remember, not only should Mr. Paige feel completely embarrassed, but so should the editors of the Denver Post as they are the Quality Assurance team for the publication. There is total understanding in this country for freedom of the press, but when the information is inaccurate, it should be considered slander. I hope this poor guy gets a chance to travel further than just from home and work. The way he writes, it sounds like he has no idea what's just over the next hill.  

"The Article" -- Suzanne of Salt Lake City, UT

I just want to read the article. It is so tragic that something like "this article" had to happen. These Olympics were meant as a time of healing in a time of war. The comments I have heard about the article make Woody not sound very good at his job and not a good consumer. If he has to be negative and destructive send him to cover something negative and awful but don't put him into the middle of something that represents the good of human nature.   

Woody never had a clue -- Cliff of Kaysville, UT

I lived in Denver for 10 years before moving to SLC in 1998. Let me just say, Woody has never had a clue about anything. Everybody in Denver hates him, and now we can too. Write to the Post at sports@denverpost.com and complain to them. I have seen this sort of thing happen a hundred times and the Post has yet to do anything significant about it. Woody's a Loser, and every single one of his readers already knows that. They've know that for years.   

HOW THE WOODY STOLE THE OLYMPICS -- NICK of TAYLORSVILLE, UT

I AGREE WITH EVERYTHING WOODY SAID, WELL THAT IS IF I WERE SEARCHING FOR FIFTEEN SECONDS OF FAME. IF I WERE AFTER MY FIFTEEN SECONDS I WOULD TRY TO DESTROY THE MORALE OF UTAH. GET THEM IN AN UPROAR. IT WORKED! PEOPLE ARE RESPONDING, HECK I DID NOT EVEN KNOW HE EXISTED UNTIL NOW. MAYBE THERE WAS A BETTER WAY, MAYBE IF I WERE TO SAY SOMETHING GOOD. SAY SOMETHING LIKE "UTAH HAS DONE A SPECTACULAR JOB". WELL WHAT DO I KNOW AFTER ALL OLD WOODROW IS A JOURNALIST. BUT FOR FIFTEEN SECONDS HE IS A TERRORIST, WELL SORT OF.  

Woody Paige and Intolerance -- Jeff of Springville, UT

I found it appropriate that Mr. Paige chose to mention Hitler and Nazi Germany in his article, since his attitude of bigotry and intolerance seems so similar to that perpetuated by Hitler and his followers. It's not that I'm shocked such people exist in the world, or even that their material is published. What shocks me is that a reputable agency such as the Denver Post would openly support such "journalism." Honestly it's something I would expect to see in the tabloids or from a supremacist group. Does the fact that Mr. Paige seeks to defame "Mormons" somehow make it tolerable? If his target was people of the Jewish faith or African Americans would it have become unacceptable to print? As I said before, the fact that people like Mr. Paige exist and can find a publisher for their filth does not surprise me. I was just unaware that editors and others at the Denver Post would openly support such material. It doesn't bother me so much that he wrote it. It bothers me that those who read it before it was published found it acceptable to print.  

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