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:

Great Job Salt Lake! -- Janell of Salt Lake City, UT

I think Salt Lake City is doing a great job hosting the Olympics!!!!!!  

Bob & Woody; Who found these guys? -- Chad of Bountiful, UT

Obviously Bob Costas has never had to watch himself on air and listen to his boring and very uninteresting comentary. The night of the opening ceremonies Bob made an ass of himself trying to be funny. I would have rather listened to Bill Walton. Katie Couric was great by the way. Bob Costas however, not only needs to grow a foot, or two, but get interesting while doing it. This "Woody" guy is as smart as the character on Cheers that he was named after. Obviously there was a little bit of jealousy detected in his article and I think we all understand why. The games thus far in SLC have been fantastic! The world will now want to visit Salt Lake City to go skiing, instead of Denver. I went to the women's downhill and the roads were not crowded, the lines were never once longer than a 10 minute wait, the volunteers were fabulous, and the crowds were having a blast. The crowds cheered for every skier and the spectators were hugging, laughing, and cheering the entire day. Nothing but great memories is what I experienced and I hope everyone gets a chance to experience a part of the Olympics. Too bad "Woody" didn't get a chance to.  

Paige the prating pontiff of poppycock -- Jason of Provo, UT

Mr. Paige, Have you actually been to SLC ? If you did (which I doubt), your imbibing in Utah has killed those few remaining brain cells. Your article is full of inaccuracies and mis-truths. It is amazing that you still have a job. Your sour demeanor is insulting to all Utahans (Mormon or not) and Americans alike. Most of what you maintain is wholly inaccurate and not worth rebutting. Take your drivel and return to writing about your local high school volleyball team. You are not wanted at any of the Utah ski resorts or bars. Journalist, you are not. Fool, you are indeed. ------------------------------------------------- E-mail address for Mr. Paige and his editors: sports@denverpost.com wpaige@denverpost.com  

Sure, Woody is an idiot.... -- John of Highland, UT

...but, people, don't get so upset. We know what we have here, and we should be quietly reassured that it is world-class. This poor talentless moron is trying to stir up controversy where there is nothing to stir up. We all know the allegations are untrue, and so does anyone who visits here. UTAH HAS BEEN AND ALWAYS WILL BE A GREAT STATE. Now the world knows it's true! Woody is merely a fly buzzing around. Think of him as the Tom Barberry of Denver - just turn the dial. I'm sure the people of Denver do.  

SLC Olympics -- Becky of Salt Lake City, UT

It's been a wonderful experience to have the world welcome here in SLC - Mr. Paige - if you come to SLC (doesn't sound as though you've made it here so far) - we'd welcome you, too. Sounds like you got dumped by a Mormon girl. Sorry you're so bitter.   

Figure Skating Controversy -- Peter of Seymour, UT

It is a pity that the furore that has arisen over the figure skating result has been permitted. The judges made a decision, this should have been accepted in the true spirit of the games! The spectators were partisan, obviously backing the Canadians, this was obvious from the cheering at the end of their performance. I am not a judge, nor am I biased either way. The performance by the Canadians was close to faultless, however the Russian program was more complex and was far more entertaining. Judgement must have beeen difficult! The judges decision should remain stet! the bickering which has left a NASTY taste in the air must stop. The NBC presentation has been excellent, marred dismally now by allowing themselves to join and exacerbate the partisan bickering, SHAME ON THEM!  

Hong Kong Delegation Happy with Utah and Olympics -- David of Orem, UT

Mr. Paige would find a different story than what he reported in the Denver Post by contacting some of the many people who have been very impressed by the 2002 Olympics. I am a volunteer that has been assigned to work with the Hong Kong delegation at the Olympic Village in various operational activities. The Sport Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong's actions and comments to me have been overwhelmingly positive-- both about the 2002 Olympics and about Utah. The athlete that carried the Hong Kong flag in Opening Ceremonies told me Utah is the most beautiful place she had ever seen. The assistant Chef de Mission was beaming before the ceremonies and feels the whole Olympic experience has been very inspiring to him and his team. They are loving their time here and have not commented once on any of the same complaints that Mr. Paige from the Denver Post wrote about in his uninformed article. Congratulations on a great Olympic games Utah.  

Woody? This is for you! -- Roy of Salt Lake City, UT

What's up Woody? (besides the volume of complaints you're getting) I'm still laughing to myself about your article. Are you not educated? Are you a bigot? Are you trying to grind an axe? I took one look at your picture and that said a lot. What's with the haircut? Was that picture taken in 1982? I'm certain you're getting a lot of mail like this after your weak attempt to put down the Mormons with your poodlelike nip on Utah's heels. It's hard to pull someone down unless your lower then they are (that's just some old wrestling physics though). I noticed you pointed out what Utah doesn't have to offer; hedonism, excessive alcohol, and lack of values. Think about that for a minute Woody. Is your uneducated attempt at slander really portraying what is going on in wholesome Salt Lake? Apparently not, otherwise your superiors wouldn't have to play 'Mommy' and pull your wild work of fantasy art from the Denver Post. You're a sports writer Woody. You're not a history professor or religion writer. Mormon's don't mind your verbal diarrhea problem, just get yourself potty-trained and put it where it belongs.....the toilet. How about them Broncos? Roy Adams   

Woody Paige's Article -- Joel of West Jordan, UT

I suppose with the First Amendment being the double-edged sword that it is we have to accept the fact that the Woody Paiges of the world will always feel compelled to regale those around him with ill-formed opinions. It is unfortunate, however, that an institution as respectable as the Denver Post would provide a forum for such a vitriolic, even bigoted perspective. At the beginning of this new century I would have thought that the United States would have little tolerance for, well, intolerance. That being said, it is obvious that the article was meant to do nothing more than draw attention to the Denver Post, much in the same way a third-grade boy seeks attention by farting in class. The method serves its purpose but the unpleasant scent will linger far longer than the few chuckles the article elicits.  

Where is the Woody Paige column -- Charles of Salt Lake City, UT

I have scoured the Denver Post for 02/12/2002 and cannot find the derogatory article by Woody Paige. Will someone tell me where it is? Charles Madden ChasMadden@aol.com  

Denver Post Yapper -- David of Salt Lake City, UT

The small dogs always yap when the parade goes by.  

Poor forum for frustrations -- Kevin of Provo, UT

I think he shows poor professional taste by choosing his public forum to vent personal frustrations....he obviously stands alone and pretends to voice majority opinion.  

Response to Woody's Article -- Mike of Woods Cross, UT

I doubt if Woody has ever been in the Salt Lake Area. He is certainly uninformed. I see little in this article that is based on reality. While sport columns and editorials are written as the opinion of the author, fantasy belongs elsewhere. Or do I misunderstand? Is Woody a Fantasy writer? When Woody makes the statement "America never should be awarded another Olympics" does he mean that to include the resorts in Colorado? I would like to see Colorado host the Winter Olympics at some time in the future. If that happens, I Hope your state handles it as well as Utah has done.   

Paige Comments -- Susan of Roy, UT

Needless to say, I am very disappointed with Mr. Paiges comments on Utah and the Olympic games. I did not get the opportunity to read the whole article before it was taken off of the Denver Post Web site, however I did hear a commentary on KSL 1160. One great freedom we do have in this country is freedom of speech. Mr. Paige is entitiled to his comments, however I am very disturbed at his lack of accuracy and his out and out derogatory attitude. Mr. Paige fails to remember that it is not only Utah hosting these games, but the United States of America. Shame on you Mr. Paige and the Denver Post for making a mockery out of this event. Evidentally, you also missed what these games are all about. The athletes and all the hard work they have put into their sport to be the best there is. They indeed have the "fire within". These games are about "them" and not your feeble attempt to tear Utah and it's culture apart. I am truly embarrassed for you and all of the citizens of Colorado. We spend time in Colorado every year, and it is a beautiful state as well. Finally, it is amazing to me that in your whole article you could not find it within yourself to say "one" positive thing about Utah and the Olympic games. I'm sorry for you that you feel so much negativism in life and no positive.  

Woody what's his name? -- Kahty of Salt Lake City, UT

I am a non-mormon transplant to this wonderful state, and I must say I love it here. The Olympics are like a jewel in the crown of Utah. It has been well done, well planned and I certainly enjoyed my chosen venue and trips to the downtown area. I've had family in from Virginia, California and Nevada who came to share this "once in a lifetime" experience, and they thoroughly enjoyed the show so far....Well done. None of them were converted or married off. That Denver writer couldn't have possibly been in the same city I live in and am talking about.....what is up with that? Sour Grapes perhaps? I think an apology is definately in order.   

Woody Paige Rage/Article from Denver Post -- Chris of Holladay, UT

I am really embarrassed for the Denver Post. Are they affiliated with the National Enquirer? Who really is to blame? Woody Paige, who is the poorest excuse for a journalist, or the senior editor who allowed such trash to be published. Despite his attempt to bash the state of Utah, or the Latter Day Saints, he has only made a fool of himself and his former employer (if they're smart). Maybe he should go back to the basics and take a journalism course. I'm sure if he needs the donations we could start a fund to send him back to school. Or maybe he needs to see a therapist about his inner anger he obviously hasn't dealt with. Who knows, maybe when he was growing up someone didn't share their lime jello with him. I'm not surprised the Post removed his article from their website. Hey, if he really wants to attend the games, I'm sure there are many who would be willing to show him the hospitality that Utah is being praised for. I think SLOC has done a great job! I'm proud to be from Utah.   

Olympic Skating Judges -- Clarina of Springdale, UT

We've come up with 2 possible changes that could be made to have fair, unbiased judging. 1. Don't have the judges ordinals at all - just the 2 sets of marks. They eliminated the figures years ago, so why not the ordinals? 2. Have judges selected from countries without skaters competing, and have no vested interest in that sport. Then bring them to a specific area and train them for a year prior to the Olympics on what to look for in the various disciplines.  

offensive sights -- Mark of Provo, UT

The most offensive thing to me when I was in Salt Lake on Saturday and Sunday, was the van driving around with a huge photograph of a bloody fetus, torn and dead from an abortion. The obscene, ghoulish, meant-to-be-disturbing photo was paraded around by an anti-abortion group offending our sensibilities for the sake of their own propagandizing. Now Woody Paige didn't blame that one on the Mormons, gratefully. He blamed everything else he could on the Latter-day Whatevers, but not the anti-abortion obscenity. It may have been that if he really was here, he might have noticed that the license plates of the truck were from Colorado. No, Woody, to me the worst part of my Olympic experience came in from Colorado.   

Consider the Source -- Ron of Taylorsville, UT

When I was a very young child my mother taught me that when you are being teased, picked on, or belittled, you should consider the source. Seems like good advice under the circumstances. This guy Paige seems to delite in attacking things he can't other wise deal with. There are, sadly, people who only feel important when they attempt to make others feel insulted or unimportant. Paige must be one of those who is so insecure that his self-image can only be sustained by tearing down others. Then there is Toni, from Magna. I suspect this person to be a woman, only because of the spelling of the name. She reminds me of a story about a family that moved into a new neighborhood and wanted to know what kind of neighbors they had. At the end of the story you find out it's your own attitude that makes more of a difference than where you live or who your neighbors are. It also reminds me of the people who move in at the end of the airport runway, the one that has been there for years, and then complain about the noise and want to close the airport. In the long run, there are probably a lot of nit-picky things that can be complained about when it comes to the Olympics. And if we want to spend all our energy looking for them and complaining about them, then we will surely not see all the really good things that are happening. We should take a lesson from the example of the Canadian ice skaters: We do our very best, and deep down inside we know that even the "judges" can't take that away from us. To both Mr. Paige, and to Toni in Magna, life could be a whole lot better with a different perception. Perception is reality, no matter what else there is to look at, you won't see it.   

Was Woody abused? -- Aaron of Provo, UT

Did Woody graduate from High school? Was he abused as a child? Is he still being abused? Do people actually like to read his material? Does the Denver Post like being associated with such a person? This article was emailed to me today. I PROMISE that I will never buy a Denver Post as long as Woody is employed there. I couldn't find any truth or anything positive about his article. Too bad "journalists" such as Woody are allowed to abuse their right the freedom of the press.   

A Yellow Paige -- Gary of Springville, UT

In a world that has gotten too small for blatant bigotry and ignorance, I am sad that someone who works for a newspaper somehow missed the events of September 11 and its aftermath. Mr. Paige's article belongs to the bygone era of yellow journalism.  

Woody Paige -- T.D. of Layton, UT

Since Woody seems so prone to write from the hip without any facts, I thought I would take a crack at it too: DENVER REPORTER TO BE FIRED SALT LAKE CITY, UT (AP) – Woody Paige had no idea that his article would cause such a stir. A controversial columnist, assigned to cover the 2002 Olympic Winter Games for the Denver Post, generated a massive backlash on Wednesday morning. Several Salt Lake radio stations mounted a campaign against the columnist by encouraging listeners to contact various members of the Denver Post via phone, email and fax. Their objective: to “get Woody fired”, get a formal apology from the Denver Post, and have the article removed from the web site. In response to the public backlash, President K. Macdonald of the Denver News Agency ordered the article removed from the web site and issued a formal apology to the SLOC, the Mormon Church, and the City of Salt Lake. “It is unfortunate that the personal actions and opinions of one of our columnists have so incompetently and grossly crossed the lines of good taste and responsible journalism. Appropriate action will be taken against Mr. Paige and Brian Boyle, the sports director. A formal apology is scheduled to appear in the Thursday edition of the Denver Post.”, he said. “Furthermore, the actions of the columnist and his immediate editor are not in harmony with the opinions or mission statement of the Denver Post, its owners or its employees.” The article entitled "Colorado Real Winner of Games" first appearing in the Tuesday edition of the Denver Post contained multiple inflammatory remarks about the Olympics being held in Salt Lake City ranging from attacks against the SLOC (Salt Lake Olympic Committee) to the Mormon Religion and local culture. Todd Engdahl, Senior Editor for the Denver Post, remarked “Upon review of [Mr. Paige’s] article and after a brief investigation, we have determined that the article is largely fabricated with un-substantive opinions and irresponsible representation of the facts. Mr. Paige’s personal agenda and unprovoked jealousy have clearly overridden his obligations to uphold journalistic integrity, for which we apologize.” It is believed that Woody Paige will be fired from his position at the post as early as tomorrow morning. Currently in Salt Lake City, covering the Olympics, a source close to the agency has indicated that Mr. Paige has been ordered to return to Denver on Wednesday evening where it is believed that the President of the Denver News Agency, Mr. Macdonald, will take “appropriate action” against him. “I met Woody several years ago at another sporting event and he pretty well had his opinions about Salt Lake City and the Olympics outlined at that time. This article doesn’t surprise me. He seemed to be a very troubled and bitter man,” said Gordon Monson a columnist from the Salt Lake Tribune. The article was removed from the Denver Post website late Wednesday afternoon. When asked about the controversy created, Mr. Paige said, “I don’t regret exercising my right to free speech. I simply reported the facts as I saw them and I don’t give a #### what those damn Mormon lovers think. I hope I never see this place again.”   

Woody Paige, Just when did you enter this state (of mind)? -- Guy of Park City, UT

Mr. Paige, When you entered the state did you happen to open your eyes, or did you just pass out and write your article through hung over ideas you may have come up with as you prayed to YOUR porcelain God. Worried as to whether or not you have to show ID in one of the State run liquor stores? With the quality of writing you might have been turned down(nobody will sell alochol to someone pretending to be a responsible journalist, when in reality it's just the ramblings of the playground bully, beating on his chest hoping someone will listen to him.) I live in Park City and have Businesses in Salt Lake City. I find the only MAJOR problems that have occured during these Olympic Games are that the mass transit systems are so effective, and the people are so willing to follow the requests of our city and olympic leaders (that residents and guests use mass transit), most residents are unaware of the extra thousands of people that have moved in on this pristine city. I don't know what planet your from, BUT in case you haven't noticed these are unsettled times, not just from misinformed psuedo-intellectuals such as yourself, but from real terrorists that our own Federal and State Governments ( FBI, CIA, ARMED FORCES, LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT, ETC) are spending $ 300 plus million dollars on just may come into play. As Guests venture to the venues, they do so with the peace of mind that there are many troops with nothing but the Cities and Guests best interest and safety in mind. I love going to Colorado. I have Family and Friends who live there. We are all fortunate that the IQ of the greater Denver Area, not to mention the balance of that great Rocky Mountain State, will not drop 15 points just from reading your poorly scripted and uninformed article. I must chastize the Editors of the Post for allowing this typy of irresponsable journalism to be part of their paper. Who knowes, maybe they need to replace it with some sort of Religious (if you don't already have one) section. Preaching on corners, in papers, through pamplets, or face to face is the right of every religion. AND in case you haven't heard, it is your right to discard, quit listing, or just turn around and walk away, without attacking using lies, fabrications, or just stupid "your mother's uglier than dirt" comments of an educated illertrate. By the way, up to this point, I have yet to be approched, invaded upon, tackled or had ANY Relgious factor slam dunk any items at me. WORDY, BUT JUST TO REACT IN KIND.   

Denver Post Loses -- Kenneth of Fairfax, VA

Subject: Colorado may be the real winner of Games but Denver Post loses in tasteful and accurate journalism. Dear Editors: Woody Paige's article, "Colorado real winner of Games," was poorly researched, written with bile for ink and generally in poor taste. Before you discard this letter as another response from an angry Mormon or irate Utahn, I am a Presbyterian who lives in Fairfax, Virginia. I read Mr. Paige's vitriol in the on-line version of your paper. Mr. Paige fell prey to every stereotype one could think of about members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If he chooses to believe all the nonsense he put in his article, so be it. But as a responsible newspaper, the Denver Post should be much more careful about printing stories which are not only offensive but blatantly false. And yes, I realize that his piece was a "sports editorial." That convenient dodge, however, should not permit him to fabricate such stories as people "forced to accept religious brochures, eat lime Jello, marry three of your mother's cousins" and others. The real impetus behind Mr. Paige's vicious attacks on everything about Salt Lake seems to come in his paragraph about how "Utah started the snow-slinging and anti-Colorado advertising campaign." Here in the East, we missed those opening volleys, but one can be certain that the Utah press didn't trash any particular religion in Colorado. I have skied in both Colorado and Utah; each has its own good points and charm. Neither is deserving of the hatchet job provided to your readers by Mr. Paige. Nowhere in his editorial did he mention the added security imposed on the XIX Olympic Winter Games as a result of the events of September 11th. Perhaps he has forgotten that these Games have been declared a National Security Event and that travel and transportation delays, despite the best efforts of those who Mr. Paige calls the "SLOC slugs," have been anticipated and accommodated by most visitors. Yes, many have been seen on NBC happily walking up the "Gold Mile" to the Olympic Sports Park. Perhaps Mr. Paige believes that they have all been "forced" to wear their smiles by the Stepford Wives feeding them green Jell-O. Contrary to Mr. Paige's assertion, one thing we did not see on NBC's broadcast of the Opening Ceremonies was the, according to him, omnipresent Mormon Tabernacle Choir. NBC's producers broadcast the music, great as always, but somehow seemed to lose the choir in the crowd. I guess the cameras just couldn't find them in the sea of "white, heterosexual men." Puhleeze... How Mr. Paige came to the conclusion that Mormons worship seagulls and salamanders is beyond comprehension. Perhaps the same misunderstanding of history that made him feel that it was somehow inappropriate for the LDS Church President, 92 year old Gordon B. Hinkley, to touch the torch as it passed his office building. Maybe Mr. Paige has forgotten that Salt Lake City was not founded by sportswriters whose hotel rooms are not up to their standard and whose travel budget "compels them to dine at A&W." Many thousands of starving Mormon pioneers, forced from their homes by religious intolerance in the Midwest, walked a lot farther than "The Gold Mile" to seek refuge in founding Salt Lake City and later, the State of Utah. Now I must admit that Paige has it right when he notes that Austrian beer is a whole lot better than the 3.2% brew one generally finds in Salt Lake. But, despite religious preference for non-alcoholic beverages, the locals have made beer available to their international guests. It might even be Coors, from that most wonderful neighboring state. One thing is certain. There must be plenty of beer available, for clearly Mr. Paige had more than his fair share when writing his editorial. An apology is warranted after the Mormon bashing hangover wears off. Kenneth G. Carlson COL, US Army (Retired)   

Denver Post Article -- Paul of Washington Terrace, UT

Here is the e-mail that I sent to him. His response is at the top. Honestly, I feel much better about this now... ____________________ Thank you for choosing to read my column, and thank you for your insightful e-mail. Upon reflection, I was wrong. I apologize. Woody Paige -----Original Message----- To: wpaige@denverpost.com Mr. Paige, I would like to comment on your February 12, 2002 article on the Salt Lake Olympics. You did a fantastic job covering every stereotype associated with the state of Utah, from the lack of alcohol to the practice of polygamy. What your article contained in worn out cliches, however, it certainly more than matched in misinformation. Primarily, since you seem to have no budget for research and obtaining information over the Internet appears to require too much effort for you, let me correct two gross errors that you made. First of all, it is called the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I would provide you a link to their web site so that you could learn more, but I doubt that you would use it anyhow. Secondly, the theme of the Olympics is "Light the Fire Within." It seems a fitting quote to inspire people to look within to bring out their best, but as you seem to have ample hot air already, maybe you can just slide by on a technical double entendre. There were plenty of other erroneous statements in your article. I have been all around downtown Salt Lake every day for the past few weeks and I have yet to see a single young woman so much as offering Mormon literature at passersby or tables offering information about "Mormon salvation" all over the city. I have been offered, among other things, information from individuals on behalf of the Falun Gong and abortion rights (both sides), and plenty of tickets, but nary a scrap of information on the Mormons. Maybe such information is being offered on Temple Square, but it is my opinion that if you go to a religious landmark like Temple Square, you do so with the understanding that someone may just offer to tell you more about the religion, just as an individual going into a department store does so with the understanding that someone may try to sell them something. I could continue to write about the inaccuracies in your article, but quite frankly, I don't have the time nor the inclination. The thing that I wonder about most is how you can get away with being such a bigot. It was my hope that Dan Issel was the only public figure in Denver who felt that individuals who were of a different culture or belief system were somehow inferior, but the derisive remarks in your article have proven to me that my faith was misplaced. In your piece, you have created the perfect formula of bigotry. You have taken a group of individuals and cast as epithets several of their perceived defining characteristics, be they true or not. If you were instead to employ the word "Hispanic" or "Islamic" and the idiosyncrasies of these groups in lieu of that of the Mormon culture, I question how long you would be continue to be employed. That, of course, assumes that your efforts would make it past the same editor that let you publish this garbage. While it is true that we may not all be professional tour guides after a few training sessions, and while it may seem to the few individuals with whom you spoke that our seven years of planning have been for naught, at least our city had the character to follow through on its commitment to host the Olympics - even when the scandal that surrounded the bid process for every city was revealed. Perhaps the next time you decide to do an editorial piece on a city and its people, you might try actually visiting that city before you write. That way, you might not miss the mark quite as badly as you did this time.   

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