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:

Columnist Blasts Utah Games -- Toni of Magna, UT

Given KSL's affiliation with the church I don't expect that this opinion will ever see the light of day but I applaud Mr. Paige's article and I wrote to tell him so. I thanked him for finally telling the Olympic story of the Utah Mormon Games the way it should be told and the way more Utahans feel about it than will actually fess up to it. No doubt he will be besieged by malcontents complaining about his column and saying how unfair it was to Utah and its people. This is one Utah person who applauds it and thanked him for telling it like it really is. A dog's breakfast pretty much sums it up for not only visitors finding it impossible to get a drink here and once they do they find one it tastes like water, but also for the multitudes of people who live here and are forced to come in early to their jobs, stay late, drive 50 miles out of their way to get to their homes due to road closures, have been forcibly removed from their reserved parking spaces, forced against their will to pay for and take "Trax" and other such ineffective public transportation, put up with the influx of missionaries the church has brought in specifically to "spread the word". Utah could not beautify it's State for those of us who live here, yet they spent thousands upon thousands of taxpayer dollars on landscaping for visitors here all of two weeks that they will most likely let die after the Olympics are over. Mr. Paige hit the nail on the head when he said that there was no separation of church and Olympics. However most of the honest people who live here have long known this. How could you possibly have a separation of church and Olympics when you don't even have a separation of church and state. I love Utah!! The scenery is exquisite and there are lots of lovely places to visit. However, the lack of being able to be an adult and enjoy adult pleasures (such as wearing a bikini swimsuit to do yard work) without being taken to court for the breaking of a lewdness law sucks!!! Mr. Paige's column is just the tip of the iceberg as far as the Olympics go. The problems are deeper than even you were able to delve. But I wanted to applaud him and his column and add my voice against the plethora of letters that he will more than likely receive from those poor misguided brainwashed souls who have listened to their bishop preach his weekly garbage about the fact that Utah has done a good job with the Olympic games, the world visitors are happy that they came and won't be glad to leave here once it's over. I thank Mr. Paige for his column and wish others were that honest.  

Allen fromTaylorsville/ paige -- Allen of Taylorsville, UT

Is this the same Woody Paige? or is it his son. The one who slammed the Utah Jazz the first time they made it to the play-offs back in 83/84? Who cares what Paige said? It is olympic envy, He cannot get over the USOC choosing SLC over Denver to represent The US back in 1987/88   

Woddy Paige -- Daniel of Salt Lake City, UT

Following is a copy of an email that I sent to the Denver Post. I'm sure that noone will read it, but it made me feel better anyway. I hope that it will do the same for others. ____________________ You’ve got to be kidding me! It must make your organization proud to print such hate and prejudice in your local newspaper. Give a man or woman a press credential and he or she is welcome to spew bigotry and intolerance about without limit. Is that how it works at the Denver Post? After all, this type of hateful attitude has lead to the great success of other organizations - Hitler’s Nazi Party, the Klan, the Arian Nation – it should be equally effective in furthering the purposes of the Post. Am I on the right track? Free speech gives Mr. Paige the right to publish such opinion. It saddens me when individuals use the liberties that are the backbone of this great country to do harm rather than good. I find it most painful when individuals take their dogmatic, prejudice comment and pass it off as acceptable because its comedic tone, or because of the “editorial comment” label stamped on it. If I were to print such opinion and tack it to the wall of my office, I would lose my job because of the discrimination/non-hostile work environment policy that our company has in place. If we ever release one of our employees on such grounds, I will be sure to encourage them to seek employment at your newspaper as I expect they will be welcomed with open arms. I look forward to your reply and your comments.   

To your Scathing comments Mr. Paige -- Valerie of Salt Lake City, UT

Your take on the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics seems to be one of a bitter, lonely, pathetic, sad and ignorant man. You must not get out much yourself. You must enjoy watching science fiction as much as you enjoy writing it. I almost feel sorry for you. You must be a miserable and desparate person. I recently paid a visit to your lower downtown. From what I hear it use to be a real hole. Maybe this is where you gained your pleasant personality. I have heard nothing but wonderful comments about Salt Lake's efforts in hosting the Winter Olympics. The athletes feel privledged and the spectators feel welcomed and proud. You really should consider a new career instead of embarrassing others in your profession by your peice of work you call writing. As mush as you talked about jello, I think you are the one obsessed with it. I hope you choke on it! Good day Mr. Paige. Valerie R. Salt Lake City, Utah  

Mr. Page Comment -- Scott of Alpine, UT

Mr. Page - You-re at least a mile high over there. I invite you over here to be my guest and walk the walk.  

Denver Post -- Karen of West Jorda, UT

The reporter, and I use the word sarcastically, does not have the writing talent to be noticed in any other way than to slam the Olympics, Utah, Salt Lake City, The Mormon church, etc...the only way he can bring any attention to himself is through this attention getting scheme. He will not be know for his talent and skills, he will be known for his 8 seconds in the spot light. Maybe he thinks this will be his big break....into what....the Enquirer...maybe his next big story will be about an 8-legged cow or something.   

Denver Post -- Catherine of West Valley City, UT

A co-worker handed me a copy of the article from the Denver Post when I arrived at work yesterday. I read the first 5 or 6 sentences, then put it aside and told my co-worker it was so much garbage and I didn't need to read it. I was very offended by what little I did read, so it was interesting to hear that I was not alone in my evaluation of it. He obviously has not been here in person and is so VERY biased anyway that if we in Utah said the flag was red, white and blue he would argue with us and make fun of us for saying such a thing. I do hope the Denver Post with take action to put him out of business. At least ban him from being so bigoted. As for Bob Costas, I think he comes across very arrogant and his comments the first night about the show before the medals ceremony were rude and uncalled for.   

Who is this GUY! -- Mike of slc, UT

Fire the Jerk!!!!!!!!!!!  

7 years in the making -- Brandon of Bountiful, UT

Incredible! Did Mr. Page prepare 7 years for this article? It amazes me the ingorance of envy. I work with individuals from around the country over the phone. Everyone has had nothing but praise and commendation for the games and Salt Lake City. I have been involved in the Olympics since the torch ran through Bountiful on the eight. In that time I have corresponded with may from outside of Utah. Again I have not heard one complaint from them, they have loved their stay thus far. Mr page thank you for your input but dont ever trasplant your self anywhere near our beautiful city. Oh and good luck finding a new job! With that type of pessimism you be lucky to join a neurotic therapy group. Brandon   

Jealous are we? -- LaRaine of Salt Lake City, UT

After reading the article from the Colorado Journalist, I would say that Colorado is very jealous about Salt Lake having the Olympics. He is very jealous that he is not covering the Ski Olympics in Colorado. For whatever reason that Salt Lake got the opportunity to host the Olympics, all is going well, the traffic is fine, crowds are very well controlled, people are having fun and learning alot. One person remarked about how could the Newspaper Editor let this article print...it is because they are jealous of the well-favored publicity and great feedback that we are getting from everyone here. People are checking out the Salt Lake Ski Resorts and all instead of being in Colorado. What I am wondering....are Colorado attractions, especially the ski resorts, losing money?   

Flame? -- William of Logan, UT

Newspaper boy doesn't even have the games slogan right.  

Woody (Woodhead) Paige -- Clark of Salt Lake City, UT

I can't believe that the Denver Post would actually employ a woodhead like Woody Paige. I wonder who he bribed and continues to bribe to work for the Post. Perhaps he should have bribed someone to pay for his education too, since it is obvious he is uneducated. He sounds like a frustrated comedian; you know the type--one who thinks he's funny, laughs at his own jokes and bores the hell out of everyone even if they have had several beers. What a classic woodhead! Ignorant and arrogant! It's amazing how the two always go together.  

SCATHING WORDS -- ADRIAN of WEST VALLEY, UT

What an irresponsible, obnoxious twit. As I recall Denver is the only city to get an Olympic bid and then turn it down. Obviously this writer represents a city that couldent even begin to host an international event. It is aparrant that someone is worried about losing tourist dollars or the article would never have been written. This man should be ashamed, and we should pity such paranoia. We should also be glad that few people in denver are as foolish as this man.  

bob costas -- Karen of West Jorda, UT

I believe Bob Costas has displayed an attitude of I am bigger than life, just listen to him comments while he thought his mike was off---poor Katie Couric just sat there smiling while he was demanding very rudely about their next shot. He must feel that his is the chosen one and thus can insult performers, hosts and co-workers and everyone should be grateful he is here. I don't think so...even the mightly fall Bob, hopefully yours will be soon.  

Ltr. Sent To Woody Paige -- K.J. of Salt Lake City, UT

Dear Mr. Paige, Considering the interest your article has generated here in Salt Lake City, I expected to read a sophisticated, barbed, articulate column. Instead, it read much like the rough draft, beginner's writing I recall when I taught Journalism. I can't imagine your writing was a ploy for increased readership because the sophomorisms are such turn-offs, it's an embarassment to the Denver Post. If you decide to write something "anti," please at least do it with some sort of elegance and accuracy. Sincerely, K.J.  

Great Games -- Stephen of Ogden, UT

Having followed the unfolding of Utah's march towards these games since they were announced as the host in 1995, I can only conclude that everyone involved should be congratulated. I must admit I did not always feel this way, listening to the controversy over the years led me to fear that maybe Utah would fall short in the eyes of the world. All of my anxiety melted away as I watched the opening ceremony. In every thing I have seen, Utah has risen to the occasion. No everything is not perfect, but considering the magnitude of the task - it doesn't get much better than this. Having read the Post article, I was struck that the reporter attacked so much more than the Olympic preparations. He seems to have a hatred eating away at him that goes far deeper than his outrage over a perceived bumbling of the Olympics. I feel sorry for him.   

Denver Post -- Treva of Tremonton, UT

The writer for the Denver Post appears to be a little bit "jealous" over the fact that SLC was awarded the Olympics and not Colorado. It is one thing to write a column based on facts but this guy didn't have all the facts straight. As with any Olympics in any city or country they always base it on that area's culture. I think SLOC did a fantastic job. What city/country has Olympics that are 100% perfect? There will always be some kind of a glitch and some reporter or visitor that will complain and critcize,yet do you see them doing any volunteering or working to improve the situation? No! I personally have not had to opportunity to be in SLC during the Olympics but from what I can tell it is GREAT!  

Denver will never be the same -- Chuck of Springville, UT

My Page just did more to harm Denver and its newsprint than his ill-informed words will ever hurt Utah. Outside of his circle of bigots his reputation is and will remain: an unprofessional hack who doesn't know how to handle his own jealousy. Exaggeration, innuendo, and downright dishonesty always accompany such pathetic whining.  

"Tolerant" media? -- Lisa of Springville, UT

I attended the ski jumping competition yesterday and did walk the 'gold medal mile" but by no means was I forced to do it. My two kids thought it would be fun to have a gold pin souvenir from the experiece, and I thought it was just a fun, clever way to make the journey to the venue less conjested and upbeat. There weren,t even lines for the shuttles-any walker could have easiy chosen to ride one. There were plenty of shuttles available (the majority of which were from Denver, by the way). That is just one of the lies from the article by Mr Paige that I can dispute. I have never seen or heard such a display of sour grapes, ignorance and prejudice from a so-called professional journalist in my life. In this age of tolerance, and PC, why is it still alright to bash Mormons? It seems like the media's "tolerance" of others' beliefs and lifestyles stops short when it comes to Mormon beliefs and moral codes which include many virtues that have been praised in others, especially since Sept. 11.  

Woody Page massacre of Utah -- Sigrun of Payson, UT

No one should get away with telling lies like he did. I was born in Germany, lived in Austria for 17 years, also in Switzerland, and have lived in the USA since 1958. I visit Austria at least once a year. Our family has lived in many parts of the United States, including Littleton, Colorado. We have found that no place is perfect, but we don't go around telling lies about the culture, religion, or the people. When you visit another city, you are a guest. If you don't like it, go home and keep your mouth shut. If you have nothing good to say, don't say it. But to lie like he did about the Mormon marketing scheme is ridiculous. Nothing close to what he's talking about, has occured in SLC. I love it in Utah, where one can eat a meal without having smoke blown into your face, where people don't drink all the time and stagger around most evenings and where a lot of people use clean language. I'm here to stay. Sigrun  

"Scathing Words" -- Jim of Orem, UT

Absolute bigotry! It's now obvious why the Mormons were beat, killed, mobbed, tarred and feathered, and driven west for their RELIGIOUS beliefs. The author is a complete bigot and shows journalism at its worst. I'm ashamed for the Denver Post!  

Denver Post article -- Ryan of Sandy, UT

I think Mr. Paige has done more damage then good for the Colorado ski industry. I don't think I would ever want to go there now. It is also unfortunate that organizations such as the Denver Post have to hire such ignorant people (as Mr. Paige) to tarnish their company's image.  

Mr. Paige's Comments -- Bill of Layton, UT

Based on Mr. Paige's Article, it would seem his first name refers to the composition of his head.  

Nobody likes Paige, even in Denver! -- Jason of Berthoud, CO

Concerning the stir that Mr. Woodrow 'Woody' Paige managed to create with his Denver Post column about the Salt Lake Olympics: nobody in Denver pays attention to what Woody says, so neither should folks who live a whole state away. Woody regularly manages to publicly offend pretty much everyone, even his own family members. This is his 'modus operandi', kind of like the entertainment industry uses sex and violence. So you don't have to like it, but certainly don't take it personally. That's just what he wants! So far these games have been incredible and will continue to be more than what most had expected. So sit back and enjoy, in spite of Mr. Woody 'I can't write so I'll just be obtuse' Paige.   

Denver Post and Woody Paige -- Scott of Provo, UT

My first reaction was to go on the attack, but instead of launching an attack, I offer my sympathy and condolences to the Denver Post and the Citizens of Colorado for having to be represented by an individual like Woody Paige. Is he the best that Colorado has to offer? He would do much better reporting sports in Afghanistan, while standing on a tall mountain in a new SUV.  

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