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:

Colorado is losing more than it's dignity/ woody-Denver Post -- Thomas of Farmington, UT

That "article"(I use the term loosely) that Woody bribed past his editors, is going alot further than just messages posted on a few sites. I AM a member of the LDS church, and I was fortunate enough to serve a mission for 2 years to the beautiful country of Norway. While I was there, I came in contact with countless people, and made many friends. Through calls and letters, these friendships have thrived. Winter sports is religion of sorts to the Norwegian people. The Salt Lake Olympics have brought quite a number of Norwegians to this city. A few of these people are my friends and it was these friends who brought to my attention the crude, racist, bigotted, hateful, and jealous article written by woody. This group of 8 Norwegians promptly canceled their plans to visit and ski the beautiful slopes of Colorado. To my neighbors in CO., this is nothing that you did. This can be contributed to the "fine" writings of woody. So my friends will now spend their money and ski for 11 days around the numerous slopes surrounding the city of Salt Lake. Please let me note that not one of these Norwegians is a member of the LDS church. I am disappointed that they will not be able to experience the great skiing in Colorado. So Woody, it's not only members of the LDS church you offended, it's any sane person that read your article.  

Olympic Articles -- Ray of Bothell, WA

I am origanialy from Utah and living in Washington State. You Should go to seattletimes.com and read some of the bashing they are writing about the Utah games. They thought the opening cerimonies were bad, and there is to much glitter at the award cerimonies. I know that if it was up here they would say they were the best thing ever to happen. I talk to people and the majority are enjoying the games. It is mostly the jounalists.  

Thanks Woody! -- Taylor of Salt Lake City, UT

We should all send Woody Paige a note of thanks for what he has done. There is no such thing as bad publicity. Utahans and Mormons will benefit because of this bone-head's vitriolic diatribe. Smart people that have heard of the fuss will be more inclined to talk to missionaries to find out what things are really like. Skiers, embarassed by Woody's whining will come to ski our snow and line our pockets. I'm sure Colorado ski gurus are as upset about this as any of us are. Mormons are used to being vilified and trod upon by people like Woody. Is he any different from the scruffy mobsters that tortured, harassed and even killed members of the Church 150 years ago because they stood up for what they believed in? Woody, meet Liliburn Boggs. The thing is, people like Woody don't really make a difference. His kind have been trying for years to derail our way of life. By any measure, their efforts have been hugely unsuccessful. The Church is growing phenomonally. Utah has had one of the best economies in the country for years. I think Woody's a little afraid. Anyway, we should all tip our hats and say thanks to our pal Woody for playing it right into our hands.  

Mr. Paige has apologized -- Meredith of Holladay, UT

Woody Paige has apologized, and we should all try to appreciate that. Since we'll never know whether he really meant it or not, it doesn't do any of us any good to keep bashing him like he bashed us. We were all hurt and angry (myself included), but let's forget about the whole thing and move on.  

Valentine Woody -- Rhonny of Murray, UT

Hey Woody can be MY valentine. And he doesn't even have to ask. As far as the apology... it was completely unnecessary. For two reasons: #1 - It was obvious to me from reading his column that he has not been in SLC during the past week, so it had to be humor. Or at least a painfully dysfunctional attempt at humor. #2 - Who gives a crap what he thinks? I don't. I don't know anyone else who does. He can say what he wants. I mean let's be honest here. If he was actually a decent writer he'd be writing for a publication other than the Denver Post. And as far as the apology - with Knight Ridder being the owner of the Denver Post, and the LDS church owning roughly 40% share of that company... could it be that he had to apologize or have the $7.50 an hour he's making as a hack writer cut to $5.00? "Not a coerced apology" my jello-loving-funny-underwear-wearing-dog breakfast-eating-Stepford-Wife-behind!   

Thanks Woody . . . Really! -- Grant of Springville, UT

I haven't been able to read all of Woody's original article, but from the sound of it I'm almost glad he wrote it. I'm sure Woody's friends and neighbors will be thanking him if more of Colorado's fields and hillsides disappear to sprawl instead of ours. I hope everyone enjoys the Olympics, and then goes home.   

Paige Has One Supporter: Costas -- Barry of Salt Lake City, UT

Bob Costas made his "tongue-in-cheek" comments, upsetting several people. But then along comes Woody Paige and his "foot-in-mouth" ramblings as if in a "one upsmanship" effort. Suddenly, Costas appears as a sensitive diplomat in comparison. I'm sure Costas is Woody's Valentine today.   

That Wasn't So..... -- Pam of Salt Lake City, UT

Well, perhaps this story wasn't so untruthful afterall. Did anyone stop to think that some of it may be true? For those that were born and raised in Utah and never stepped foot outside the state will naturally find the story revolting and in bad taste. For those that are open-minded and have experienced some culture didn't find it to be in bad taste. Wake up UTAH!!! I think the apology went way over board.  

Denver Post "Woody" -- Ron of Spanish Fork, UT

Denver Post, Being a resident of the State of Utah, I am appalled after reading the article by an employee of the Denver Post. I did not think much of it on the evening news, until talking to fellow Utahans. I had to read it for myself, but your agency had taken it off the Denver Post website. It seems to me that those that published this article did not want anymore, “bad” press. I finally found it from another media source in Denver. I understand that our country has the freedom of speech. Nevertheless, after the tragedy of September 11 we the great nation of the United States should be just that "United". We are still in the stages of trying to heal and become as one. I have relatives from many states in this country, including Denver, Colorado, and all have said how proud they are of Utah, the Olympics, and our great country. The Olympics are fabulous. In addition, to be able to sponsor them here in the United States of America is truly a great experience for the entire western region. My wife has worked in the newspaper industry for most of her adult life. Everyone at the local newspaper is extremely upset with Woody Paige. Mr. Paige might as well have hi-jacked a plane, flew it into one of our Venue Cities, then write about how terrible our State is! The harm to our great State, our tourism, our Church, and our people is intolerable. In a time of healing, it is hard to have a neighboring state inflict such wounds to us. I believe that Mr. Paige made some bad choices in writing his article. I also believe that the Denver Post should be prepared for the consequences of allowing this to go to press. Would we take a simple "I'm sorry, be my Valentine" from Osama? I would say no! Woody Paige should be incapable to harm anyone again, at least not from his current position in your newspaper. Maybe Woody could be trusted to work delivering papers on the street corner.   

What a sincere apology Woody! -- Jordan of Logan, UT

It's quite obvious Mr. Paige is not sincere about his apology. He was probably forced by his editors to issue a public apology to save his carcass. In my opinion The Denver Post encouraged him to write that garbage so he could stir up the #@$! pot and get some much needed exposure for their newspaper. How many times has his article and the Denver Post been mentioned in the last 24 hours? It's all about selling newspapers and making $. The best thing the public could do is ignore the ignorant man and move on.  

Woody & Bill Maher are fools! -- M of AF, UT

If you loved what ol' crack pot Woody had to say, you better go to ABC.com and find the "Politically Incorrect" archive from Feb 8th... Let's just say that Bill and his guests had a hay-day ripping on Mormons; "magic underwear", "Joe Smiths magical powers", sex driven "mormon polygamists", and much, much more! I recommend we all send an e-mail demanding his termination, too. Oh, and as for claiming "ignorance" as a justifiable reason to spread lies and later sarchastically say "oops, sorry" doesn't cut it. Ignorance is the result of "ignoring" what is really there.  

Just the opposite, Mr. Paige! -- Elisa of Chicago, IL

I live in Chicago, and have been watching the Olympics via my comfy couch. I think that SLC has done a fantastic job of portraying itself to the world as a great place to visit/live. SLC has thrown quite a party for the world! Way to go! I have been so impressed with all that I have seen (on the TV), and found it to be quite the opposite of Mr Paiges article. As an American citizen, I am embarrassed! As I said in my protest email to Mr. Paige, "Please do not ruin OUR games by your un-educated, hurtful, slanderous, bigot remarks. These games are for the world, and is helping us all heal." Way to go, SLC, you have showed the world that you are just the opposite of Mr. Paiges remarks! Thanks for a wonderful experience! I am going to take one of the previous posts advice and send Mr. Paige some jello from Chicago!   

The Woody Way -- Paul of Provo, UT

Here's another classic example of a newspaper that needs more attention drawn to themselves. The easiest way to sell anything nowadays is to look for the worst in any situation and plaster it up for everyone else to see. Money is the only thing that is talking to the editors of the Denver Post, and I believe they could care less about the consequences, other than creating more reader interest and filling their pockets with the green stuff. The apology was a pathetic one at best, and was probably created to avoid any kind of legal action. I am just sad to see that people will go to such great lengths to show how shallow they are. Well Woody and the Denver Post editors, I hope you find great happiness in the attention you have received and the money that will flow into your pockets. Seems pretty meaningless to me. P.S. I love America, God bless our men and women in the Military!!   

Apology? -- Claude of Provo, UT

I feel truly sorry for Woody Paige. His knee-jerk piece is evidence of a consuming canker deep in the soul. And as for the apology -- I can recognize humor when, and IF, I see it.  

He Apologized!! -- GC of Eagle Mountain, UT

He apologized. Whether or not it is sincere, it is not our place to judge. We all know he is an hole, but don't fall to his level. Accept his apology and move on.  

Denver Post - The new tabloid? -- Mike of Sandy, UT

Here's a link to an article by Mark Kinzla that's as bad as the one from Woody Paige. It's directed at the Canadian pairs skaters and the controversy. It appears to me that the columnists for the Sports at the Denver Post are all rejects from the tabloids? http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1002,118%257E400819,00.html  

Our Response to Woody -- Kurt of West Jordan, UT

I read the article Woody wrote and like many disagreed with many of his inaccuracies. However, I have been surprised by the number of equally mean-spirited responses I have read here at this site regarding Woody Paige. It sure doesn't speak well of everyone who has responded to Woody Paige with insults. Disagree with him fine but have enough self respect to respond with facts not rude comments.   

The Way We View SLC -- Adam of Denver, CO

Salt Lake City is an awesome place. It's beauty, people and community compliment it's hosting of the winter games. However, you must understand how the rest of the world views Utah. Utah is a very conservative, Republican state that bases it's governing, including legislative law on it's very popular mormon culture. I was in SLC last summer. I could not believe that the state runs the liquor stores. I had a hard time with the whole getting a "sponsor" for a drink-thing. Outside people feel almost controlled by Utah's very strict and very conservative structure. It's not a secret that Utah prides itself on family values and culture. However, it's almost over board with "purity". I mean, it's almost "Steford-like". It is uncomfortable. And let's face it, the LDS faith strives very hard to convert new members. Regardless, the writer at the Denver Post had no right to bash Utah as he did. You guys are doing a great job with the Olympics and an awesome job at representing the USA.   

To Toni of Magna -- Kathy of Salt Lake City, UT

Please move back to whatever rock you crawled out from under and do the whole state of Utah a favor.  

Now we know. -- Dan of SLC, UT

There are newspapers and there are tabloids. What category should the Denver Post be placed in? Well if a 'journalist' like Woody is on their payroll and they actually print/publish his style of writing...it's obvious to me which category they fit in.  

Freedom of speech! -- Diane of Ogden, UT

Yes Ed, from Sandy, we do have freedom of speech. And I am going to excerise mine by telling you I think that you should move to Denver. It sounds like you belong there. If the majority of the people feel the same way that Woody does in that state. For those of you who don't, just realize that this does not include you. And I am sorry for wishing to send such a bigoted person to your state. Just because we have freedom of speech does not mean that it will not offend anyone. And it also does not mean that we should not say so! So please, if you think that the comments made by woody are true, then maybe we would ask you to leave. You don't belong here. We are a friendly and caring people whether we be mormon or not!  

gee wiz! -- Rex of Salt Lake City, UT

if you are going to apologize, you could at least be sincere. And yes, all of my wives agree. We discussed it at great lengths last night sitting around in our funny underwear, eating Jell-O and reviewing all of the new church literature we collected on the streets. Hail the Salamander!  

Editors wanted Woody to write the article! -- Jackson of Marshall, MN

There's no doubt the editors at the Denver Post wanted Woody to write that garbage. Controversy sells newspapers. How many times did people hear "The Denver Post" yesterday? They probably had a record day in sales. It's easy for editors to say they're sorry and the article "never should have been printed" after the controversial article has led to more exposure and attention.  

Woody and the 1st amendment -- Isaac of Saratoga Springs, UT

TO ALL THOSE DEFENDING WOODY, AND WONDERING WHAT HAPPENED TO THE 1ST AMENDMENT: EVERY response by EVERY offended person is also protected under the 1st amendment. It's baffling to me to see some of you ask where the 1st amendment went on a *public* board. I respect Woody's right to freedom of speech. I also respect his right to be overpaid. I would really respect his right to collect unemployment. And that's my wonderful right to feel that way. God Bless America. The Denver Post was, politically speaking, stupid to allow that article to be posted. Anyone who feels an apology wasn't necessary is just as stupid. Liberty isn't necessarily license, although the two get confused quite often. In other words: If Woody (yes, even *Woody*) knew it was stupid, and needed a sincere apology, why are some of you still trying to defend what he said. Yes, by all means, defend his right to say it, but don't defend *what* he said. Please- You're smart enough to type on a keyboard and put a response out. Be smart enough to separate the right to speak from the content of a speech. Pass the Lime Jello- I like mine with carrots.  

How embarrassing! -- Trev of Denver, CO

Aside from the embarrassment of this article, how could something like this have been printed in the first place? You mean to tell me that someone working at a newspaper can just write belligerent articles like this and no one edits their content? Hummm... Sounds like the problem is more that just Woody. I wonder if he will just get to make his apology and move on or if he will be dragged to the guillotine and hung like most are in humiliating situations like this.  

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