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:

Woody's Sad Story -- Scott of Logan, UT

Woody Paige has a serious problem. The only way he has found to make himself known and and to bring value to his paper is through slander and mud slinging. I have a number of friends in the Denver area. I have always enjoyed staying with them and have enjoyed my trips there. But he has soured my feelings towards him and his paper. I understand he did the same thing to Calgary a few years ago. If this is all he has to do to sell papers or bring himself notariety then he is truly a sorry individual. Woody, I suggest you get some help. A little religion would probably help you as well. I hope you don't have many children or grandchildren because you are leaving them a very sorry picture of yourself.  

Don't think we're all like Woody! -- Jaris of Evans, CO

I am a resident of Colorado and I attended the Olympic games. My wife and I had a GREAT TIME while we were in Utah. We were very impressed with our experience at each of the events we attended. Traffic was smooth, people were friendly, the events were well organized, and the atmosphere was great. The only complaint I have is that I wasn't able to spend more time there. We were appalled to hear of the garbage that Woody Paige wrote in his article in the Denver Post about Utah and the games. How embarrassing it is for Denver to have someone like this representing our city! People of Utah, please do not assume that just because Woody Paige of the Denver Post is a jealous bigot, we are all that way. We are glad to live in Colorado - it is a beautiful place, but so is Salt Lake City, and truth be told - there are idiots in both places! We always have had a great time visiting Utah, and will continue to do so, in spite of some guy's ignorant opinion.  

Was It the Inversion? -- Kathy of Orem, UT

My, oh my--when all the stink and "guck" blew out the other day, I thought it was simply a break in the inversion. I was wrong! Looks like the stink and "guck" dissipated when Woody left town. That about says it all, doesn't it?  

Beating of September not enough -- Lani of Orem, UT

Its apparent that the beating the United States took on September 11 is not enough. We need one more person out there to give the world more reason to beat on the United States and this is it. We have found that apparently religion is too much in the Olympics. We have found that uniting as a country to encourage peace and unity is not going to work. We have found that even though the Olympics are in Salt Lake City that even still yet after all the prosecution the United States have been through and Utah for religion alone it is not enough and we must keep finding things and reasons that will make it okay for us to slam on each other. Yes Mr. Paige has freedom of speech...yes we have the freedom to choose what to listen to....as do all the visitors and non-visitors to Utah have as well.....but at the same time do you think that everything this country is gone through is okay for us to make comments like this after we are told from President Bush to be one people and stand together. What does this show to the people of the worl if we are against each other....that we are week and can't stand together for even a short while. We need to show these people that even though the world is against the United States and even though we are not for someone else's religion that we can put that behind us and stand together as the United States. We shouldn't be saying, let alone printing an article like this at all, this shows weakness to the world. We need to stand together and think about what we want to say and want the world to know about our country. There are good and bad things, but would you rather be living in a different country where we dont have the right speak our minds, or choose our own religion? The United Staes of America is a WONDERFUL place to live and I love this place......but that is exactly what it is and what we need to be....the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. I dont condone what Mr. Paige wrote nor do I condone some of the comments written about Mr. Paige and towards Mr. Paige. He is an american as you and I and we have the same rights. Lets just think about what we do and say. Some of us have more power than others to express the feelings and oppinions of a select few. But we just need to think about what we are saying and showing to the world when we do things like this and say things like this. I love the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND WOULD NOT CHOOSE TO LIVE ANYWHERE ELSE. This is the land of the free and home of the brave. Lets make it be what it is and show the world that we are united and stand together AGAINST things of this nature. Lani M. Orem, Utah  

Your Momma -- Dan of Salt Lake, UT

I have only one thing to say, your momma!  

Spirit of the Olympics -- Steve of Taylorsville, UT

I've been a big fan of the olympics all my life, and to have the olympics in your own back yard is something special. I saw the first medal awarded at the 19th olympiad, it was awesome. I went downtown and seeing the work they've done makes me proud to be an American. The only dissapointing thing about these games is the Canadians were robbed of a gold medal.  

funny? -- Caryl of Orem, UT

Actually I found his article quite laughable. I think he wants to be the Dave Barry of Denver. Maybe Dave could give him a few hints on being funny without being laughable. There is a difference!  

Woody got (some of it) it right! -- Greg of Murray, UT

Hate to say it guys, but some of what Woody wrote is true. While I thoroughly disagreed with what he wrote regarding the Mormons, and agree that it was inappropriate, other points were absolutely true! Utah beer isn't that great! Our liquor laws are restrictive and confusing to visitors. We have a propensity for Jell-o, and he was dead-on with the traffic situation. Keep in mind, I'm not referring to the Olympics (traffic has been surprisingly light) but in general, Utah just can't get it right. Been down to the South Towne Exposition Center lately? You have to park at the mall, almost a mile away. What a joke. All in all, however, I feel like the State of Utah has done a fantastic job in hosting the Olympics, it's just the rest of our "little quirks" we need to take a closer look at.  

an extended visit might be nice before expressing one's opinio -- Brandon of Holladay, UT

Mr. Paige: After reading your column on Tuesday, I was utterly appalled at its biased content. It was blindingly obvious to me that you have not visited Utah during the Olympics or even travelled to Salt Lake City in recent times. No, LDS members are not passing out leaflets on every corner. I have seen two other denominations touting their faith Downtown, but I have yet to see the Mormons proclaiming their faith with megaphones, let alone religious tracts, on every street. Surely, if you walk through Temple Square a missionary may approach you to ask if you need assistance, but don't expect them to baptize you on the spot. Oh, I suppose you may have been here to follow your Nuggets as they have played the Jazz in the past, but your column on Tuesday reflects an attitude of extreme irresponsibility, not to mention journalistic oversight on the part of your editors to allow such an offensive column to be released in the Denver Post ( I see it has since been removed). Granted, I recognize it is your duty to sell papers by voicing a controversial opinion, but to lace a column with such inflammatory comments toward the LDS faith and the citizens of Utah gave the paper, your editor, and yourself a huge black eye. Never before have I read such an example of yellow journalism. Within your article, you capitalize on every stereotype of Utahns and the dominant religion here. I respect your right to express your opinion in the confines of your column (it is your First Amendment right) but you cross the line of decency with your comments regarding "weird underwear." What struck me most about your article and viewpoints was your outright insensitivity. I consider that to be very unprofessional in any pursuit, let alone one in which you can influence many readers with your negative diatribe. I speak as a minority in the area as I don't claim affiliation with the dominant religion here. As a former Georgia resident, It is inconceivable to me though that this type of article would be tolerated in the south where Southern Baptists are prevalent and I believe the LDS faith should be afforded the same amount of respect. Next time, before you write an obviously "loaded" column (has it been collecting dust on your hard drive since SLC won the bid?) you should probably do your homework, leave the stereotypes to Writing 101 students, and venture outside your protected cubicle and see what all the fuss is about - You may be surprised, "Utah is a pretty great state!" Thanks, Brandon   

WOODY'S ROUNDUP -- Gary of South Jordan, UT

Doug, I find the most sincere form of apology is that from someone who is told by their boss (or mommy) to say "sorry". Hey Woody! SCOREBOARD, we got the games, you get the leftover snow we don't want.  

Thanks! -- Louise of Layton, UT

Thanks for the opportunity to forgive again!  

Gordon -- Gordon of Lehi, UT

A copy of his original column can be found at www.users.qwest.net/~gordonc  

who cares what they think -- Gary of Kamas, UT

I for one feel secure enough about my religion and the great state we live in to simply blow off any negative comment targeting The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints or the state of Utah. I grew up a native of Park City and now live in Kamas, Ut. Every morning I wake up look out my window towards the beautiful Uinta Mts. and feel thankful and content to live where I do. I have never desired to live anywhere else even having traveled much of the United States and throughout the world. Utah is a hidden treasure, a diamond in the rough, and I for one would selfishly just as soon keep it that way.  

Woody wouldnt know -- Shaun of Ogden, UT

Following is the editorial I penned for the Denver Post. Bet they won't publish it:... Woody wouldn't know a Book of Mormon if it slapped him. And perhaps it should. Those people standing on street corners handing out 'literature', are ANTI-mormons handing out ANTI-mormon literature. There is no Mormon proselyting occurring at these games, and even if there was, Mormon's don't stand on street corners handing out 'literature'. After all the hubballoo created by Woody's article, I was interested in hearing his reaction and 'apology' on television last night. I didn't hear a patronizing word he said, however his demeanor and appearance spoke volumes. THIS is the man we are upset about? This over-the-hill self-centered alcoholic? This pathetic man who has been divorced numerous times and spends his evenings sitting in bars hoping to get lucky? I hope the Denver Post allows Woody to keep his job, because he needs the funds to support his vices. I'd hate to see him become yet another burden on society as an unemployed alcoholic. Actually, Woody. I don't know if my portrayal of you is correct. But if you're after first impressions, then you just got mine. Accurate or not, it's now in print. Maybe not in publication for millions, but that's the first impression YOU give. Kinda sad to know you'll live the rest of your life having given national television that impression of you, huh? Just like the lousy impression you gave your readers of the Salt Lake Olympic games...despite the praise it has rendered from countless other journalists and athletes. How about spending time to LEARN about what you're writing about, rather than penning an article about something you obviously know nothing about? Sorry. I know the answer to that. Right or wrong on my previous assessment, one thing is certain. You're a lazy journalist. You're lucky you're employed. Throw back another bud and drown your sorrows.   

Aaron of Draper -- Gordon of Lehi, UT

I'f you'd like to move to Colorado and join Woody's pity party I'm sure we could find quite a few volunteers to help you load your moving van. Were you supposing that tickets for the events should be held to a nice affordable price just for you? Ever hear of Supply and Demand or did you skip school that day? If you've nothing to do but complain, please spend some time outside of this state. Try moving to a dry county in the South where Prohibition is alive and well. Or you could move to Los Angeles and enjoy the nice safe neighborhoods. Move away, or grow up. Please.  

Woody: Denver Didn't Get the Olympics - Get Over It! -- Barry of Salt Lake City, UT

Perhaps the article written by Woody Paige is one last feeble attempt to slam Salt Lake because Denver did not get the bid. Perhaps Denver could develop some international games in the new Denver International Airport. Changing Planes - now there's an olympic event. And why did Salt Lake get the games? Perhaps one reason is that we have a friendly, supportive community. And maybe it's because we don't have journalists who make names for themselves by trouncing the efforts and successes of other people. Oh yeah, I believe we have "the Greatest Snow on Earth!"   

Uninformed -- Kevin of Ogden, UT

One of the greatest freedoms of this nation is our ability to speak freely. Mr. Paige is allowed that freedom the same as all of us. Along with freedom of speech is our freedom to be his audience or not to be his audience. For those of us (including myself) that disagree with the article and know that many statements within Mr. Paige's comments are unsubstantiated, we must show him and the Denver Post that we are not their audience. Don't e-mail them, don't buy the paper, don't give the article any more attention. They love (and get paid for) the attention. The only way to make the Post realize that this type of writing is unacceptable to us is by reducing their client (subscriber/advertising) base. Less readers, less advertising dollars. Censuring (not censoring) is the silent revolt.   

I'm glad Paige said it -- Alan Jay of Draper, UT

Mr. Paiges derogatory comments speak more to the type of person he is and about those who harbor him (The Post) than what kind of city Salt Lake is or what kind of Olympic experience we all are having.  

Healing the wounds -- Steve of Evanston, WY

Utah has done a great job with the olympics. Im proud to see them put on the best, most exciting winter olympics ever. What a wonderful healing experiance to see our representatives perform so well. Im sure the terrorists are watching the olympics and seeing the atheletes (not the judges) of world excell and rejoice, with such Honor and grace, And Im sure they know they failed in bringing us Down.   

Denver Editors Passed On Paige's Column -- Jay of Provo, UT

The article in the Denver paper had to pass by at least two editing levels. Apparently Paige is not alone in his opinion.  

You Bitter Little Man... -- Shaun of American Fork, UT

Emphasis on the Little and I wonder about the man part. You are acting like a spoiled kid, Mr.Paige. Ignorance is bliss, isn't it? You need to get your facts straight before you blast off like you did in your article. Just because you are a journalist doesn't mean you are all knowing. Even though the majority of your field think that way. Have you even walked down the streets of Salt Lake? Are you sure it's the Mormons that are handing out literature? Have you actually talked to people who have visited here? What is wrong with the LDS President holding the torch? He is a prominent member of the community. Are you equally biggoted against the other ministers from other churches who carried the torch or just against Mormons. I guarentee that if the Olympics were held in Italy the Pope would take a turn holding the torch. At least, he would be asked to. And rightfully so. And what kind of weirdo are you to talk about people's underwear? Who cares about what's under their ski suits. It's too bad that Salt Lake isn't as perfect as Denver. I am quite sure there has never been a shortage in transportation nor a traffic jam there in your wonderful city. The traffic jam you refer to with Mit Romney directing traffic was actually caused by an accident, not poor planning. His leadership inspires unlike your lack of leadership. Maybe you should take a chapter from the Olympians book and not be such a poor loser. (emphasis on the loser)   

Woody Apologizes -- Dennis of Grantsville, UT

My home state and religious faith have been subjected to many an undeserved diatribe and vitriolic attack over the years. To my knowledge Woody Paige is the only one belittling things I hold sacred who ever issued a public apology. I was glad to see that. I accept his apology for the insults that offended me personally, but am still bewildered to know that he thought his article was at all funny. I hope that he learns some thoughtful sensitivity from this episode, or that he learns at least enough self-control to keep to himself his thoroughly uninformed and bigoted thoughts about things that are sacred to others.  

Jello for Woody -- Jello Guru of Orem, UT

Chunga, Mister & Casey from the radio station 107.5 The End have come up with the best idea yet concerning the biget Woody Paige. They are trying to get the word out to send massive amounts of Lime Jello to the Denver Post CO: Mr. Woody Paige! Lets show the managing editor and Mr. Woody that they can't screw with the people of the state of Utah! So, send as many boxes of Lime Jello as you can and if we run the stores out of Lime send them whatever flavor you can find!!! Please, Please, Please send it to: Denver Post C/O: Woody Paige 1560 Broadway Denver, Colorado 80202-1577 Once again show this man that you can't screw with and win! Send him Jello   

Wooden Headed? -- Ann of Provo, UT

Talibans, Khmer Rouge, Nazis? Ignorance and ugly bigotry now has a new name to add to the list. Mr. Paige needs to look inside and ask himself why he would find the text of his comments appropriate or useful. Isn't that what reporters are supposed to hold as their standard? I find his comments no different than the hateful diatribes of the above groups.   

Let them pass out what they want -- Brian of Dallas, TX

I make my living in the marketing world. Although people may not think about it churches have to market themselves because of the competition of other churches out there. What better platform can you market your product/religon than at the world's stage called the Olympics. I think there are some people from Colorado that are jealous of Utah getting the Olypmics and these same people are just trying to pick a fight. If you don't like what's on the radio, change the channel. If you don't like the religion, don't take the literature.  

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Pg. 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |

Add Your Comments About the Olympics >>>