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 is has Lost it -- Bill of Clinton, UT

Woody, I am writing in response to the editorial on the Utah Winter Olympics and how Salt Lake City and the Church of The Latter Day Whatevers have so ruined or destroyed the Olympics. 1. The Salt Lake Winter Games were never won because of bribes they were won by playing the game that was being played to get the games at that time. I believe a Judge from Denver threw out the case against the accused because there was no case. 2. Why is it you are so intrigued about what kind of underwear Utah folks wear? If I was a citizen of Colorado I would be concerned for children to know that there is an old man talking about what kind of underwear people wear. 3. Why is it our fault that your employer rented you an ice fishing shanty for you to stay in while you were here during the games. As far as the soap and towel I do not know of anything that would clean such a foul person such as your self. Usually the shanty's are not hooked up to power or phone lines. Is there anyway I can talk you into pulling your shanty onto a thinner part of the ice and maybe do us all a favor and fall in. 4. About the liquor laws you state that Texas is a foreign country.Well I do not know where you have been in your history class, maybe being the old man that you are,you did not have history when you went to school. Texas has been a State of the Union for over a hundred years. If I was a Texan I would be upset that you still think we belong to Mexico. 5. If you do not like our liquor laws you can go back to where you came from and drink to your hearts content. You were invited here by the good people of Utah and you will have to obey the laws or go to Jail. Of course as I mention above in number #2 maybe that is where you need to be since you like talking about what kind of underwear other folks wear. 6. What is wrong with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir? This is a World renowned choir and is a part of the culture where the Olympics are being held. I am surprised that as dumb as your article is that you did not talk bad about the Flag from the world trade tower tragedy being shown with pride at the opening ceremonies. 7. Mormon presence dominates, this is no different than the Omish in PA. or the different Christian faiths that are so strongly rooted in the Bible Belt. This presence goes back to those who founded the area. So it would follow suit that the ground work for the area be based on those who founded it. What does the carrying the torch by the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints have to do with destroying the Olympics? These people who you talk about in your article are great people. They have done many things to help when tradgedy strikes in this Country and through out the World. They are good men and respected community leaders who have met with Presidents and Heads of state in many other countries. Much like Martin Luther King and Jesse Jackson. Would you also object to these great men carrying the torch? 8. The 10% climb to the venue. I am pretty sure at your age you could of never made it to the top which would have accomplished a couple of things if you had tried. 1- There would of been a pin to give someone who would of appreciated the Sprit of the Olympics. 2- It would of allowed our emergency personal to put there expertise to work on trying to save you from a Heart Attack which you would of complained about if they would of been successful. 9. I remember that the City of Denver winning the bid but then deciding to back out and give them back (Wimps). They did not want to be a part of it for fear they may have to be put under the microscope or some dumb excuse. 10. Which is it Woody, they are stuffing the Church information in peoples faces or is it on tables for visitors to look at and take if they want? I went to a Venue in down town Provo and saw none of what you are talking about. 11. I am almost positive that someone from SLOC planned on having the Austrian's sit on a bus for 3 hours and miss supporting their own Country. Now of course with your IQ that I have spoken about earlier I can see how you would think this was planned ahead of time. It was all a carefully planned conspiracy. 12. America should never get another Olympics because we can never get the traffic and transportation thing right. Well maybe if folks like you had stayed away this would have diminished some of the traffic problem. 13. I thought for just a second when I saw your picture that I was looking at a donkey's derriere but came to realize it was just another synical mean-spirited person who can't stand the fact that Utah did a great job and that the majority of people were having a good time. 14. From all that I have read and experienced, the things being said about the Olympics is very positive. Some 3.5 billion people in the world saw the opening ceremonies the most watched TV event in History. And even a mean spirited person such as yourself has to admiti that it was spectacular! 15. . You can't wait to get out of here.? Well as I say "Don't let the door hit ya where the Lord Split Ya"! And with you gone...that just leaves more green jello for the rest of us! Woody, maybe next time you will think before you w   

Woody apology -- Mary Anne of Orem, UT

I find the headline, "Upon Reflection, Utah, All Apologies Offered," very telling. I was taught to "think before I speak." I would imagine that a "professional" journalist would have been taught to reflect before writing, not after publishing. All that aside, apology accepted.  

Denver Post, Mr. Page's apology -- Kim of Taylorsville, UT

He obviously has no idea about what is going on here in Utah. Perhaps he should visit some time. I am NOT Mormon, nor am I likely to be. His apology truly missed the mark. His apology dribbled on about remarks toward the Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints and the Mormons. The point he missed is that Salt Lake did not "royally screw up the Olympics." That his article was a lie from one end to the other does not seem to concern him. Denver did not benefit from this. I would suspect, now that his column has made national news, that Denver's image is tarnished in the eyes of sports fans. For this non-Mormon fan, his apology is NOT accepted.  

Woody's column -- Bill of Magna, UT

I think it's a shame when a person gets raked over the coals for expressing his or her opinion in this country. What happened to freedom of expression  

Congrats Utah & Others -- Frank of Sandy, UT

We have given Mr. Paige just what he really wanted and that is a lot of publicity for him and his newspaper. His apology today is pretty empty, but again he got more attention than he ever deserved. The best approach would have been to totaly ignore his clever plan.  

It's True! It's True!!! -- Ken of Golden, CO

Steamboat *DOES* have more bars than Utah!

Seriously, Woody Paige hit the nail on the head for the most part (misconceptions about the LDS Church supplied, no doubt, by Ed Decker). Salt Lake is wholesome -- sheer purgatory for a guy like Woody ... and, truth be told, most of the blue-blooded crowd that actually travels to the Olympics. Somebody should tell the boy that the nearest craps table is *only* 120 miles away.... :)

Utahns should lift their glasses of Ovaltine, and toast poor Woody. (In this politically correct climate, he IS toast.) Take it as a backhanded compliment -- like my old LDS boss did when I told him that it was tough to buy an Xmas present for a man who had no discernable vices....   

Woody -- Ed of Sandy, UT

Oh My Heck, Did Woody offend us in Utah? What happened to his freedom of expression? When was the First Amendment repealed? Could the problem be that some of his comments are too honest for some of us? Keep your apology, Woody, it wasn't necessary!  

the Denver Disease -- Jason of Sherman Oaks, CA

As a former resident of the Denver area, I can say unfortunately that Mr. Paige's comments represent the view of a lot of Denver residents. Of all the places I have lived, (which is a lot) people from this area are the most insecure about their hometown. I guess because Denver has no character they feel the need to insult all the neighboring states. (When you hear Denver, what do you think of? Nothing?) Don't worry Utah, they're just jealous because their little brother has the Olympics and is getting all the attention. Everything I've seen and heard about Salt Lake and the Olympics have been positive. And to all the normal Coloradoans, I'm sorry!  

Wood he take it back ??? -- Tony of American Fork, UT

I bet Mr grummpy pants from Denver is really feeling the heat from his ill tought words that have so many people up in arms. I am one of thousands, if not millions of people who have been delighted with the way Utah and its people have rose to the challenge of hosting the "Winter Games". I forgive easily if I feel the apology is from the heart, but I'm sorry to say the segment that I saw on K.S.L. last night was a last ditch effort to save his bacon from burning in the frying pan.(But who am I to judge?) However, next time maybe he should take a couple of acting lessons before apologizing on the prime time news.   

Underwear? -- JACLYNNE of KAYSVILLE, UT

Thankfully I was not able to read the article. Just been told of the "Highlights". What I want to know is, since when has it been anybody's business what underwear someone wears! (Except Micheal Jordan) Does anyone ask why Fathers from the Catholic Church wear collars? Why Nuns wear Habits? Or any of the other religious things that are worn by others!! And how informed can someone be to think that we still practice Polygamy! He is probably one of the ones that think that we have horns and no belly buttons! We are just people trying to make others feel welcome in our state and from everything that I have heard so far, except for this guy, they are doing a great job of it!! Thanks Utahans  

Olympic News Anchor -- annonymous of HAFB, UT

Tell Bob Costas to go home! He is so arrogant! I find it very hard to watch when he is hosting the Olympic coverage or any other coverage for that fact! Get someone with a real personality! Maybe he should play some kind of sport to really understand sports! He certainly is a total wan-a-be. Please do us all a favor and get someone who's got pizzaz! His snid comments and what not's are not wanted here. Please somebody tell him to get a life or leave. Maybe he should apologize on the air sincerely for his snid remarks. Chow baby.   

Olympic Spirit -- Becky of Hill AFB, UT

I must admitt I did not even think I would hear from all sorts of people how awesom the Olympics are going and how awesom Utah is. I think we should take our hats off to Utah for a fabulous Olympic experience! I just wish the tickets were a whole lot cheeper. Also, I hope everyone around will appreciate our Military support! Without them we wouldn't have a safe place to play. God Bless America and God Bless the World. Thank you Salt Lake City, you should be proud, and of course it goes to show, that Utah Mormons don't need to drink to party and have fun!   

Still The Place! -- Scott of Clinton, UT

Everything concerning the Olympics here in Utah has been nothing short of outstanding. All other countries standing in line for your turn, beware. You have a tough act to follow.  

Effects of the Olympics -- Keith of Layton, UT

The 2002 Olympics have truly been inspiring, so much so, that my daughter took the inspiration of the Opening Ceremonies to heart. The night of the Opening Ceremonies she got her birthday present...a new guinea pig. When Mitt Romney gave his welcome speech she felt compelled to give our family an Olympic remembrance. Now, her new pet is named Mitt. I am sure Mr. Romney will be "honored" to know that we have a lasting legacy of the Games in our homes (at least for a few years). Thank you Mitt, and everyone else who has put on such a fabulous show for the world!  

The View from Atlanta -- Allen of Roswell (Atlanta), GA

This bonehead from Colorado who wrote the article is...well...a bonehead. I fell in love with Utah and the Salt Lake area when I visited there back in 1999. It is a beautiful, special place with nice, wonderful people. And no, I am not Mormon. I wish I could be there for the Olympics, but I am watching on TV. I am so proud of the way Utah and SLC has portrayed our country for the world to see. I cannot think of adequate words to describe how spectacular I thought the opening ceremony was. Way to go Salt Lake City!!! You are ok with this Atlantan. Since my 1999 visit I've often thought about moving out there. Hey KSL, I work in TV here, over 20 years experience, I have several Emmys on the mantel...what do you think?! ;-) All the best to "The Beehive State"!  

TURN THE OTHER CHEEK -- Carol of Provo, UT

As we read in the Bible: Utahans should always "turn the other cheek", and we will, but for Denver Post readers, may we suggest that you turn the Paige??!!  

The Denver Post and there Guidelines -- Joel of Green River, WY

From the Denver Post web page, dont we wish they would follow it??? Joel in Green River Wyoming Maybe the artical on SLC would be different They are responsible The Denver Post Welcome to Your Voice, where you can share your views with other readers. Your Voice is an unmoderated discussion area about sports. Users are expected to act responsibly and avoid personal attacks, slurs and other juvenile behavior. Comments in these discussions are not the responsibility of DenverPost.com, The Denver Post or any affiliated companies and don't reflect the views of those companies.  

Woody Paige...Who? -- Michelle of So. Salt Lake City, UT

Who is he? Why do we care? It is wonderful that everybody has been defending Utah hosting the Olympics. We have done that now. So lets just drop the issue of Woody Paige. By dropping and ignoring it, he loses his power (What little if any he has). We are the winners. He is just jealous. By saying nothing more about it. We are still the winners. Winners with dignity.  

Kick the Mormons out! -- Nels of Pleasan Grove, UT

"Kick those Mormons out!" That would be the headline of Woody's article had he live back in 1800's. Good grief the only damage he can do to this people is with his written words. This guy needs a rude awakening! Fire him Mr. owner of the Denver Post. You don't want to be associated with such an ignorant and hate monger like woody Paige.  

What I Wrote to Woody -- M. of WVC, UT

Woody's witless remarks prompted me to write this to the Denver Post: Woody Paige's misanthropic and bitter denunciation of Salt Lake City and the Winter Olympic Games it is hosting is not really surprising, considering his track record of taking cheap shots at any city not named Denver. What is surprising, however, is the Denver Post's tolerance level for unsubstantiated "journalism" that fosters cheap stereotypes and spews baseless religion-phobic bile. Woody Paige obviously aims for below the waistband because his editor sanctions his "small man" syndrome and does nothing to encourage him to reach a little higher in his writing. Granted, Salt Lake is not a perfect city, but the more reputable news sources have conceded that it's done an admirable job in its efforts to accommodate the world's finest athletes. Perhaps the Denver Post should try doing its part to accommodate the truth? Perhaps Woody Paige should focus on his supposed specialty, sports, and leave the sociological analysis to the pros? Retracting Paige's article and requesting his public apology are decent salves, but a little preventative editing could have saved the Post and its subscribers from this embarrasing bruise in the first place.  

Too bad they don't make sour grapes jello! -- Carolyn of Salt Lake City, UT

I'd send a lifetime supply to Woody...  

Woody Paige Should Be Fired -- James of Taylorsville, UT

Greetings from Utah... My wife and I attended our first Olympic event tonight and we were very pleased with the venue (Kearns Oval - Speed Skating) and with the volunteers. My wife was recently handicapped and we were given alternate seats to accomodate her difficulty. I was very impressed with how hard the volunteers worked to make our short visit a pleasant experience. Imagine my surprise when I watched KSL news tonight and heard about the column Woody Paige wrote that was so negative to Utah. As a resident here, I was shocked and greatly offended by the ignorant comments made by Mr. Paige. Trying to get to the bottom of the story, I visited your paper's web site trying to find his column so that I could read for myself what he said. I couldn't find the column so I can only assume that it has been removed from the site. Smart move! If that is the case, I commend your paper for doing so. You will earn more commendation from my fellow Utah citizens and myself if you remove Mr. Paige as your columnist. His planned apology for Valentine's day is not enough. He should be fired for his ignorant, baseless, and ill-informed comments. His very existence as a columnist for your paper is a slap in the face to all the hard working volunteers for the 2002 Olympics as well as the residents of Utah. A Utah resident for 35 years!   

Woody Paige -- Spence of Logan, UT

Actually, I'm all for negative publicity regarding Utah, whether accurate or not. The last thing we need is to entice MORE people to move here!  

Figure Skating Controversy -- Doug of Orem, UT

Yes, the scoring of Figure Skating is subjective, but it is also fixed. It has been for as long as I can remember. If a skater or pair of skaters go into a performance ranked in world competition in the teens or low 20's, they could skate a perfect performance and only receive a 5.5 at best. If you are in the news as a medal contender, everyone expects you to win, you have some room to work the judges. You land on the outside of the skate instead of the inside, no big deal. You still will get the 5.6 to 5.9 score. Unless you really goof up, you will get a good score because the skating world expects it of you and knows you are capable of it. This brings us back to the lower ranked skaters, no matter how hard they try, even skating an absolutely perfect performance, the judges will brush it off saying "they got lucky", and still not score them based on their performance but based on where they were expected to place. This is why, to this day, it hurts me to watch such a beautiful sport as figure skating. This is my opinion, nothing I have said is based on fact or tabulated results, just memories of past Olympics and World competitions.  

Looks like Mr. Paige came too close to the truth -- Aaron of Draper, UT

Looks like some people here in Utah are hot under the collar because someone had the courage to speak up about what is obvious to anyone objectively looking at the situation. Of course the Mormon Church isn't involved with the Olympics. RIGHT and they also don't control politics here and tell everyone else what they can and can't drink. If these Olympics are FOR the people of Utah, why did so many of them end up on the streets when their rents tripled this month????? How many of us could afford tickets or would have the chance at tickets if we even wanted to attend an event?? Yeah these are Utah's Olympics already.....tell that to our childern who will still be paying the tax bill 20 years from now  

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