What We Could Learn From Salt Lake City

What We Could Learn from Salt Lake City

"Salt Lake City gave us a couple of dinosaurs named Donny and Marie." Linda Fantin SLC Tribune

I watched the closing ceremonies on television from a military post across the country from Utah. Unfortunately, I missed Donny and Marie's jokes since they weren't broadcast, only catching a small glimpse of them when they were introduced and unmasked. What an honor for Utah to have such talented spokesmen right in their own backyard.
While watching the program, I had an overall feeling of refreshment. The committee did an outstanding job of combining the new with the old, pulling musical talent from the last three decades to combine with former and recent figure-skating stars. It was the perfect metaphor for the Olympics, carrying forward the traditions of the past and sending them into the future. KISS and Harry Connick Jr., both in the same arena, just as Russia and America were both on the same playing field. Spectacular; the essence of the Olympic Spirit.
One of my favorite moments was listening to Willie Nelson sing "Bridge Over Troubled Water"; poignant not only because of America's recent events and how so many countries rushed to our aid and support, but also knowing he had lost one of his oldest friends (Waylon Jennings) recently. It symbolized for me America's strength and endurance, going on despite our losses.
The other was watching Scott Hamilton skate. Another American icon, in my opinion. Despite his personal battles, Scott is ever-smiling, playing more to the crowd than to the judges. Which is what endeared him to us, as Sarah Hughes did with her long-program win over the expected champion. The pure love of what she was doing is what brought her the medal. She wasn't there for the judges; she was there for the enjoyment, for the crowd. This should be a lesson to all of us.
Ms. Fantin stated that Utah must be laughing at itself for having dinosaurs perform and for being "cheesy". I think the rest of America could learn something from Utah. Good, clean entertainment is nothing to be ashamed of. Bon Jovi, far from being just a "1980's pop icon", is proving that by coming back and being as big as they were in the 80's. Imagine, they use their talent and intelligence to perform good quality music with lyrics you're not afraid for your kids to hear. No gimmicks. No standing on the Olympic Stage and playing with themselves. It's not necessary, because they have real talent and have worked hard, just like the athletes they were entertaining.
Every Olympics, I suppose, has its moments they would like people to forget. For Salt Lake City, it will be the questionable judging, and Christina Aguilera. I was embarrassed for Salt Lake and our country for having her on stage dressed like a street-walker and rubbing against the male dancers. I suppose they never thought about handing out a dress code or rules of appropriate public behavior. Completely forgivable on the part of the committee who shouldn't have had to remind their guests that they were representing their country, not so much on Aguilera’s for thinking more of herself than of her fellow countrymen who found it degrading. At least, we should have all found it degrading.
Overall, the closing ceremonies were a perfect reflection of the 2002 Winter Olympics; nearly flawless and highly inspiring. I will remember watching the US Army Specialist and her teammate - who refused to abandon her for a better chance at winning - run and slide their way to a gold medal, coming up from the second string. This is the Olympic Spirit.
Salt Lake City, as well as America, has much to be proud of, including their dinosaurs.

March 4, 2002