The Olympics: I'm glad they exist

Yeah, I was (and am!) worried and alarmed by Rio's pollution, crime and other problems—and no, I wasn't at all sure Bazil should be hosting the games. They are costly and a burden for any city/nation. BUT....But. I watched the opening ceremonies and, once again, I found myself grateful the the Olympics exist. Wars continue, terrorism, bitterness between nations, dictatorships, etc...Yet every four years (two if we count Winter Olympics), you can see this parade of nations and get a glimpse of the world in miniature.

And you know that these athletes, laughing and dancing and taking pictures, will live together, and get to know each other, they'll make friends, maybe even fall in love, and give each other gifts. Whatever the differences in race, culture, religion or gender, they'll get to know their competitors as people. It makes me feel like maybe the Olympics is working a kind of evolution on the human race; maybe with each Olympics that we watch, and that our athletes compete in, we become more globally minded. If only by tiny increments.

For all their national flags, these athletes, and the countries they represent come together under the Olympic flag (most moving this time were the refugees who walked in under that flag)...the only global flag we really have. When they do, I feel a tad more hopeful for the human race. So, for all their scandals, sometimes unfairness and outrage, insanity and weirdness, I am glad they exist.