Olympic flame: Games have their drawbacks, but they are a sign of hope

The flames are out and the skates, skis and other equipment are put away for another two years.

Well, at least the equipment that will be used for the Olympics.

And now, after two weeks in Sochi, Russia, the Winter Olympics will move on to its next venue in South Korea.

While there are always reasons to critique Olympic efforts -- from ease of access to security to costs -- there remains a kind of innocence that goes along with these gatherings that provides a little hope that some day, the countries of the world will be able to exist as they do in that Olympic village.

If only international relations were that simple.

The Games were worth watching, if not for the incredible athletic prowess of those gathered to compete, then for the joyous celebrations of youngsters just beginning their careers and the touching moments for those who were performing their swan songs.

It is a wonderful example of what can happen when the outside world disappears.

Olympics are expensive -- and not every country benefits from hosting a Games -- but the moments when people of the world share a smile, a cheer or a tear are priceless.

It is a time when we realize we are all people trying to find our way. And that's the first step to peace.

Published in Editorials on February 24, 2014 10:57 AM