Is it wrong for USA Olympians to leverage this honor for their political beliefs?

2016-08-12T18:15:06-04:00

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2016 6:15 PM

2016-08-12T18:15:15-04:00

http://www.vox.com/2016/8/12/12452466/simone-manuel-rio-olympics-swimming-police-brutality?yptr=yahoo

Simone Manuel calls out police brutality after historic Olympic swimming victory

The swimmer speaks out against racial injustice like African-American Olympians of the past.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2016 6:16 PM

2016-08-12T18:16:39-04:00

I don't think so. They leverage it for endorsements.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Aug 12 at 2016 6:39 PM

2016-08-12T18:39:55-04:00

No.

Response by Maj John Bell made Aug 12 at 2016 7:36 PM

2016-08-12T19:36:22-04:00

Celebrity endorsements/opinions don't influence my underwear choice. Why would I care what they think about a political candidate?

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Aug 12 at 2016 7:58 PM

2016-08-12T19:58:04-04:00

Doesn't bother me at all. To each, his/her own.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Aug 12 at 2016 8:58 PM

2016-08-12T20:58:51-04:00

No. Heck, she won.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Aug 12 at 2016 9:21 PM

2016-08-12T21:21:15-04:00

Who doesn't for Capital Gaines? We become better Warriors and Leaders for some Monetary Reward. It would be nice to frame it with a Romantic Notion but that doesn't put food on the table.

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Aug 12 at 2016 9:24 PM

2016-08-12T21:24:06-04:00

You mean like the Muslim Fencer. That tweets lies about Israel?

Response by SFC(P) John McLaughlin made Aug 12 at 2016 9:29 PM

2016-08-12T21:29:30-04:00

Obviously she is completely one sided in her rhetoric. What is she really mad about? Maybe she should get her facts straight before she opens her pie hole. You want to spew your opinion that's fine but you had best know everything about what is going on and quit blaming others for your inept ability to live as a human being!!!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2016 9:46 PM

2016-08-12T21:46:54-04:00

This is why Michael Jordan never discussed politics. He wanted to sell shoes to everybody. The way I see it, that's a swimmer that potentially hurt herself for an endorsement. Swimming is not like football, lightening rods don't sell swimsuits. To quote Waylon, "It may not be right, but it's alright".

Response by CSM Thomas McGarry made Aug 12 at 2016 10:11 PM

2016-08-12T22:11:48-04:00

No-but it's kind of like actors expressing their political views-I'm just surprised how much people value these opinions but to each their own!

Response by PO1 Robert Johnson made Aug 13 at 2016 9:44 AM

2016-08-13T09:44:06-04:00

Politics were never part of the games. This year it seems to have made it's way into every venue and the athletes themselves are the ones bringing it up. In the current games, me have an American in a hijab several. who refuse to salute the flag and a gay couple proposing marriage in the middle of the games. It certainly has been interesting!

Response by CPT Chris Loomis made Aug 13 at 2016 1:18 PM

2016-08-13T13:18:04-04:00

I don't think that Olympic Athletes should voice their political stances or vocalize any promotion. The Olympic Games were never intended to be anything more than a performance of the worlds top athletes.

I know that over the years many American athletes have stated their opinions and it has been impacting in a positive manner. I actually respect that. After all, we Americans lead the world in the Constitutional right to free speech. But, what are the limitations?

Where does the line between good message and embarrassment lay? It's ambiguous. Thus, they should all just keep their mouths shut and focus on their athletics.

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Aug 13 at 2016 2:41 PM

2016-08-13T14:41:02-04:00

This has nothing to do with your question. Do you remember when NFL football players ran on the field with there hands up. Now the NFL won't let the players wear a sticker in there helmets honoring the fallen police officers.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2016 2:58 PM

2016-08-13T14:58:16-04:00

Just look at it similar to being in the military. Your actions reflect or insult the millions who have sacrificed throughout our nation's history. Olympians are there representing USA. Wait until your off the podium before you lecture and divide the 300 million who are cheering you on. My opinion.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2016 12:37 AM

2016-08-14T00:37:48-04:00

Who is not leveraging anything these days for socio-economic or political gain or their own self-aggrandizement??? Actually, I'm not, but then I'm not worth diddley squat!!!