Georgia and Russia break Olympic truce.

Perhaps it is due to my degree in classical studies, but I am still a purist when it comes to the Olympics.

I think it is one thing to discuss boycotts of the opening ceremonies, but once the torch is lit, I hold the classical greek view that all peoples of the world should put aside their differences and use athleticism and physical skills to celebrate the achievements of individual excellence rather than rely upon aggression and power.

For me it was real disappointing to hear that at nearly the exact time as the Olympics began, a full scale conflict began in Georgia (and South Ossetia). While details are still emerging about who started it all (it seems that Georgia made the first aggression), in either case it is sad that we as a planet cannot even have 10 days every 4 years (or 2 if you count the Winter Olympics) when we can't at least put aside our differences.

I know the Olympics are over commercialized and that China has not fulfilled their commitments to human rights and media freedoms, but I would hope that all nations could at least make a symbolic commitment to peace.

On a related note, I find it very strange to hear George Bush's remark that he believes in Georgia's "Territorial Integrity." It would be interesting to know when he learnt that phrase...