Once again, I am embarrassed by our current administration’s top officials! According to the International Olympic Committee “the goal of the Olympic Movement is to contribute to building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practiced without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play.” Yet, there our Vice President sat on at the opening ceremony of the Olympics studiously avoiding even eye contact with Kim Yo Jong, the representative from North Korea.
How hard would it have been to extend a hand and word of greeting and wish their Olympic competitors good luck during their events? Why can’t we ever seem to actually represent the “better” person as opposed to the country with the bigger button? Shame on you Mike Pence!
Ellyn Vail, Worton, MD
Joe Holt says
Kim Yo Jong is reportedly the “Director of Propaganda and Agitation” within the North Korean government — a regime not know for “spirit of friendship” either within its own borders among its citizens or on the global stage. I’m not sure, had I been in the Vice President’s place, I would have been inclined to exchange pleasantries with this individual. One might also ask, did Kim Yo Jong extend a hand of friendship and offer of condolence to the father of Otto Warmbier, who was also seated in this box at the opening ceremony for the Olympic Games?
Gren Whitman says
Going to bed, I think it can’t get worse, but when I get up, it is and will continue—for as long as that Toxic Nitwit nestles in the White House, and his minions skitter and slither hither and yon—to worsen.
Gerald Maynes says
The President and Vice President of The United States should never shake hands with the sister of a mass murderer. The idiot press may fawn on this person, but make no mistake, she represents a regime, who has enslaved her people. Would you have approved of Vice President Truman, shaking hands with Eva Braun? Mr. Pence was completely correct in his actions
Julie Donovan says
I agree with you Gerald.
I think of Otto and how he was returned to his parents.
Shameful…
Barbara Chase says
I agree with you Ellyn. It is the Olympics – a time for nations to come together. If not a handshake, but a nod or a smile of recognition by each of them would have been appropriate for the opening ceremonies.
Rudolph Jenkins says
I suspect Otto Wambier’s parents feel differently.
On a different note, since all you know is what you saw on TV, how do you know there wasn’t more interaction that just wasn’t reported on? We should try to be less judgmental on the people who are working very difficult jobs on our behalf.