Putin It Where the Sun Don't Shine (Part II)

Way to go GOOGLE!

“The practice of sport is a human right. Every individual must have the possibility of practicing sport, without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play.” Olympic Charter

On the morning of the Olympic Opening Ceremony, Google posted this doodle on its home page in support of gay rights. The logo was then followed by the quotation above from the Olympic Charter.

This is Google's most political statement to date, and was intended as a firm response to Russia's, and more specifically, Russian President Vladimir Putin's, oppression of the LGBT community.

Showing the innate ignorance and bigotry behind Russia's so-called "gay propaganda" laws, Russian deputy prime minister Dmitry Kozak said, "We don't differentiate between people depending on nationality, religion or sexual relations. We are all grown-ups and any adult has the right to understand their sexual acts. Please don't touch the kids, that's the only thing." He closed his remarks by adding, "During the opening ceremony, during the closing ceremony, during the sports events, I hope that we will not see such problems."

Of course, to add insult to injury, the deputy PM was only mimicking sentiments expressed by Russian President Vladimir Putin last month when he said that gays were welcome in Sochi, but urged them to "leave the children in peace."

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, addressing the International Olympic Committee on Thursday, said, "We must all raise our voices against attacks on lesbians and gays, bisexual, transgender, or inter-sex people. We must oppose the arrest, imprisonment, and discriminatory restrictions they face."

During the Opening Ceremony itself, with Putin in highly visible attendance, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach charged the gathered athletes with these words:

From this moment on you are not only the best athletes, you are Olympic Athletes. You will inspire us with your outstanding sports performances. You have come here with your Olympic dream. The International Olympic Committee wants your Olympic Dream to come true. The universal Olympic rules apply to each and every athlete - no matter where you come from or what your background is. You will celebrate victory with dignity and accept defeat with dignity. In this way, the Olympic Games, wherever they take place, set an example for a peaceful society. Olympic Sport unites people. This is the Olympic Message the athletes spread to the host country and to the whole world. Yes, it is possible to strive even for the greatest victory with respect for the dignity of your competitors. Yes, Yes, it is possible – even as competitors – to live together under one roof in harmony, with tolerance and without any form of discrimination for whatever reason. Yes, it is possible – even as competitors – to listen, to understand and to give an example for a peaceful society.

Someday may this ideal be the true law of the land.