The Wife has respected my wishes to not share Olympics news with me (for the most part) this year. Then she found this opinion piece, and yes, it perfectly sums up my feelings.

This is what failed and powerless countries do to make themselves feel better. It is an illusion, and when it ends, things will be worse than they were before.

I also believe that the intense nationalistic zeal promoted during during the Olympics leads in an increase in militaristic activity.

Baron de Coubertin would be disapointed.