Let the Games Begin: Olympics, page 1

ATHENS, Greece - The Olympics returned home Friday to a lavish welcome in an opening ceremony invoking Greek mythology, civilization and culture and closing an epic circle in sports: from the games’ 19th-century rebirth to the latest gathering of the world’s greatest athletes in an age beset by fears of terrorism and instability.

Greek taxpayers also are starting to tally up the worrying bill. Officials say the games will exceed $7.2 billion, and some analysts say it could hit a staggering $12 billion, including a record $1.5 billion for security.

Ouch! 12 Billion for Fun.

All along, Greek officials continually described the Olympics as a way to shed the country’s reputation as a parochial and unruly corner of the European Union. The transport minister even said drivers’ respect for Olympic lanes shows Greece can be “civilized.”

Do you guys think that spending over 12 Billion is neccesary for fun? I mean that money could be used to end slavery in third world countries, even in Greece, instead of Olympics. Already Greece is in rubble, wouldn't this put it in more rubble?