Can the Olympics be heard if no one is around to hear it?

Vendors Russ Adams, John Hagan and Donald Morris chat with Executive Assistant Patrick Edwards.

Donald: Jumping right in, fellas. I don’t know about this no-spectators thing happening out there in Tokyo this summer. I mean, I really don’t know about this. On a lighter side of it, I’m tripping a little bit on the whole physical aspect of it all with having no fans. Just my own thing with it. But, then, we got to realize—I mean, realize—the reason for the no-spectator rule: That COVID-19 ain’t spread its wings and flew away yet!

Patrick: Don, first of all, I love that song. Spread my wings…and fly away…to a place that—

Russ: …I long for…and my heart—all right, all right, y’all, let’s get back to it. Good to laugh and smile for a moment, but let’s get it. hung up a bit on the whole “COVID’s back” thing.

John: I believe that there should be fans, but definitely not to full capacity due to the low volume of COVID-19 vaccine remaining. Mental illness has been on the rise what with the lockdown. Getting COVID-19 is not as deadly as being shot or stabbed or in a car accident. So, to me, it seems to be about control—not health.

Patrick: Now, for me, in regard to the Olympics— well, those in power in Tokyo making the decisions whether to bar spectators or not—there being a back and forth on the decision is troubling enough. I get that we’re opening up all around the world, and things are looking much better than they did a year ago—shoot, a couple of months ago—but that we’re, first of all, leaning on vaccines that are not yet FDA-approved, plus not everyone is vaccinated or, even, planning to be and, second, there are new strains out here. There’s absolutely no way there should be fan attendance for something this international. Basically, the Olympics is such an amazingly worldwide celebration and, sans spectators, I believe it should be cancelled.

Russ: I feel you, but I’m still watching. I prefer the fans, but I dig the Olympics enough to watch regardless. With the NBA, WNBA, and NHL done, and only the MLB around, I think it’ll be cool to have the Olympics to check out.

Donald: Man, this pandemic is affecting everything. Ooowee. No cheering, waving flags, crying—none of that. I don’t know, fellas, a cancellation might not be horrible.

Patrick: Don’t get me wrong, people, I believe the Olympics can be bigger than having fans in the stands—or not—it just doesn’t feel right.

John: And the big-head video people don’t sound good either.

Russ: Agreed.

Donald: So, there we go, fellas, we’re disappointed of course with the happenings in Tokyo, but let’s lean on the positive that it appears that those in power are looking out for the world.

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