They say that plagiarism or stealing someones idea is the highest form of compliment. A friend of mine suggested the best idea I have heard in years and I told him I would like to run with his thoughts. Here goes...
There was a movie staring Kevin Costner some years back in which he builds a baseball field on a farm and deceased big league players came and played. The movie was based on this idea that if you build it they will come.
The movie depicted miles and miles of cars filled with people coming to watch this World Series caliber game. Costner’s farm was saved from financial ruin and they all lived happily ever after.
A few weeks back our national media released the story that Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff promised Quebec City a brand new hockey arena, if they would vote for him. Quebec city doesn’t have a NHL team, but remember, “if you build it, they will come.”
Way out here in beautiful British Columbia’s Lake Country, we have never won an Olympic bid. Of course not, we haven’t applied....yet! We have a lot going for us if only we had a world class Olympic facility.
I have been to a great many countries on this planet and I know without doubt that we have the most wonderful valley in the world. Surrounded by mountains and world class ski hills close by. Lakes and streams for fishing and families. Wineries that produce and serve the very best quality wines in the world. Superb accommodation and restaurants. When it comes to experience, one only has to remember the Vancouver Olympics to know our people are ready, willing and more than able.
Think about that opening parade led by “smilin” Jim the Mayor and flag bearers Jack and Marion proudly marching down Main Street with the crowds cheering. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it.
But, we only need three things to make it happen...well, maybe four.
First we need Michael Ignatieff to try and bribe us by offering us a world class arena as he did Quebec city.
Then we need to bid for the Olympics games. Given the assets of our valley that isn’t the toughest challenge.
I think we need a provincial referendum to gain support throughout the province. Please note, not just here, but the whole province. A lot of folks were ticked off when Vancouver only voted on the last Olympics but the whole province had to pay.
The fourth hurdle is much more problematic. We might have to move Lake Country to Quebec to get Ignatieff to notice us.
Perhaps I can say it was a good idea but, no thanks...we don’t want to be bribed and we sure won’t be moving.
This is my one and only reference to our upcoming federal election. I have lots of ideas about events around the world to share and I’m going to leave federal politics to the television.
Thank you to my friend Peter for this interesting idea and I hope you readers enjoyed the chuckle as much as I did. Remember - if we build it, they will come!
Mel is a retired Director of Operations for a large Canadian Corporation. He is a noted world traveller and has studied geopolitical issues for many years. His most noticeable interest is in the effects of different types of governance and organizational behaviour.