USA Olympics Team uniforms made in China...

[MikeBjerum]

Tom,

I am torn on this.  It is true that the Olympics and the team are private corporations.  We don't want this type of messing with our personal and business lives.  However, somewhere along the line we need to voice our opinion to the committee.  They are representing us as a nation.

Another item that really chaps my hide is that the money wasted and sent to China for this is used in the opening and closing ceremonies - Two big shows that are noting more than the Disney over blown Super Bowl shows that have nothing to do with the event.  How can we support our athletes and not put money into the coffers of this crap?

Now back to our elected officials spending time on this.  It was good for them to expose the issue and express displeasure.  However, to keep messing with it is at best the same as them getting involved with performance enhancing drugs in professional sports.  At worst it is a dog and pony show to distract us from the real issues facing us this November ... Hey ... Look ... Dancing With The Stars is on again!

[tombogan03884]

Tom,

I am torn on this.  It is true that the Olympics and the team are private corporations.  We don't want this type of messing with our personal and business lives.  However, somewhere along the line we need to voice our opinion to the committee.  They are representing us as a nation.

Another item that really chaps my hide is that the money wasted and sent to China for this is used in the opening and closing ceremonies - Two big shows that are noting more than the Disney over blown Super Bowl shows that have nothing to do with the event.  How can we support our athletes and not put money into the coffers of this crap?

Now back to our elected officials spending time on this.  It was good for them to expose the issue and express displeasure.  However, to keep messing with it is at best the same as them getting involved with performance enhancing drugs in professional sports.  At worst it is a dog and pony show to distract us from the real issues facing us this November ... Hey ... Look ... Dancing With The Stars is on again!

How about "voicing your opinion" by sending a letter of complaint in place of your donation ?

[alfsauve]

Since the USOC is a private organization, that receives no federal money it does not fall under the "commerce clause".
The clause that applies here would be the "equal protection clause".
As long as one private US corporation (GE) is allowed to contract their manufacturing needs to China then all private US corporations have to be allowed to do so.

Section 110 of the Amateur Sports Act gives certain "special" legal privileges to USOC, including the ability to protect its trademark and symbols (and the word "Olympic") beyond that of ordinary organizations.  This is in exchange for the USOC "representing" the US interests in the International Olympic Games.   USOC basically is a monopoly as no other group could rise up and take their place.  At least not without the action of congress.

And while minor there have been some small government agency "grants" to the USOC.  Most notably the VA for para-Olympic support. 

In addition there's been increased talk of asking for government handout, especially during this recession.   Though they probably quenched that with RL's use of China made uniforms.