Talking Points: Here’s a Wild idea

1

Vic Wild should spur change on the U.S. Olympic team.

The White Salmon native won a gold medal on Wednesday for Russia.

He competed for his wife’s native country because the U.S. doesn’t devote many financial resources to his event, the snowboard parallel giant slalom.

Yes, the amount of Olympic events has skyrocketed in recent years and the U.S. Olympic Committee’s $175 million operating budget doesn’t offer a lot to spare. But you’d like to think a legitimate medal contender wouldn’t be forced to go abroad for funding.

2

Let’s raise the stakes for the United States vs. Canada hockey games.

President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Stephen Harper have wagered a case of beer for both the men’s and women’s games.

But Command Transportation, an Illinois-based freight broker, has a better idea.

“Loser Keeps Justin Bieber” reads the company’s electronic billboard.

Cases of beer can be bought at any store. But being stuck with the Biebs could change the fate of a nation.

So let’s hear it. “U.S.A.! U.S.A.!”

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