unity: i'm pretty sure it can be more than a catchy word on a bumper sticker

So, along with the rest of the world, I've been watching the Olympics. And while the athletes are incredible, and I value the time and hard work they devote to their sports, not to mention their ridiculous amount of talent, the thing I love the most about the Olympics is that thousands of athletes from nations all over the world come together. Throughout the history of the Olympics, folks from warring nations compete against one another and embrace when the competition is over. Just recently, Russian and Georgian competitors both medaled in their event and went on to say there are no hard feelings between them, as their arms were draped around one another. In fact, one of them said that if the world thought more like Olympic athletes, there would be no war. When the Olympics originated in Greece, warring city-states would cease battles so that athletes could pass through safely.
And it's not just the Olympics that draws people together...obviously. A few months ago when the U23D movie came out, I sat in awe as thousands of people from all over South America joined together, singing unanimously the words of the biggest rock band in the world. Bands like U2 could play on the boarder of Israel and Palestine, with citizens of each joining together belting out the words to "With Or Without You." It's cliche' to say that music can save the world, but maybe we ought to give it a shot.
Thus, it's become evident that unity is not impossible. If people like Michael Phelps and Bono can unite the citizens of the world, what the hell is wrong with world leaders that they can't get their acts together? Really, it's not that hard. I believe there's some sort of rule that's golden or something....

But there I go, being all idealistic again. Phelps and Bono....they're not world leaders. They're extreme people who make us hope, think, and dream together. Phelps isn't even trying to do this, it just happens because he's a freaking bionic fish disguised as a human being. But it happens none the less. We, as a whole world, are captivated by him. Even his competitors cheer him on as he chases history.
So, for the next 10 or so days, while wars continue, we should cherish this little bit of unity that is taking place in Beijing.Citizens of China have been cheering on any athlete in their sight. Let's cheer for them, too.