Topic: USOC = Morons

[Matt Erdman]

http://olyathlete.com/article/olyathlete-shutting-its-doors

This is absurd!

[Andy Dick]

What is that site?  Was not familiar with its existance until today.

[Shaun Le Conte]

Agreed, it's more greedy than stupid though.

I don't know if C. Vaughn is supported by the USOC, I am going to assume he receives support

It is like in existing employment laws in some countries e.g. Canada, if you have a full-time job with an employer, they can prevent you from working another job - your energy is theirs

[Chris Ⓐ LeRoux]

I would think they are issuing the order based on the use of the letters Oly in their site name, since the IOC and thus the USOC claim ownership of the world Olympic. I see one commenter saying this is due to an obsession of Americans with property rights. But, first of all this is an international injustice and second, is a socialistic problem, a socialization of ownership of language via government controls in the judicial system. In a free market, no one could own the word Olympic or any other particular word or phrase. It is exactly a proper understanding of property rights and only property rights which could justly resolve these injustices.

[Andy Dick]

Im calling the word "the."  Im gonna go patent it right now.  MMMMMMWWWWAAAAAHAHAHAHAHA 

[Chris Ⓐ LeRoux]

Exactly. Its the same absurdity. Calling such government granted privileges capitalism is simply ignorance. In a free market, no one would respect such fallacious claims to property, just as they would reject someone saying they own all of mars if they land on it and plant a flag. Property must be homesteaded to be acquired legitimately. A book, written song, software program, movie is homesteaded property- matter in physical form that has been crafted-produced by a human being's thoughts and labor. Filing a notice with the government saying you own a particular word that one didn't even first enunciate (which wouldn't matter anyway) is simply ridiculous, like all government.

[eli]

The Amateur Sports Act grants USOC various rights with respect to the term Olympic.  The cease and desist probably has nothing to do with weightlifting or any particular person involved.  They could probably change to WLAthlete or something if they wanted to continue.

BTW, the Amateur Sports Act also states that an NGB must demonstrate that membership and representation is open to all those active in the respective sport.   In other words, USAW is not really allowed to completely deny or terminate membership for people with controlled substance convictions or whatever USAW is currently doing.   Not that I have a conviction, but IMO, it is common sense that representation in 'Amateur Sport' should be open to all.

[Chris Ⓐ LeRoux]

Yes, its clear that the USOC's use of background checks is a violation of the 4th and 9th amendment, since at the root of the requirement is government. But, good luck fighting that. They are a government created monopoly (the only kind possible) and don't care about the rules. Same with the "courts."