Zion, Zion Everywhere: ‘Racist’ 2012 Olympic Logo is Offensive to Iran
TEHRAN (AP/The Blaze) – Iran is objecting to the official logo for the 2012 London Olympic games, contending it is racist and claiming it spells the word “Zion.” In protest, the Islamic nation is warning of a possible boycott of the games.
The secretary general of Iran’s National Olympic Committee said Iran sent a letter to International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge. The letter claims the 2012 logo spells out “Zion,” a biblical term widely recognized to refer to the city of Jerusalem.
In comments carried by the official IRNA news agency Monday, secretary general Bahram Afsharzadeh said the letter urges other Muslim states to oppose the “racist logo.”
“There is no doubt that negligence of the issue from your side may affect the presence of some countries in the games, especially Iran which abides by commitment to the values and principles,” the letter said.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has called for Israel’s destruction and questioned historical accounts of the Holocaust. Iranian athletes have refused to compete against Israelis.
The London logo shows the numbers “2012″ in four jagged figures and until now has been criticized only for its design. The IOC said it received the letter and joined London organizers in rejecting Iran’s complaint.
“Our response is as follows: The London 2012 logo represents the figure 2012, nothing else,” the IOC said.
The London organizers said the design was launched in 2007 after testing and consultation.
“We are surprised that this complaint has been made now,” the committee said.
h/t Sports Grid
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Comments (225)
PubliusPencilman
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:31pmWow. The Blaze is really picking up the important stories. Great journalism! Odd how the recent independent report that Republican budget cuts would cost 700,000 jobs or Beck’s comparing Reformed Judaism to radical Islam didn’t make the cut!
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watchtheotherhand
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:50pm@ PPMAN……………..yeah kinda like missing that Obama met with 12 CEOs (all internet gurus) in a no press allowed meeting to influence policy on net neutrality
http://spectator.org/archives/2011/02/25/meeting-with-the-masterminds
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HiLonesome
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:18pmHey @Pencilneck
there are plenty of other stories you are just ignoring them or they are too hard for you to read
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Ghandi was a Republican
Posted on March 1, 2011 at 12:25amHey– That’s a whole lot less than the 12 Million jobs we’ve lost since Pelosi/obama took over.
The Obama-pelosi-reid plan has cost $8 trillion over those four years.
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avgconservative
Posted on March 1, 2011 at 12:30am@publiusPENCILNECK…
Leave.
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taskmaster78
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:30pmWow the Olympics without Iran, what is the world going to do???????
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13th Imam
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:30pmIt get real boring watching those Iranian female sprinters stumble down that track. The burka keeps on knockingoff the bar off in the Pole Vault at ,lets see, 7ft 5″. The men won’t compete in the same stadium as menustrating women, and want the pork sandwich stands removed.
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NJAZ
Posted on March 1, 2011 at 4:11amrotflmao
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wildjoker5
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:29pmWithout Iran in the Olympics, who is going to come in last place now? Ohs noes.
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N37BU6
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:29pmRemember Beck mentioning it years ago? The replacement of symbolic imagery with abstract trash?
Again, Europe is WAY ahead in that department as well. Modern “art” is pretty much the only kind that’s allowed for public display anymore. Ironically, even the abstract trash still gets interpreted as offensive by one group of idiots or another.
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N37BU6
Posted on March 1, 2011 at 12:11amWhere did Texasfarmer’s comment go, and why?
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texasfarmer
Posted on March 1, 2011 at 9:13amIt’s called censorship.
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texasfarmer
Posted on March 1, 2011 at 9:19amThe PC police are here. Guess someone got a burr under their saddle.
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crolic9
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:28pmPledge allegiance to the flag of the united states of america and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all! I grew up reciting this every morning in school with my hand on my heart. We no longer do that for fear of offending someone!! Let’s see how many americans will re-post this & not care about offending.
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trolltrainer
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:00pmI will see your pledge and raise you two!
I pledge allegiance to the Christian Flag and to the Savior for whose Kingdom it stands. One Savior, crucified, risen, and coming again with life and liberty to all who believe.
I pledge allegiance to the Bible, God’s Holy Word, I will make it a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path and will hide its words in my heart that I might not sin against God.
I do not care who it offends, I will pray they find Christ. :-)
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darlenekay
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:28pmIt just looks like an ugly logo to me.
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Follower
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:46pmMe too. But the scary part is…well… when read backwards, it says 2102.
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Praetor
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:28pmLet them take their athletes off the roster, it’ll leave more gold silver and bronze on the table for countries not going out of their way to find something pathetic to whine about.
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z-ten
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:25pmPsssssssssst Iran…MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS!
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trolltrainer
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:34pmthe games are in London…It IS their business…
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12 gauge
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:25pmi thought the logo said “ahmadinejad is a whack job”, my bad
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miles from nowhere
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:24pmIf it afends the smuck from Iran leave it as is, maybe he will have an ARROGATE spasm he can not survive!
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kickagrandma
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:22pmHey, if it offends Iran, go for it.
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912828Buckeye
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:20pmJust a thought…..Was it done on purpose?
If so …..WELL DONE!
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Diane TX
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:22pmGee Bahram, don’t you think your President calling for the complete destruction of Israel might also seem a bit racist?
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debrarae
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:30pmYou’ve got that right! But then Obama never supported ISRAEL …..or for that matter OUR VETERANS!
Showtime
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:58pm@DebraRae ~
I haven’t noticed Obama being supportive of American citizens!
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TheRealElvis
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:21pmIf you stand on your head with a mirror and read it sideways, it clearly says “Iran Sucks”.
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marine249
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:50pmno it say fok iran
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338lapua
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:24pmSpeaking of that… I wonder what the FOK news site has to say about this. I refuse to find out, but I wonder nonetheless. See ya FOKKERS!
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DisillusionedDaily
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:18pmThe government of Iran sees what it wants to. Maybe they are afraid that if they let their athletes go to the games in London they may not want to go back home after the games are over. I am afraid that our quest for political correctness has given them the idea that we will do anything they ask to keep from offending them!
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Showtime
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:52pmMaybe it’s the gold itself, if they were to win one.
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chips1
Posted on March 1, 2011 at 9:14pmIf you look at Irans picture of Mohammad long enough, it looks like Martha Rae.
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joefboschsr
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:18pmif you play the olympic song backwards it says ” USA, USA, USA”
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Doctor Nordo
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:16pmLooks like a couple engaged in carnal activities to me. Am I imagining things?!
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betaraybill
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:36pmI thought you were a perv, until I looked at again!!!!! You’re right,but I have to get my mind out of the gutter…
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Showtime
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:49pmAbsolutely ROFLMAO!!!
I won’t ever look at that logo again and see “2012.” Oh, my stars!!
It is obscene!
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TexasSueC
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 8:03pmI HAD to go and have another look after reading your post! LOL IT DOES look that way!
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LAM2
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 9:34pmLOL, Betaraybill.
Does this mean we agree with Iran that it sucks??
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LAM2
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 9:39pmoops — meant to credit Doctor Nordo. The tears from laughing must have clouded my vision.
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dudeman4
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:16pmWhen this is done going through Photoshop, it really WILL spell “Zion”
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GODSAMERICA
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:55pmAfter you run it through photoshop it can read zion, zoin, noiz, nioz and so on and so on.
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anutter
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:16pmThat is one ugly logo.
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912828Buckeye
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:09pmAgreed…….. Who comes up with this?
Let alone approve it?
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mike_trivisonno
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:14pmGotta agree with the Persians. This is offensive!
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dudeman4
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:14pmThey’re idiots because the supposed “N” is all wrong. With a little Photoshop…
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trolltrainer
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:14pmI heard Iran has one heck of a women’s swimming team! They have new, streamlined burkas…
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GulfPeg
Posted on March 1, 2011 at 7:12amThanks Trolltrainer! I had a great laugh.
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TumbleBumble
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:11pmUsing my best imagination, I came up with ZOR. lol! Really? Are they looking for absolutely any reason to stir things up or what.
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smartypoop
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:15pmYes.
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mike_trivisonno
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:15pmAll hail ZOR!
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smartypoop
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:15pmMaybe it helps if you pop a tab of acid before you look at it….
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mike_trivisonno
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:16pmWorst Olympic logo ever. Is this for real?
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WHITE LOTUS2x
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:31pmTUMBLE: Parinoia!
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Ziplock
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:11pmI see dead people!
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rodamaa
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:27pmI see dumb people
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Obama Bin Lying
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:09pmI see zionists
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DashRipRock
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:13pmI see
im in the wrong bar
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El Paco
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:14pmWorse. I see Modern Art.
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Robert-CA
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:27pmI see ugly :( but happy that Iran is pissed :)
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Showtime
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:36pmI see that the Iranians have absolutely run out of things to complain about!
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1TrueOne55
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:44pmI see stupid people smoking hashish…
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DashRipRock
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:54pmI also see
Gay soccer huligans
with pink spray paint
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Showtime
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 8:02pmI see how they came up with the design!
It’s a blocked print of a crumpled up sheet of paper.
Must have cost a lot for the stamp pad, paper, and Magic Marker.
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silentwatcher
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 9:58pmI see a collection of knuckleheads that deserve to get their arses kicked. And I know that
You see that I am right!!!!
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smartypoop
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:09pmI think its a stupid logo, but in short I think that Iran should stuff it. Please, boycot the games, that will show them.
bestartist
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:20pmI’m with you, really REALLY ugly, bad design but if Iran’s panties are in a bunch…..who cares?
Art by Committee is ALWAYS a bad idea.
memo to Iran, “buck up Buttercup, & get over it”
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debrarae
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:26pmI say IRAN can keep it’s bigoted **** home! That logo no more spells ZION, than IRAN stands for PEACE! Iran can kiss my GRITS!
Creestof
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:27pmYeah boycotting the olympics to make a point is just silly. Oh, wait…America boycotted the 1980 Olympics in Moscow to protest the Soviet Union invading and warring with Afghanistan…you know…the very same place we are warring in now.
But seriously, I want as many Iranians at the olympics as possible…maybe then they won’t plot a terrorist attack against it.
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LOOKING_BOTH_WAYS
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:30pmyou Smart PooooP…. i didn’t get the sign until they told me it said 2012 . and the colors suck as well.
ya think they could come up with something better.
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LOOKING_BOTH_WAYS
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:32pmI meant to say I’M WITH YOU smartypoop………………………..
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the frog
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:38pmI agree the logo is pretty lame if not the lamest, but the fact Iran hates it makes it better
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thepatriotdave
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:46pmIt’s a lovely logo. If Ahmadinejad hates it, I love it!
http://www.americasteapartynews.com
DashRipRock
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:48pmsince when is zion spelled zoin
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912828Buckeye
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:50pmThe sign looks like it was designed by someone on meth…
But if it keeps the yahoos out I like it.
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DashRipRock
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:03pm**** THIS JUST IN ****
After agreeing to boycot the 2012 Olympics in London
over a dispute of the Olympic Logo. Ahmedinajahd has
agreed to host his own ” Special Olympics”
LOOKING_BOTH_WAYS
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:12pmnot only that DASH.. he is also going to have the women swim in Burka’s
It’s a new addition to Sharia Law. and
He’s gonna laugh when they sink to the bottom …
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Showtime
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:39pm@DashRipRock
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:03pm
**** THIS JUST IN ****
After agreeing to boycot the 2012 Olympics in London
over a dispute of the Olympic Logo. Ahmedinajahd has
agreed to host his own “ Special Olympics”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If Iranian people’s IQ is comparable to Imadinnerjacket’s IQ, the Iranians don’t need to be at the Olympics in London anyway. Besides, isn’t it difficult to do gymnastics (or any other sport) in a burka?
Showtime
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:43pm@DashRipRock
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:48pm
since when is zion spelled zoin
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When they misspelled “Zino” (you know, the Zionists In Name Only).
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drbage
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:43pmThe left see a racist in every closet; the uber Left see a zionist in each one. Talk about twisting the truth to fit an agenda!
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DashRipRock
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:49pmshowtime
lol @ ZINO
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bluematrix90
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:50pmI second the motion.
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cnsrvtvj
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 8:02pmWho would have thought that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was a nut? Oh, I guess I have thought that for several years now. What a shame if Iran doesn’t compete, I’m sure they would have won several gold medals. Oh well.
http://www.donsmithshow.com – see the Muslim Brotherhood video
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GBECKFAN
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 8:18pmI agree…GET OVER IT IRAN!!
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kryptonite
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 8:30pmHoly Shhh…ia!! That logo invokes the 12th Imam. The “20″ is code for where and when (London Olympics). Or,
It’s the pinko call to wreck the London 2012 Olympics. Or,
Suck Art.
Perhaps all three.
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no1jyd
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 9:25pmKinda looks like, well it could be, let me look again, AHHHHHHH screw em what is the literacy rate in Iran anyway.
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butler180
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 9:40pmDear Smartypoop
I agree it is a dopey logo, BUT if Iran is against it I am for it
silentwatcher
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 9:53pmEverything is offensive to Iran,,,,even us breathing air. Personally,,,I find them EXTREMELY offensive.
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HappyStretchedThin
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 10:16pmIn both Arabic and Persian scripts, letters are read right to left, top to bottom. Therefore this logo CLEARLY reads: Ozni, which, as we all know, is vaguely reminiscent of a famous satanist shock-rocker whose constantly alcoholic mumblings must somehow be responsible for Ahmediniwackjob’s misunderstanding about the Holocaust itself (or the lack thereof in his view).
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home_of_the_brave
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 10:42pmWait, is this one of those things you have to stare at for a while before you see the image, cuz I’m not good at that. All I see is 2012 if it were written by a five year old.
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silentwatcher
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 11:33pmto HappyStretchedThin
That’s a relief,,,,,,I thought this was going to be another one blamed on Bush.
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silentwatcher
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 11:35pmIran should boycott the olympics……..they’ve already demonstrated they shouldn’t be around them………
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Everyone wants to rule the world
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 11:48pmI see Zion and it is a good sign. Keep it. Iran boycott, because you cannot get your way. Bullies.
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Advena
Posted on March 1, 2011 at 1:53amI used to dislike the logo – now, suddenly I like it!
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*************************
Posted on March 1, 2011 at 3:13amWORDS OF WISDOM:
If you make a muslim angry, then you must be doing something RIGHT.
rail worker CHARLIE: “Hey, Bart. Is it me, or is the world rising?”
rail worker BART: “I don’t know. But whatever it is, I hate it.”
-Blazing Saddles
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Sinista Mace
Posted on March 1, 2011 at 8:22amOlympics are stupid anyway.
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rayban5016
Posted on March 1, 2011 at 8:27amI agree Smarty… It is stupid. But I say if Iran hates it, well…. I love it.
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watchtheotherhand
Posted on March 1, 2011 at 10:26amThird time my comment has been removed !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.theatlanticwire.com/features/view/feature/Israel-Punks-Iran-with-Star-of-David-on-Tehran-Airport-2649
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gofigureinternational
Posted on March 1, 2011 at 11:07amAgree Smarty…Ugly logo but whatever keeps the tyrant home. Imagine what he could find in a bowl of alphabet soup!
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sWampy
Posted on March 1, 2011 at 11:29amlooks more like a cut up pink swastika to me
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tower7femacamp
Posted on March 1, 2011 at 8:51pmRik Clay red ice
Rik Clay 2012 Olympics
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