The opening ceremonies for the 2012 Summer Olympics were conducted last night in London.
Thank goodness they are finally here.
In a year that has seen continued economic struggles worldwide, the horrendous massacre in Aurora, turmoil in the Middle East, record droughts and soaring temperatures, the country (indeed, the globe) needs a dose of some good news.
That is what the Olympics always provide. Thousands of athletes from around the world are gathered once again to show what can be achieved through hard work and sacrifice. More than that, though, they represent a glowing hope for the future - who can doubt the world will be in good hands when the same confident smile is on young athletes' faces from every corner of the Earth.
Let's face it, most news by its very nature is negative. The millions of planes that arrive safely are not news - the one that crashes is. Peaceful evenings in the Denver suburbs are humdrum - a crazed gunman destroying that tranquility is a major headline.
But the Olympics are different. There, every quest for a medal, every attempt at a world record is a novelty and, therefore, news. Good news.
We need these biannual guaranteed doses of good news. Thank the Lord the Olympics have arrived.
* Editorials reflect the opinion of the publisher.
