Holly Miyasaki: I see you got new licence plates — Olympic-themed ones. How much did those cost you? And better yet, why would you buy them?

Kristi Patton: Wow, thanks for noticing. I guess it is easy when they are so eye-catching. Sure I shelled out an extra $35 for the plates (and $25 for the next four years on renewal of my insurance, if I choose to keep them) but it was worth it. First, of all they are much nicer looking than the very plain-looking B.C. plates and more importantly to get behind the Olympics, Paralympics and our Canadian Olympic team. The net proceeds go directly to supporting the Games and I get a chance to win tickets to a men's ice hockey event at the 2010 Olympics. Hey, if a couple of my bucks can go towards helping an athlete live out their biggest dream in life why not?

HM: Don't you care that ICBC, a government-run company, is sucking away the taxpayers' (read: our) money? It's not the fact that these plates look nicer, or help athlete teams, it's the principle of the matter. By purchasing these plates you encourage ICBC in its attempts of spending our hard-earned money through the Olympics to make themselves look good. Did you know that ICBC, the "official supporter" of the Olympics," is sponsoring corporate hospitality parties during the Olympics? Ones which only corporate employees are invited to for the chance to mingle with top athletes. So, in addition to the reported $15 million sponsorship deal, what else are they going to take from us? Canadian Driver had this quote on their website: "Our association supports the Olympics, but we do not support applying a hidden tax on motorists to pay for it," says Bruce Cran, president of the Consumers' Association. "On the one hand, we have ICBC paying millions of dollars in bonuses to its staff, and now millions more in subsidies to the Olympics. While they are doing this, ICBC year after year keeps raising auto insurance rates." If you want to help the athletes, send them money directly.

KP: The Olympics are more than about money and greed, but that aspect of it will be tied to every major event that will be on the radar of every media outlet in the world it is just the way things are. I'm just showing my support for the ideals of the Olympics and the athletes that spend countless hours preparing for the moment where they can look across the field and see not colours, religions or bias just the spirit of competition and goodwill. That is definitely not the lure of profit that brings them together.

HM: It's not? I think athletes from certain countries are rewarded monetarily (or in other ways, like not having to serve in the army in some places) for wins. They also can receive sponsorships and celebrity like Michael Phelps, who now graces the gossip pages in addition to Sports Illustrated. Also, the host country is looking to cash in by bringing in visitors and also introduce itself to those who may have never experienced it.

KP: I don't know too many athletes that compete just for celebrity at the Games, maybe they get caught up in it but the reason they are there is to be the best in their sport for their country. And, as far as being rewarded with money? Sure they are, but remember many of these people have suspended their careers to train. I know when it comes time to be celebrating with not only my country but the rest of the world I will be tuned in.

And what is remembered the most at these Games anyways? The million dollar commercials spent in-between events or, is it the guys from Jamaica hurtling themselves down an icy track on a sled.

HM: True Olympic spirit isn't what it once was. Now there are judge-bribing scandals, wins by cheating and professionals getting a chance to compete with amateurs looking to make a name for themselves. The opportunity is, of course, the dream for many a Canadian. But, as with the Beijing Olympics, many athletes are being torn apart in the media for poor performance and not getting enough medals. That's not the point of the games.

KP: Whatever it is, it is not about the profit. But, it does take money to run the games that is why you see all the paraphenalia with Olympic logos on it. Key word here is Olympic logo, not some big business conglomerate brand. Rarely do you see a Coke banner or fast-food establishment advertised along the boards of an arena during these games. Yet, society has found a place to accept teams in the NHL, NBA or CFL who are commercialized with uniforms, logos and high paid athletes.

HM: It might not be about profit, but look how much money we are paying to host parties we aren't invited to, events only few and far between we'll be able to attend and a Games which is slowly losing its real meaning? Why can't the athletes help raise funds for each Olympics? Think of how much money could be fundraised by athletes in each of their home countries. Then it can be a world effort instead of dependent on each country vying to be host.

KP:So then you agree with me that this is not about profit? When it comes down to celebrating with the rest of our province, our country, our world; go ahead and pick away at commercialism or choose to not watch in protest. But, while the rest of us talk about that athlete that did the impossible, overcame challenges of circumstance and won something so special that no amount of money can put a price on; we will have a share in their joy too.

HM: If I want to support the games I'll do it in other ways, whether it be through volunteerism, direct donations to those who need it or by sharing my opinion (however unwanted it may be) about how we can make the games happen, but in a less costly manner. But, I'm an admitted hypocrite, because I do revel in every single Canadian metal.