it's not life that matters but the journey...

Lately everyone's all in a buzz about Michael Phelps smoking a bong, and getting suspended from his sport. I could really care less about Phelps - but you know what? I think that his getting suspended is a very lenient punishment. He's very lucky in fact that this country has such lax attitudes about drug use, especially when one is a high profile athlete such as Phelps.

As a contrast, take a look at This story , which leaves me feeling very sad.

I find it very unfortunate that Japan has been faced with this scandal, which is also a very serious breach of morals and traditions in a sport that has always been considered one of the most traditional and most rule-bound. While I'm all for having fun, and I'm not against marijuana smoking in general, I believe that it's just one of many negative influences that is affecting Japan. Having lived in that beautiful country, I realize how important tradition has always been to the Japanese people. and to quote this article: "... many Japanese believe that to stain the purity of sumo is to tarnish the heart of Japan itself." .

According to the article, one of these sumo wrestlers is being dismissed from the sport, but many think this is too lenient a punishment. Marijuana use has very stiff penalties in Japan.

Sadly, so many of the ancient Japanese traditions may soon die out because of the disinterest of the younger generations, and the negative influences of western culture. It's hard to find young people who still care about tea ceremony, ikebana (flower arrangement), and other arts; and now that sumo has been tainted, it may lose its real sense of honor.

what a sad day for the country of Japan.