Olympic uniform issue unites Arkansas Congressmen
by July 12, 2012 6:29 pm 87 views
Republicans and Democrats in Arkansas’ Congressional delegation have finally found something on which they are in full agreement. In fact, many Democrats and Republicans in Congress also agree on the same issue.
Unfortunately, the issue revolves around berets and blazers.
The big hoopla surrounding the new U.S. Olympic uniforms to be worn for the opening ceremony has turned into a political mess. The uniforms, heavy on blazers and berets, were designed by Ralph Lauren, and were made in China.
Yes, China.
U.S. Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., and the Senate Majority Leader, said the U.S. Olympic Committee is “absolutely wrong” to have uniforms made in China. He suggested the clothing be gathered into a pile and burned.
“You’d think they know better,” Speaker of the House John Boehner, R-Ohio, told ABC News.
The U.S. Olympic Committee did not immediately back down from the growing controversy.
“The U.S. Olympic team is privately funded and we’re grateful for the support of our sponsors. We’re proud of our partnership with Ralph Lauren, an iconic American company,” the committee noted in a statement.
U.S. Sens. Mark Pryor, D-Ark., and John Boozman, R-Ark., were not happy with the Olympic Committee’s decision.
“I am behind our Olympic athletes 100%, especially Arkansas track stars Wallace Spearmon and Michael Tinsley. However, the Olympic Committee made a false start allowing the uniforms to be made in China. There are plenty of American manufacturers and laborers who are up to the task,” Pryor said.
Boozman said: “Our best athletes should be wearing the best apparel that our best workers can produce in this country. I am hopeful this is an oversight that will be corrected for future Olympic Games.”
U.S. Rep. Mike Ross, D-Prescott, said U.S. uniforms should be U.S.-made.
“I believe the athletes representing the United States in this year’s London Olympic Games should be wearing uniforms made here at home,” Ross said.
U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers, said he was in meetings most of Thursday and did not have enough info on the issue to comment.