This about sums it up

I suppose one could grow rich indeed on calling out other countries issues while ignoring one's own -- but then there would be so much less to write about. And besides, blatant legal physical intimidation of gays and lesbians in America is so six months ago.*

On the eve of the Sochi Winter Games, more than 50 current and former Olympians have called on the Russian authorities to reconsider recently introduced anti-gay laws that forbid "gay propaganda" aimed at under-18s and that have led to a wave of homophobic attacks. Some of the 52 Olympians, with dozens of medals between them and including 12 Sochi competitors, have also criticised the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and multinational sponsors for not doing more to force Vladimir Putin's administration to scale back the legislation.

Of course, the IOC follows the money...and since Russia has the World Cup in 2018, FIFA hopes to hoover-up the rest -- without the messy details of human rights.

Meanwhile, Russia has its priorities right...it's illegal to be gay...but:

Russia continues to provide safe haven for the alleged Russian mafia boss accused of bribing judges at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, in one of the worst Olympic scandals ever. Alimzhan Tokhtakhounov lives a life of luxury in Moscow despite an Interpol arrest warrant, known as a red notice.

*Well, in 22 of the United States at least.

[cross-posted at Firedoglake]