Editorial
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Title
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Editorial
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Date
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July 1940
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volume
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5
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issue
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4
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page start
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2
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page end
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2
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en
EDITORIAL
We present this issue with an apology and a touch of sadness. The apology is due our readers for the tardiness of publication. As the National Championship issue it should have been published during the last days of May. Unfortunately, the Editor was forced to undertake a month’s business trip immediately after the Nationals. The Riposte consequently lay fallow during that time and its present receipt will contain little news that is fresh or surprising.
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Our sadness at this time is based upon the fact that this is July, 1940, the date set for the 1940 Olympic Games. One war after another has tossed the 1940 Olympic Games about until today there is not only no chance of their being held but they have even been crowded from the thoughts of most of us. Many of the countries which might have participated exist today only in memory. Many of the athletes which might have participated have died on the battlefields. Friendly competition and sportsmanship have been replaced by intrigue, treachery and destruction.
Not only is the 1940 Olympic Games “out” but there is the strong possibility that the 1944, 1948 and 1952 Games will never be. The Olympic torch has been extinguished, its spirit thrown onto the rubbish pile. Conquest and hatreds are the order of the day and their aftermaths will distort the viewpoints of men for decades to come. America has chosen its Olympic teams. It may be the only country to do so. What is worse it may never find reason to select teams again for many years.
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As the fencing pulse of the nation slows down for the summer period so shall The Riposte retire for siesta until September. A few doughty individuals persist here and there in carrying their weapon bags through the hot streets, but the majority has adopted tennis and golf bags as its summer sports badge. Vive le sport, vive la siesta!
