From KCRW in Santa Monica and PRI, Public Radio International, this is To the Point.

Let the games begin.

Hello again, I'm Armin Alney, and this is To the Point from Public Radio International.

A daily look at the issues Americans care about most.

The opening ceremonies aren't until tomorrow.

The flame has yet to be lit, but the first events of the Sochi Winter Olympics are already underway.

American star Sean White suffered an injury in slope-style snowboarding, but others have qualified.

Team ice dancing is underway for the first time.

But as the athletes take center stage, there's still talk about terror threats,

the assault on gay rights, unfinished hotel rooms, stray dogs, and financial corruption. Did President

Obama pass up an opportunity by staying home? Will the gold medal for diplomacy go to Vladimir Putin?

Today's talking point, should the U.S. Postal Service go into banking? First, here's the news.

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Hello again, we're not only back with To the Point.

President Obama won't be on the

scene for the Winter Olympics, but there's a lot at stake in Sushi for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The opening ceremonies are tomorrow, but qualifying for some events began today. We'll get updates on

those and on the many controversies surrounding the most expensive Olympics in history.

Today's talking point,

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