PARIS – Here in France they have a saying for the thing that transpired as Salt Lake City won the right to the 2034 Winter Games, delivered amid an International Olympic Committee thrashing of the IOC’s favorite dog to beat, the United States of America.

Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose.

The more things change, Uncle Sam, the more they stay the same.

The IOC gave Salt Lake 2034 because it had to. It needs American money. The U.S. television rights deal expires in 2032.