Chicagoist: Be Careful What You Wish For

Ferdy

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 08:34:12 -0600

Don't go away angry. Just go away.

Mikey

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 17:56:26 -0600

Who pissed on Moe's corn flakes this morning, besides Chicagoist and journalism?

AJ

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 17:10:38 -0600

If the Olympics come to Chicago, I will not leave the 8 blocks around my then residence in fear of tourists and NBC. Is it too wrong to want Chicago to stay the way it is, only with better transportation options?

moe

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 16:31:54 -0600

Also, because you're stupid, let me remind you that O'Hare, the CTA, and all things transportation are not Chicago's fault. They would be Chicago's fault if the metro area ended at the city limits, but in case you missed it, Chicago is surrounded by suburbs that have been sucking the city dry of resources since the 50's. Please don't ever cite O'Hare or the CTA as reasons not to have the olympics, it really makes you look moronic. Goodbye, this time once and for all.

moe

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 16:25:54 -0600

By default, journalists are losers because their sole occupation is writing about people with lives greater than theirs. Take into account the journalists of a blog, and you've got a whole bunch of idiots writing about idiotic things that a newspaper wouldn't hire them to write about. I'm done with Chicagoist, just as I canceled my subscription to the Tribune. Chicago media is pathetic, this crap wouldn't pass for an A in any journalism class at any school. How could you simply take one opinion of a Professor opposed to the olympics and print it as gospel? Any half-decent news story has a counter opinion, and there are plenty of Professors that could issue one. But you already had your mind made up. Pathetic, good-bye Chicagoist, and advertisers, please take note that I speak for many.

marty

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 16:09:03 -0600

lol @ferdy

thundercougarfalconbird

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 16:03:43 -0600

I'm also of the opinion I shouldn't be allowed to own a gun. Background checks and all. I mean, I have the same thing as Ernest Hemingway, Meriwether Lewis, and Kurt Cobain. And we all saw how they went out. Also, Mancow has it too, just to keep it "current".

Ferdy

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 15:43:35 -0600

Thunder - I hope you're on meds. We wouldn't want you spraying a mall with your Second Amendment freedom.

thundercougarfalconbird

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 15:10:10 -0600

Someone call a "whaaaambulence" for marty. My family is painfully middle class, but hunting is hardly the domain of the rich and/or white. I take it your South Side existence prevented you from ever seeing the poorer parts of the Southern US or Appalachia, where people kill for food in a much more literal way than what you described. I was making a point that just because some firearms are used improperly doesn't mean all firearms are bad. Sorry you had a rough childhood, but growing up mentally ill and spending high school in institutions wasn't a picnic either. We all have our crosses to bear.

Ferdy

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 11:30:22 -0600

K. Sorry you had a tough time.

marty

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 11:19:57 -0600

Ferdy, i'm wasn't being racist, i was being real about certain circumstances. I grew as a poor hispanic kid on the south side - I know that things like I described sometimes, unfortunately, actually happened. I was highlighting some very difficult to admit, but also painfully true differences in race and privilege between the individuals described in thunderfalconimapony's post.

Ferdy

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 10:47:53 -0600

Marty, what a racist thing to say! Serious.

marty

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 10:43:03 -0600

@thunderfalcontigerpony this comment is very OT, but i figured since you brought up the subject: you said there is a "HUGE difference between me going out on a controlled range and shooting skeet or my uncle hunting turkeys and a hot .38 in the hands of a 13 year old in Pilsen."you're right. these are differences, most likely, in race and privilege. i doubt that a poor hispanic kid from pilsen ever has the chance to shoot skeet with his uncle. so, what is he to do with with his .38? maybe he will try to equalize the inequalities and rob you blind as you find yourself asking for directions on the corner of 19th and Ashland. hell, he might even take you out like one of those turkeys. but it's all good, because owning a gun is part of our freedoms. IT'S THE AMERICAN WAY.

Ferdy

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 10:40:59 -0600

This is all so boring. I think Chicagoist should put a moratorium on all stories about the Olympics until 2009. If you want 'em, go out and raise money, dig deep into your own pockets, and get 'em. If you don't, well, you don't matter anyway, so have some fun doing something else.

vise77 is a whiny bitch

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 10:38:19 -0600

Does this clown ever stop?

Quit Your Whining

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 10:29:18 -0600

I love Mayor Daley, but it looks like he is taking a crap in that picture of him after Chicago won. Kind of funny. Stop your whining. Go out and contribute to our wonderful city. Debating morons on an anonymous blog accomplishes nothing.

vise77

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 10:03:36 -0600

For all those who complain about the haters and the complainers, and call for more civic cheerleading, I hope you realize your worth in the power structure. You do, right? I mean, leaders of all political parties and movements love you people--you can be counted on to jump when needed, or clap, or smile, or simply shut up and follow the mindless majorities. Sure, there is often good news, and many great things about this city, but to shout down the "haters" is simply a sign of one's lack of spine and puny mental abilities. I know--I should just move to Naperville and get it over with and leave the city to true Chicagoans--that is, the same species that for years put up with rank corruption and police brutality.

matty

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 09:56:50 -0600

Seriously. The people on chicagoist including the commentors are some serious haters! Haters everywhere we go...

ce

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 09:20:58 -0600

At least if Chicago gets the Olympics, the world will get to experience area residents' renowned goodwill and friendliness...

thundercougarfalconbird

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 05:11:39 -0600

I don't see you writing shit, ugh.

ugh

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 01:16:23 -0600

Chicagoist is always negative because most of their writers aren't really Chicagoans and they never will be. Look out for Napervilleist.com, coming in 2016.

matty

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 00:24:03 -0600

nutsack lady is batshit insane.

thundercougarfalconbird

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 00:09:36 -0600

@nutsackylady: Breathe and remember to hit an enter key every now and then. @MACK: I'm a responsible bike rider (the kind that actually stops at Stop signs and signals a turn) and I have no idea how sharing a road "causes more gridlock and air pollution". More people on bikes = less cars = less gridlock and CO2 in the air. Plus our fat city gets a work out. Everybody wins! Also, I realize this is the ABSOLUTE WORST DAY IN THE HISTORY OF MAN to come out in defense of guns, but I'm also a advocate of responsible gun ownership and a sometimes sport shooter. There is a HUGE difference between me going out on a controlled range and shooting skeet or my uncle hunting turkeys and a hot .38 in the hands of a 13 year old in Pilsen. Your attack of the sport is weird, out of left field, and has nothing to do with anything.

nutsackylacky

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 23:42:13 -0600

Dear NANDO, I was wondering about those Barcelona residents you've been talking to. Are those REAL Barcelona residents or the ones just waiting to HAVE CHILDREN or move to MADRID??? Hard to tell if I should rely on your thoroughly moving, anecdotal EVIDENCE or continue to rely on studies those egg headed college types produce. As I tell my students in the freshman writing class I teach, "Always base your research not on peer-reviewed research, but on anecdotal stories posted on blogs." That is of course....if the source of the info is an ACTUAL resident of the city not one of those phonies who--while technically a resident-- doesn't measure up to some long dead stereotype of what a resident of the city in question is supposed to resemble. Many, for instance, believe Chicago is inhabited by blue collar union iron workers, when in fact this is about as relevant as the BEAR WEATHER myth at a pro football game. But I digress. The important thing is the NANDO research method forgives my students the pain of having to format bibliographies and construct lit reviews. Here's to DANDO (Evan??)!! Oh...NANdo. In your haste to proclaim yourself the chair of the "legit Chicago" membership committee you fail to appreciate the money the people you despise pump into the economy. Some of that money even goes to the REAL Chicagoans you communicate with in the storied headquarters of the local union hall. Before you bitch about midwest transplants and the cities they left to come here, consider what Chicago was like before people like them saw it as an attractive destination. Me thinks the workers you represent would rather they are here spending their bucks. You're confused about what it is you want. It's not all piss on this end though; I'd really like to hear more about all this freight that will be arriving by trains and subsequently transported by truck. Pray tell what Olympic-related freight will the truckdrivers be transporting about?? In LA it was shale, TONS AND TONS of SHALE, whereas in Atlanta it was container after container of feldspar. For real, you have no idea how much raw feldspar you need to construct an Olympic village!! My point is, you are high.* *I heard that from someone; I did NOT learn it from a study or other worthless source of information. GO BEARS!!!!! Re-elect Bilandic!! Save Comiskey!! No lights at Wrigley!!! Disco Sucks!!!

MACK

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 23:41:59 -0600

oops forgot to put this in my comment #33-- Check out today's Tribune website story on ticket costs and distribution for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

MACK

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 23:32:19 -0600

Chicago has bike lanes even where they don't belong on main roads,where they convert four lane streets into two lane streets causing more gridlock and air pollution, because 1-Daley likes to bike ride and 2-Daley and his adminstration stink at transportation planning and administration,other examples include the CTA, the O'Hare fiasco, Meigs Field, etc. No one asked the people who live in Chicago if they wanted the Olympics (It would be called a referendum and would require an appreciation for democracy) . The Chicago Olympic Bid book is a secret document. And so far Daley and Ryan haven't revealed what insurance company will be used for the guarantee. Aon or will Daley's bro get a piece of that big action. All of this should be public information. And maybe Chicago's poor should be more of a priority than foreign tourist visiting Chicago to watch archery or badminton or ping pong (oops, table tennis) or synchronized swimming, etc. What will No-Guns Daley do about the 17 Shooting events that are part of the Olympics. Rebuild the lakefront Shooting facility. (HaHA) Read what the IOC says about Shooting: " From just three shooting events at the 1896 Olympic Games to 17 today, the sport has grown steadily. In part this leap can be ascribed to advances in the technology of firearms and equipment, which have led to constant changes in the shooting competition. But it can also be ascribed to the passion shooters have for their sport.At the Olympics there are 17 events: seven for women and ten for men. The shooting events are divided into four different groups: shotgun, rifle, pistol and running-target events. The shotgun events see competitors shoot at clay targets propelled in different directions. The rifle and pistol events are held on shooting ranges with competitors aiming at targets from distances of 10 metres, 25 metres and 50 metres." If we get the Games maybe we could have our own shooting team recruited from Chicago area gangs. I bet some of them could beat the Chinese and Russian teams. None of the posts regarding the Olympics are negative. They are the result of critical thinking.

Kevin

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 23:18:57 -0600

chicagoan: I agree with you 100%. I spent the first 10 years of my adult life working as a community and labor organizer, and I know, first hand how frustrating it can be to try and make positive change for something you believe in, especially when you face an uphill battle of local apathy and institutionalized opposition. I also know how good it feels to win. My concerns about the Olympics coming to Chicago are based what I see in front of me: massive expenditures for something far off, and no concrete assurances that it will pay off, or how it will be financed to begin with. Sure, we've been promised a lot for the Games, and if they all come true, you can count me as the first person to celebrate. I'm frustrated, though, that Daley is able to rally all of these resources for such high-profile projects, but he can't get the same together for basic things that we need, like schools, affordable housing, and better transit. It makes me even more upset when I hear people say that this is the only way we can get these things. It just isn't right, and I think we deserve better from our leaders. I'm sorry if people feel I am being "negative" by criticizing this project, but the track record of success for modern Olympics isn't exactly stellar. I hope they pull it off. And I hope that Chicagoans, the media, and other politicians will hold the committee's feet to the fire for all that we have been promised. I've taken this ride enough times, though, to know not to go into it with my eyes closed.

nutsackylacky

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 23:03:27 -0600

Hee larry us. I recall crying foul over the non-existent Chicagoist "empirical" research surrounding an Olympic bid. In short, they provided no evidence but merely maintained "lots" of things would be built, "tons" of jobs would be created, and the RTA would come to rival that gleaming beacon of mass transit efficiency--Atlanta. BULLLLLLL SHIT. The nerve then to claim after the fact that they made a solid case with real data. They didn't. This, perhaps, is why blogs will continue to serve an entertainment function (and a role as paraphrasers of published news stories) and traditional news outlets will remain. Stick to your weak ass unsupported guns, Chicagoist. The Olympics might be the best thing to ever happen to Chicago (hopefully) but please don't act like you got all journalist on our asses and did the proper research before pronouncing it a homerun. Wishing it were true don't make it so.

chicagoan

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 22:59:47 -0600

TCFB: Thanks for correcting my oversight, I do remember that post. Perhaps I was a bit hard on Chicagoist and I am not suggesting Kevin or anyone else stop writing about corruption or any other problems. I honestly was just frustrated with a general feeling that everytime I open my reader and click on Chicago all I read is how things are going to hell in a handbasket, when I don't think that is the case. I have gone to countless community meetings, coached little league teams and worked with citizens groups that were dedicated to making Chicago a better place to live particularly in underserved neighborhoods and focusing on bridging the digital divide. Everyone of these groups has for the most part failed and for the most part it was not the city's fault. City officials came to meetings and listened to our thoughts and have worked some of into initiatives they are doing. Could they have done more, sure. The real reason these groups failed though is there wasn't enough support or interest by Chicagoans who would actually get involved and make things happen. I realize most people feel they don't have time to work on community projects these days but without people actually dedicating themselves to solving problems in the city it is going to be left to politicians and their cronies to do things. All I am saying is thinking positively and working to get things done theoretically should have better results than being negative, unfortunately I haven't been a part of a group with the critical mass to do something like that. There are groups I can think of in Chicago that are doing this and are being rewarded for it, for instance the biking groups of Chicago. I like biking in the city and that's because bikers have gotten out made their voices heard and have been rewarded for that effort with the most extensive bike lane system in the country, ever try biking in NY? The city of Chicago wants the olympics and if that's the case I support it, I look at it as an opportunity for all of us to work together to make sure things are done right and that we put on the greatest games olympic athletes have ever seen, rather than a chance for the city to screw up. As for the CTA. It is not all the city's fault. The main problem is and always has been a power struggle between the city and suburbs, the CTA and the RTA, Democrats and Republicans and whatever other perceived demarcations one can think of over funding and control over the purse strings. Instead of working together we have redundant systems fighting over funds and the riders are the ones who end up getting the short end of the stick. That being said we're still ahead of LA and many other cities' piss poor attempts at an effective transportation system. Finally, this has nothing to do with Iraq. Praise Allah, blessed be his name :) (Colbert Report reference, so I don't get flamed by the uninformed)

Gregory Shriver

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 22:35:40 -0600

This post is fine, I guess, given that I value the importance of the watchdog function of our society as opposed to the automatic rah rah rah! But while Chicagoist does a decent job of reminding us of Chicago's shortcomings and what we need to do to make things better — especially for its residents — I'm getting a little tired of the negativity. I started reading Chicagoist because I thought it offered a little more of a slant toward information that made us proud of the city, while trying to offer some analysis good and bad. But there's no doubt the tone has gotten more negative. And the comments are really wearing on me. If the attitudes of those who post comments influenced policy makers, Chicago would be a dying city like so many other old manufacturing towns in the Midwest.

Rachael

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 22:12:49 -0600

Why is it that Dems trot out Iraq and New Orleans whenever they want to make a point about 1) Corruption and 2) Social inequality? What a waste of time. Are the Olympics really THAT serious? They did AMAZING things for Atlanta, and I would go to bet.com and wager one million dollars that IF we get the Olypmics (my money is on Rio) that all you naysayers will drink the koolaid and cry when J-Hud or whoever sings the Star Spangled banner at the opening ceremonies. And yeah, the USOC is corrupt. So is every bureaucracy. It is what it is, the billions haven't been spent yet. And saying that the Olympic money could go to schools is like saying NASA money could go to the poor. If that were a priority, it would be happening. No one really cares about the poor because it is too sad and too impossible to fix. So Daley is going to give them the games. And they will LOVE him for it.

MACK

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 21:52:54 -0600

New Orleans and the Gulfcoast are still in ruins and yet some Chicagoans think the feds are supposed to fix the CTA first even though hundreds of millions of Chicago tax dollars are hidden from public oversight in Daley's TIF funds. But here's a way to finance the Olympics. London City Airport,is just two miles from the main Games site for the 2012 Olympics. It's a real estate comparable for a well run Meigs Field.Opened in 1987 with the goal of being the premier business airport in Europe, London City Airport, comparable in size to Meigs, is served by 13 airlines flying to 34 cities. In 2006, the airport handled nearly 80,000 flight operations and almost 2.4 million passengers. It is ideally located to play a key transportation role during the Olympics. London City Airport was sold in December 2006 to AIG Financial Products Corp. and Global Infrastructure Partners for $1.4 billion. That's a lot of money! So Daley can rebuild Meigs, run it properly and sell it to finance the Olympics.

thundercougarfalconbird

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 19:33:37 -0600

@Nando: Blue collar workers? Man, they don't have time to play around in here, they're too tired coming home from an actual day of actual work dealing with actual life problems to bother with our candy asses. So the people you don't want to hear from are essentially your audience around here. @Kevin: I don't always agree with you (I want the Olympics here so bad it feels like I have to pee) but you are easily one of the best reasons to tune into Chicagoist day in and day out. Keep up the good work. Anyway, I studied US History in college, and even though I ended up in freaking Nevada of all places, I found myself missing home more than you would ever know. So I moved back to Chicago and poured into the history here. And if I could go back in time to witness a piece of Chicago history, it would be the 1893 World's Fair. My rationale for wanting the Olympics, more than anything else, is that this may be as close as I can get to the energy, chaos, and impact that the 1893 event had on the city. Remember, that "party" was full of controversy (New York kept telling everyone we were a bunch of classless hicks AND had a hyper corrupt city hall. The latter was very true), went way over budget, and even featured one of America's first serial killers. But nothing in this city's history did more to change how the world saw us, inspire civic spirit, and encourage tourism and investment than anything else before or since. I just think the games could bring us closer to that.

Abhay

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 19:21:01 -0600

Justin, The data for your comment about how London was the only profitable Olympics in modern history please. Thanks!

CC

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 17:35:03 -0600

Errm...it's kinda hard for London to be in the black when the real revenue (tickets and sponsorships) has yet to be booked. I'm willing to give the Olympics a chance. Remember when Millennium Park was supposed to open, you know, when the millennium came? Yet that turned out way better than I (and others) thought. I have a hard time believing that the CTA and other issues won't be addressed if the entire world is coming to town. It's a great opportunity for people to hold the elected to their transparency vows, too. Sure, us locals are going to have our eyes on it, but after the Salt Lake and Atlanta scandals, so is the USOC, IOC, and every investigative reporter who wants to make a name for himself. So bring it on! Then I won't have to adjust my transit schedule by posting on Chicagoist. :)

Justin

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 17:11:57 -0600

The '84 LA Olympics are still the only profitable Olympics in modern history. London's already in the red 5 years before the opening ceremony. Sure, the Olympics will make us feel good for a week or two. Then comes the bill. Who's going to pay that? The unnamed insurer? Patrick Ryan? Try- you and everyone else who pays taxes in the city. Maybe the Olympic Village and Washington Park will be the latest TIF recipients, diverting even more money from the schools, CTA, and job training programs. Why should we feel 'entitled' to things like that? But don't worry, I'm sure we'll sell enough T-shirts, hats, and snow globes to pay for it.

Ferdy

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 16:39:30 -0600

From bettertransit.com/primer.htm The most current available “snapshot” of the region’s transit riding public is offered in a December 1996 Report to the RTA entitled Transit Rider/Non-Rider Survey by the Northwest Research Group (see results in accompanying chart). The survey provides data for what the researchers define as a “primary rider.”[ Note: a “Primary Rider” is defined in the RTA study as “a person 16 or older who rode CTA, Metra, and/or Pace 5 or more times” in the 30 days preceding the survey). Sixty-four percent of regular riders are commuting to their place of work, 11% are going to school, and 17% are using transit for other kinds of trips (to access services, recreation, shopping, etc.] The RTA Transit Rider/Non-Rider Survey reports that region-wide, 77% of the people who regularly use transit have access to a car. In other words, the stereotype that “no one uses transit unless they have to,” is just that, a stereotype. Three-fourths of the people who are using transit regularly in metropolitan Chicago choose to use it rather than drive. As will be discussed later, however, the number of households who do not have access to a car, and thus will have few or no transportation alternatives when transit service is cut, is greatest in minority and low income communities. (See “The CTA’s Transit Service Cuts – Who Got Hurt?”) I refuse to back off the word "entitlement" when it comes to services vital to many people, like affordable transportation to work and school.

Joe

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 16:21:53 -0600

The Chicago bid is moving forward, so energies are best focused on how to improve it. We need a transparent process and not a backroom operation. If Chicago wins the Games all construction, janitorial, vending... contracts should be awarded to vendors who can provide the service with the most cost-effective bid. A fair, equitable process that is not based on how politically connected a vendor is will maximize support for Chicago 2016. Oversight of this process is healthy and necessary. The USOC, press, and Chicago citizens must be vigilant to ensure the process is transparent and as cost-effective as possible.

Nando

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 16:21:29 -0600

Opposing the war in Iraq and opposing Chicago's Olympic bid are two very, very different things Kev... Not to mention that by providing info from *one* economist as the sole reasoning is akin to the US government using the WMD argument for Iraq. In both cases, my *personal* view has been to go with common sense...Saddam didn't bring down the WTC and one of the biggest reasons for my support of the bid is Barcelona; a city which was benefited tremendously from the Olympics. I was informed of this numerous times by actual Barcelona residents when there visiting family friends and not by case studies, reports or theories. For the most part, the only 3 writers from this site that I read are Chuck Sudo, Benjy and the author of this piece, as they aren't like the other Chicagoist writers (read: transplants who want to change the city to their vision of urban utopia). While this site is a great place for providing info on city happenings, it fails horribly at actually measuring the pulse of city residents (and by residents, I purposely exclude those who are here for a few years before "starting a family" or moving to Brooklyn/LA). Ask the many union guys working construction what new buildings would mean for them, or truck drivers who move the freight train cargo (Chicago is after all the 3rd largest intermodal city in the world). Thats a thought - lets actually ask the blue collar workers who compose this blue collar town..as opposed to the liberal art majors who moved to the Ukranian Village two years ago (sorry kids, youre easily 10 years too late).

woodlawnchuck

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 16:20:05 -0600

Operative word Ferdy is entitled. Yeah, we are entitled to have better services. But something about a system that was broken from the beginning (think schools) is kind of hard to fix over night. Something about reversing people's reliance on the car is very hard to tackle over night (how many people rode the L 30 years ago??), is that Daley's fault? You people want to bitch and bitch and bitch about every goddamn thing this Mayor does. Get out of the classroom kiddies. Compare the city now to the one led by Bilandic, Byrne and Washington. What's a matter, you don't remember? Oh, thought so. By the way, entitlement is a really strong word. A lot of people in this town think they're entitled to a lot of different things, like obnoxious soccer moms driving like their in the UK (i.e.-wrong side of the road) while yapping on cell phones or criminals think they're entitled to your belongings. About the only thing you're really entitled to is some water at the restaurant, and even that doesn't happen the way it should. But, hey, with you at the helm, we got ourselves a perfect world, right?

ross

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 16:18:49 -0600

What's funny Ferdy is you don't understand how things work. Don't you think it will be easier for Chicago to get Federal Funds being the Olympics are coming to Chicago?

Ferdy

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 16:07:27 -0600

This is getting really funny. People want the Olympics to get city services they are entitled to that they can't get "the normal way". You know what? I think we ALL should leave! I hear that some places actually spend your money on YOU!

woodlawnchuck

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 15:53:43 -0600

What's the matter Kevin, did you not get the job you wanted out of the East Side Democratic Org? You not close enough to Sanchez and Vrdolyak? You are bitter about something, but, hey, hold your head up kiddo! Things get better. I mean, what are you, 19 years old? Boy, you know a lot about the World! As someone pointed out, for every economist you meet who thinks the Olympics are a bad idea, you'll meet one that says they're a great idea! Part of the problem with people like the source you site is he has never done anything in his life beside study. Where is the real world experience? It's a fact that people locked in academia really have no idea what anything means, outside of some numbers they crunch to come up with an analysis to fit their pre-conceived notion. Let's say you're a tradesman of some sort. Like, say, a carpenter. Are you a better carpenter because of the time you spent in class, studying, or are you better because of your real world experience, physically building? That's what I thought, and that's why some pencil-necked geek from the U of C doesn't have any idea of what he's talking about: theory and practice are two different things. Without the Olympics, we will not get the changes we need. With the Olympics, we will! And it will happen a lot sooner than 9 years from now. Issues like the deteriorating rail line will be addressed immediately because of the fact that the IOC will be using using it as an excuse to keep it out. Further, the area around Washington Park is a complete shithole (though it has gotten better), this will make things much better, much quicker.

NSH

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 15:52:39 -0600

I hope bean bags is an olympic sport by 2016. The venue could be the parking lot at the cell.

chicago is what it is

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 15:48:32 -0600

Well the majority of people want the Olympics and know that it will be great for our economy. Also the majority of the people voted for Richard Daley. We all know Chicago isn't perfect but it's pretty great city and overall Daley does a pretty good job. I didn't vote for George Bush but I also don't sit and complain non stop about him because he was elected and complaining isn't going to change anything. I get real sick of all the bashing on here about Chicago and Daley and him being corrupt. I would say to Keven put up or shut up. Write a post when and if Daley get's indicted then you can write I told you so. All cities are political and not all things that are done in a political environment are corrupt. Not everything is black and white. Kevin it sounds like you have only lived here so how do you know our City is more corrupt then other major cities? What exactly is your examples of corruption here in Chicago? Did Daley slam the door on you on the way out of your interview with the City for a City Job?

Michelle

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 15:46:01 -0600

Olymp-ics are playing in my house. My house. You got to set them up.

Ferdy

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 15:35:52 -0600

Most Chicagoans don't seem to mind the daily insult that is Daley's backroom governance. I don't think the USOC has to worry about insulting the citizens of dis here fine city by not telling them everything (or anything).

jeffrey

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 15:33:19 -0600

Kevin, how about you sit down with experts that may not share allan sanderson's view and write a new post...its long overdue... and as for the "two week party notion" the money you want spent on other things besides the olympics will only be coming to chicago in the first place because of the olympics...

GeorgesDyingBrainCell

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 15:27:09 -0600

Chicagoan TCFB Brad You all hit it right on the head. More and more each day, I notice some serious negativity on this blog. Kinda takes the fun out of life, Chicagoist. After all, I only have one remaining brain cell. I'd rather see it die laughing. If that's at all possible...

Bekki

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 15:21:44 -0600

I am very excited about the possibility of the Olympics being here. And it very well could suck a lot for me if they do come. Many of the venues are very near where I live, forecasting hellish commutes and just general living at that time. But I'm so excited! The Olympics! Actually where I live! I love the multi-cultural aspect of it and can't wait for the opportunity to maybe see a lot of these athletes up close and personal. (I need to win the lottery by then.) Yeah, the city needs work--CTA, in particular--but I hope this provides the motivation to get it done and get it done well.

Kevin

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 15:18:54 -0600

I think Chicago is pretty awesome. I wouldn't live here, (or write for Chicagoist) if I didn't think so. That's why I am opposed to the 2016 bid. I know this will be a disaster for the city, and not because I hate Chicago. It's that I've lived here long enough to know not to believe the powers that be when they start talking about how great it will be if they can spend millions of dollars on some adventure. When I spoke to Allan Sanderson, the University of Chicago Sports Economist, he explained to me how events like this really don't contribute to the overall economy of the city. In fact, we will be spending literally billions of dollars to host a two week party. I would much rather see that money spent on schools, transit, and affordable housing now, than some far-fetched ego boost for Mayor Daley's legacy. Besides, any benefit that we may accrue won't happen for at least another decade. Call me a hater, offer to run me out of town on a rail, I really don't care. People that oppose the war in Iraq are also accused of hating their country. I would argue that skepticism of our elected leaders is patriotic, and indicative of a love for the city. Blind allegiance to politicians will bring a lot more bad to this city than good, that's for sure.

Joe

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 15:10:21 -0600

So, if you love Chicago but don't like Daley you should "move the f out of town"? By that logic if you love America but dislike Bush then you should move to France. There's nothing wrong with healthy skepticism regarding government's actions. I'd rather take a critical look at all aspects of the Olympic issue than engage in blind boosterism.

Brad

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 15:05:02 -0600

I'm disappointed with the Chicagoist and its party-pooper attitude concerning the Olympic bid. Yeah, so there may be some problems hosting the Olympics. But it would be nice if you would quit focusing on the negatives, and just enjoy the fact that our city has the chance to host the greatest event in the world! A lot more good than bad will result if we're lucky enough to be selected.

Chicago Works

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 14:59:58 -0600

Kevin can't ever say anything good about the City. I will donate $100 toward a one way ticket to get him out of this city. If you hate the city and Daley no one is forcing you to live here. Take my $100 and move the f out of town.

thundercougarfalconbird

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 14:51:31 -0600

@chicagoan They did have a post about going to a CTA meeting. http://www.chicagoist.com/archives/2007/03/27/we_came_we_saw_we_sarcastically_laughed.php But for the most part you're right. I'm not looking for "Yeah! Chicago is awesome!" posts all day everyday, but a little more couldn't hurt.

chicagoan

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 14:43:47 -0600

You know I've been reading this site everyday for sometime because it is really great for hearing unique things about the city I live in but I have to say I am starting to get sick of the negativity. I'm all for getting a different point of view but I like it here and wish this site had more about the good things going on in the city. Furthermore, if you really have a problem with the way things are run get involved in community meetings run for office, why is it I haven't seen an article about someone going to a CTA meeting and voicing their opinion or staging a rally to let people know that we want change on the CTA. The reason Chicago politics is the way it is is there are to many whiners and not enough doers. City council is not as hard to run for as one would make it seem. There are a dozen runoffs happening tomorrow with people who are no more famous or powerful then the guy next door to you if you have time to complain you have time to help a candidate you like and if you don't like any of them you can run yourself.

jerry 101

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 14:26:57 -0600

Why is that only Chicagoans don't think of Chicago as a global city? We're already a global city. The Economist lists 6 American cities in its city guides: New York, Los Angeles, CHICAGO, Atlanta, San Francisco, and Washington DC. Its not like we're Milwaukee or something. What do people really know about any "global" city? What do you know about Dubai? About Sao Paulo? How about Moscow? Having people know about Chicago, even if its just from Jordan and Capone, is already a big deal. How many famous people can you name who are from Singapore?

af

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 14:09:09 -0600

Um, you know that the USOC is renowned for graft, too, right?

scofic

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 13:36:36 -0600

Ahhh, yes; Chicago graft-now on an Olympic scale!