Chicagoist: Chicago 2016 Gains Momentum

NannyState

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:24:42 -0600

^ Yeah, the I.O.C. never lamented the poor state of preparations in Athens or the adequacy of some of those venues, did they?. That "2003 report" came at the heels of a lot of speculation about the burden the Olympics posed for Greece and the difficulties faced by Athens. Odd that there were no similar complaints about Beijing. Don't be fooled: The I.O.C. wants more Beijings, not fewer and they will bow to public pressure to see a games on every continent, but for those countries like the U.S., they will always have the highest expectations and a cheap games won't win anything here.

kathy_in_chicago

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 21:07:48 -0600

nannystate: the IOC doesn't ever want another cheap games like atlanta's? Where did you get that idea? in a 2003 IOC report, IOC president Jacques Rogge has been pushing for the games to be "more compact, less expensive and to leave few, if any, "white elephant" venues." this USA Today article from July 2005 goes further to say: "these three goals work toward his ultimate end: an Olympics in Africa or South America, the only continents never to have hosted a Games." http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/summer/2005-06-30-paris-games_x.htm

NannyState

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 20:48:07 -0600

^ The point is that the I.O.C. decides what they want, not Chicago. And the I.O.C. doesn't ever want another "cheap games" like Atlanta's.

lamgray

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:28:33 -0600

Yes, but we also had previous infrastructure from the UK to build a foundation on prior to the War. So consider the late 1700's as our starting point. Technically 60 years post war, you would not been afforded the rights to a free election due to the fact that you are a woman. And, there are countries in Africa that do have a solid constituion, free elections, etc set up. Your generalization about the continent and its governmental/economic stability is absurd.

jennyblur

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:27:41 -0600

@lamgray: Dude, we also didn't have billions of dollars being poured in from all angles. Also, by 60 years after the War, we had a solid constituion, legal and free elections, a Supreme Court with judicial review and like, the beginnings of an industrial revolution. So, we were doing better than Africa, with less help. Obviously our challenges were different and the greatest capital on Earth are people, but I just don't think that the G-8 countries are helping over there. Nor would an Olympic games.

lamgray

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:03:59 -0600

Nanny, You are dead wrong. Previous olympic games in US cities DID use old stadiums that were updated a bit. They also sponsored rennovations with corporate dollar and sponsorship. Perhaps you should look into what the actual plan is and understand the history of previous host city expenditures before you make assumptions. Also, Jenny Blur, the US has had FAR over 60 years to get democracy right and still doesn't hit the nail on the head. Take a look at the US 60 years post the constitution and let me know on your outlook and hope for the United States. Focus on criminal and rogue activity as well.

NannyState

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 09:20:24 -0600

Chicago, do you have $20-100 billion to blow on this thing? The I.O.C. specializes in tapping national treasuries, not repainting old stadiums and hanging some nice banners. Congress wisely voted against any such federal largesse years ago. If Chicago can swing this thing, the fundraising must begin now. Start with a tax on fatty junk foods...

fed up

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:52:20 -0600

I would love to see the IOC declare Chicago the site of the 2016 olympics, as long as the announcement is the day after the indictment of Daley/Stroger/blago/Mell/M.Magigan/Burke/Carouthers/Jones/ Hendon/Beavers. I can dream the olympic dream

Spook

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:22:03 -0600

so apropo, don't you think JD? I mean as you can tell by my comments, love drips out my pores like booz on a Saturday morning!

JD84

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:28:57 -0600

Spook must mean "love" in Swahili

Spook

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:05:08 -0600

I KNEW IT!!!! YES YALL! I was soo right! A typical O'bama supporter! She can say "South Africa doesn't count as Africa." She can say " Africa cannot be saved" She can say that Lumumba should have played ball with the CIA She can say about All of Africa "had like 60 years to get it right, and no matter how much money we give them there is just too much corruption, too fractured, too much to overcome to be helped." Who can generalize and stero type the second largest continent on the globe with over 92.293 million people But because she voted for O'bama she certainly isn't racist Hey Jenny 60 years ago America was still lynching Blalk folks off trees! Oh and maybe we shouldn't have given so much money to people like AMIN, Idi Charles TAYLOR, Idi Amin,Joseph Mobuto and all the other "leaders" we installed who represented our interests? I have a new slogan for O'Bama. "Barack O'Bama making it Safe for racist white folks not to Change" ;-)

kathy_in_chicago

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:05:20 -0600

jennyblur: "We should leave it up to the NGOs." Who is "we"? Who do you think the NGOs are? We are the NGOs too.

jennyblur

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:42:48 -0600

Spook: Yeah, I know about Africa. I am not retarded. Africa has had like 60 years to get it right, and no matter how much money we give them there is just too much corruption, too fractured, too much to overcome to be helped. We should leave it up to the NGOs and get out of there. p.s. O'Bama.

Spook

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:54:39 -0600

"Can Africa be saved,? No" Jenny are you reall that stupid? To think this about a country young in democracy with so many resources not just materail but intellectual? Are you really that stupid of an American? Have you ever been to Africa? Have you read any history of Africa? Do you read about what's going on in Africa now? Have you read any works of literature form African writers? So are you really that stupid? p.s who did you vote for?

jennyblur

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:05:34 -0600

Spook: Patrice would have lived had he been a little more willing to engage in capitalism. Just like we are willing to overlook shit in China because they trade with us. Just saying, Africa would have had a much easier time of itif their democratic leaders right after the end of colonialism had been a little more sympathetic to U.S. interests. Are we a horrible and corrupt and terrible country with a history of excesses in Africa? Yes. Can Africa be saved? No. Except for South Africa.

Spook

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 23:40:46 -0600

Sorry I missed this little Diamond of racism "South Africa doesn't count as Africa. Sorry. Not the same." Nelson Mandela didn't agree with this, but the apartied government before him sure did. Hey Blur you would have been a shoe in for a high ranking position in the US state department, back in the 1930's. You could have joined with the team that killed Patrice Lumumba So tell me Jenny Blur, did you vote for O'bama? p.s Today many white Americans don't consider Egypt part of Africa, ( not that they need to actually go there to visit right?)but Egyptions sure do, except for a few western minded copic Christains over there. Of course maybe this makes sense as I was born in the U.S. yet I don't consider myself American, because there are too many people like Jennyblur for me to feel at home. ;-) p.s Hillary gave the best Speech todate at the demoplutocracy convention. I wonder how many people( including Ms. O'bama) missed her Hariette Tubman reference

lamgray

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 17:12:46 -0600

Not to get too far into the Africa side arguement going on here, but I do know that Mail is ruled by a constitutional democracy, and also home to Timbuktu. I would vote for a Morrocan city(specifically Casablancas) to hosting the olympics anyday(As I really want to go there.), but that's just my personal opinion

Spook

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:19:25 -0600

I like how Jenny Blur lumps every country in Africa together including the stable and democratic nations. Yea that's not racists Like Cape Verde, Mali, Ghana, and other countries that she has no clue about what's going on and what their capacity to host the Olympics could be with assistance. And she dismisses South Africa with yet another stupid arrogant swipe And like all the other progames people she neglects the arguments about what the Olympics will do to poor communities like Washington Park. Yea just sweep those conversations right under the rug just like we do the people every day. Oh and about those temporary low wage jobs? Yea that's just what we need I bet she's an O’Bama supporter, just like most of the other racist white liberal goo gooos. My how those true colors come out She also doesn’t mention the kleptocracy of the Daley Regime who are salivating at the mouth for the opportunity to steal every thing that is and isn’t nailed down associated with the Olympic Games setting a new record in public theft on a global scale. Dude II you're probably as "Black" and Clarence Thomas, so go tap dance your modern day Minstrel show else ware, sucka!

lamgray

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:07:45 -0600

All - I would recommend reading this article: http://www.independent.co.uk/extras/features/after-the-party-what-happens-when-the-olympics-leave-town-901629.html Thought the olympic games can cause undue economic stress on a city after the games, if you look to Atlanta and Los Angeles as an example for Chicago, both cities either made money or broke even on the games. They used corporate sponsorship to fund and instead of building new fancy stadiums, they improved the old ones. Also, take note: "The Atlanta Games might have a somewhat shaky reputation, but the head of one development agency which has used this cash to build $30m of affordable housing has said the Olympics left the city a "legacy of opportunity". What is key is good planning and having an exit plan for the facilities. If anything, Chicago would learn from its US predacessors and make improvements to their former plans based upon the lessons learned. So, hosting doesn't mean its going to cost the residents an arm and a leg.

kathy_in_chicago

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:02:00 -0600

jennyblur: It's okay. Some people say the same thing about the United States. Still, what you just wrote was the saddest thing I've read in a long time. Yikes.

jennyblur

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:45:08 -0600

@Kathy: I do not believe in hope and change in Africa, no. For aforementioned reasons.

JD84

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:32:11 -0600

I've spent my fair share of time in Athens, and Greece in general. I have a rough understanding of how the City government works, and I'm pretty sure it's safe to say that if THEY could pull it off, it shouldn't be a problem here in Chicago. I mean, come on, we don't have city workers striking on a weekly basis, right?

lamgray

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:55:42 -0600

PS: I'm also for paying a little more tax $$$ to host the olympics. I know not everyone will agree, but I'd rather pay a little more and be able to go to the games, rather than having to spend $10K Plus to go elsewhere one day to see them. My father has wanted to go for years and finally went to the games in Beijing. He said it was the trip of a lifetime. That's a lot from a man that travels around the world a lot for his job (The man got to ride and operate a train through Tibet.).

lamgray

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:50:39 -0600

Matilda, I'm not quite clear that I understand why hosting the games here means the ordinary people are out? Won't hosting them create a lot of ordinary people jobs? (concessions, construction, etc). Won't the added tourists bring in additional money to waiters, hotel staff, etc? I mean, if you're not into the events, and want to get out of the city, I'm sure you could even rent out your apartment for two weeks (I have had friends do this for similar events like the Superbowl, World Cup, etc around the world, usually they get $$ to go on a nice vacation during the time, and get a month or two rent out of the deal). I guess the proof isn't there as to whether it would be good or severly damaging to the city's economy, especially since we don't know the actual plan to host, general income, etc. I think a lot of ppl are making the mistake of comparing it to Beijing, in which a lot of money was spent, but keep in mind, they basically had to build the entire olympics village from scratch, unlike we would have to as we can host many of the facilities here: Chicago Stadiums, Northwestern, UIC, etc. We hosted the Worlds Fair to much sucess, why can't we look at this the same. How did Atlanta do post games? And, what about sponsorship for the olympics. . .If we have to build a makeshift track & field stadium, why not get a corporation to sponsor it (Coca cola stadium, etc?). I think a lot of the changes that we want for the city (improved transportation, less crime, etc) would become more important and relevant to our leaders, there might be more of a push for improvement, rather than pushing to get elderly people free CTA and veterans out of property tax. And, I agree, I'm sure if the naysayers could see how awesome hosting the olympics really are, they would change their minds completely. To be afforded the chance to really check out the games without all the travelling expense (we're planning to save at leastt 10K a person just to get to go to the London games). Think about the spirit of the olympics. . people work a lifetime and give up a lot of things just for these 2 weeks of competition. What happened to that fighting spirit and pride in what we do, and in the place where we reside? Why can't Chicagoans be proud of their city and the good things about it?

kathy_in_chicago

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:47:19 -0600

jennyblur: The idea is based on the IDEALS of the Olympics. The world is not perfect by any stretch, but your outlook is particularly sad. We have to assume you're not a fan of hope and don't believe in change either.

jennyblur

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:39:59 -0600

Kathy: South Africa is basically the only functioning democracy in Africa. Rugby World Cup does not equal Olympics. Your idea show how sweet and naive you are. @Navin: I am not saying that it isn't our fault that we installed sympathetic dictators that would help us you know, strip African nations of their natural resources or whatever. I am just saying those same corrupt regimes are the reason there is no infrastructure. And why having an Olympics anywhere is Africa except South Africa which doesn't even really count is the goddamned dumbest thing I have ever heard.

kathy_in_chicago

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:28:15 -0600

This is a good podcast from Australia's ABC network about the legacy of the Melbourne ('56) and Sydney ('00) Olympic Games. Interesting stuff if you're thinking about the legacy of the Games. http://www.abc.net.au/rn/australiatalks/stories/2008/2327359.htm Basically, the message is that host cities need to plan for the legacy of Olympic venues and other infrastructure from the very beginning. Buildings should be adaptable post-games for other functions, such as Sydney's Olympic Park, and they should be built sustainably and suitably for the city and the people who live there.

Marcus Gilmer

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:26:10 -0600

As one of the Chicagoist writers in favor of the Games being here (and the Olympics in general) and having lived in the region when Atlanta hosted the '96 Games, I'm all about civic pride and holding the games. We're lucky in that so many potential venues are in place. But, as others have shown, there are plenty of things that give me pause, the biggest being: How are we going to pay for everything? We can barely keep the CTA up and running (lest everyone forget last fall's multiple doomsdays?) and the huge Budget deficit...i just wonder if we can do this without resorting to public funding/taxes.

kathy_in_chicago

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:18:17 -0600

JD84 and lamgray: You guys are right on the money. The anti-Olympics cynic is the fashionable position for the so-called cool and smart realists. But believe me, that will change. After Sydney was awarded the Olympics (I grew up there), we heard the same rants from the same kind of people who shook their heads and said it would never work and it was a bad, bad idea. Then the Olympics started -- and it was amazing. Everybody came together, the atmosphere in the city was electric and we were all proud we could pull off a great Games. That's when the tables turned and the naysayers either changed their minds and joined in the fun, or they shut their mouths because no one gave a crap what they had to say anymore. It was immediately unfashionable to be anti-Olympics. I'm sure it will be the same for Chicago. And yes, Africa is a continent. I didn't suggest a specific city for an "African Olympics" to be held in since the Olympics have never been held there to begin with. Unnecessary detail for the post. And FYI, South Africa hosted the 1995 Rugby World Cup successfully, only a year after its transition to democracy.

Navin

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:11:57 -0600

Ever wonder why Africa has no infrastructure. It is called, horrible corrpution and fear-based regimes under what political scientists call "neopatrimonialism". Hmmmm.....yeah they even have the right to declare you an enemy combatant and lock you up in Guantanamo without a trial................ Ever wonder why those corrupt governments / regimes exist in Africa?? Look toward the U.S./Europe and the West, dear.

matilda

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 12:55:39 -0600

Iamgray: I can't speak for everyone who does not want the Olympics in Chicago, but the reason I am opposed actually has to do with my love for this city and my hopes it can improve. Here's the deal: I think it is reckless to entrust the Machine with billions of dollars more. I think the Machine does more harm than good to Chicago/Cook County/Illinois, and that giving the Machine more money to play with means giving more power and life to the Machine. As well, evidence is thin that any city really benefits financially from the Olympics; in fact, evidence is stronger that ordinary people (in Chicago, that means unconnected people) will pay more than their fair share for the Games. And I think certain leaders here will use the Games to make it harder for working class and lower class people to live in Chicago, thanks to the reckless development that is sure to come with any Games in Chicago. I am not against change or modernization, only recklessness and greed disguised as progress. I am glad you are rooting for the home team. I just don't think that home team includes ordinary people in Chicago's case.

lamgray

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 12:35:05 -0600

Apparently its NOT cool to want them here. It looks fashionable to represent your city as the worst place to live, with the worst crime, transportation, attractions, etc. I guess if Atlanta and LA got them first, it isn't cool anymore. I've been a big fan of the spirit of the games since the womb, and I have gotten excited for each one, so despite any work required, I'm rooting for the home team.

JD84

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:17:18 -0600

Wait, I've forgotten. Is it cool to want the games here or not?

lamgray

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:34:36 -0600

First, I think it would be GREAT for the city to host the olympic games. Sure, we need some work, but have 8 years to prep (and every city needs some improvement to host). Obviously won't be pouring the type of cash into it as Beijing did (and no one will probably spend that much on the games again), but we have more facilities to handle large sporting events than China had to host. Also, as far as crime, doesn't anyone factor the current economy into the uprise in crime. Don't you think that the olympic games (not to mention the jobs created by prepping and running them) would bring a lot of income into the city?? I'm sorry, for two weeks, I think it would be awesome (as I've never been able to afford to go, but always wanted to!). Is civic pride completely gone? Where is the positivity, and the pride into making this happen?? I'm saving to go to the games in London now!

jennyblur

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:23:16 -0600

Spook: I am just reacting to the earlier comment for an "Africa games" which certaintly didn't mention a specific country. But let us say that they were held in like Zimbabwe or Sudan. All these countries would donate materials, which would then be stolen by militias and sold for arms and ammo which would then be used to kill the "darker" people, which really doesn't make sense to white people but who cares because 9/11! never. forget. Until George Clooney makes a video and then America cares for like a second before Angelina Jolie has another kid. Africa is impossible because there are no insituitons in any country, and no like, "shining light" country to set an example for the other countries and everything is so corrupt they can't build a road, and until they do nothing will improve. So, yeah, the Olympics in Africa is the stupidest idea ever, as is giving them any kind of aid. Better model: Bill Clinton getting drug companies to sell HIV drugs at lower cost to African Nations. Or: we should be looking at like, micro loans to women etc like they have done in Bangladesh.

Spook

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 22:09:05 -0600

Ward Up, midwest dolts like jenny "Blur" know just a little bit more about Chicago than they do a continent( made up of countries) called Africa that could fit China, the U.S. and Europe into it and of course has various levels of development, But because they're stupid midwest Americans, they don't need facts about Africa or Chicago, just American stupidity. Now excuse me while I increase my heart rate even more by listening to O'Bama's wife talk, I mean who is more arrogant, his wife or Nancy Lear Jet Pelosi talking about her dinners in the Italian Embassy! But at least they probably had better education to the point where they would now show thier stupidity commenting on Africa! p.s I'm voting Green!

Kaonashi

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 20:11:44 -0600

Every country shortlisted right now will have pluses and minuses attached to it. I will admit that I'm not too keen on having it here because of the reasons that Albany Park and others have already mentioned. Also, where is all that Olympic money going? Is it going to help schools and the infrastructure of areas that have been overlooked? Or is it going into someone's pocket and not helping the city at all? On another note, I'm beginning to wonder if some of you realize that Africa is a CONTINENT and not a country. That's like saying "Europe Olympics" or "Asia Olympics".

Ward Up

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 20:09:00 -0600

It's funny how these outsiders know nothing about how Daley damages the city. They know nothing about the taxes that drive businesses and residents out of Chicago and out of Illinois. They know nothing about the cost of corruption in City and County government. They know nothing about the strong-arming by the unions at McCormick Place. They don't realize that Chicago would run better with a democracy rather than a dictatorship. In fact, they seem to think that they are in-the-know when they tout Daley. What a joke!

Sears Tower

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 19:49:24 -0600

One more time: Madrid: Way to close and way to recent to London to win. Tokyo: Too close and to recent to Beijing to win. Also a poor summer sports culture. Rio: Has World Cup in 2014, not ready to handle the two biggest events in the world in two years. Chicago: No Summer Games since 1996 in USA, where NBC is located and also bankrolls the games, along with nearly all the worldwide Olympic sponsors. In 2009, President Obama is still on the feel good wave of an initial presidency, and he uses his influence to bring it to his adopted hometown.

Spook

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 19:03:26 -0600

"Giving any kind of money to Africa is like pouring water into a bucket with holes. The sheer oversight necessary would be ridiculous." Yea I'm pulling the race card on this! Unless its said by any body that dosen't live in CHICAGO!

jimbo

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 18:46:07 -0600

I really don't care one way or another if we actually get the Olympics. Since Daley doesn't typically lose political games, I consider the Games coming to Chicago to be a done deal. The negatives - tons of money going to the Machine, traffic, Sox out of town for a couple weeks, and Duffy's being packed with foreigners for 2 weeks in a row. The positives - new infrastructure, hopefully a functioning cta, a few new miles of development on the south side that was formerly a ghetto, a new tax base on the south side once the games are over, the chance to see women's beach volleyball in person, and international exposure. It's hard to say that the positives don't outweigh the negatives.

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 17:38:50 -0600

Wow, Curmudgeon, living up to your name with the assessment of the city you love so much. I would say we have just as much space for development for the games as London did or Tokyo would, which both fight for the honor of having the highest prices per square foot for property in the world. London's bid is actually pretty close to ours (mix of existing and new venues and a temporary Olympic stadium). Beijing was a reflection of a country that felt it had something to prove, not a benchmark future Olympics will be judged against in my opinion. Chicago is a world class city the IOC will view as capable of hosting the games, like it or not. Albany, while I agree machine politics in this city can be horrible, I think it is a bit perverse to wish good things (which is relative I guess) don't happen just so the machine doesn't get a cut. Until people decide enough is enough, machine-style politics will continue to flourish here with or without the Olympics and increased federal funds. Lets not pretend any of the cities on the short list are less prone to graft or corruption. If Tokyo gets the games, you can bet the mayor's brother-in-law or cousin will end up with a juicy contract somewhere down the line. If you cut off the Olympics and federal funding for improvements you don't end up killing the machine, you just end up turning Chicago into Detroit.

jennyblur

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 17:25:40 -0600

South Africa doesn't count as Africa. Sorry. Not the same.

YoknapatawphaTourismBoard

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 17:17:25 -0600

I'm sorry is everyone here this poorly informed? South Africa is hosting the world cup in 2010... the world's second largest sporting event. And an Africa games would suck. Imagine the opening ceremonies. Yes... I understand that they're all naked down there.

grandma

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 17:16:40 -0600

For all the "dukes and ditch diggers" with African Olympics thoughts. Pay attention to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, it should answer some of your questions.

ophmarketing

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 17:01:22 -0600

Kathy, I agree that your vision of an Africa Olympics sounds extraordinary, and would—were it even remotely feasible—be the very epitome of the spirit of the Games. However, I (unfortunately) agree that the reality on the ground in that region would make the idea all but totally unworkable. But even still, I'd still rather see them try it there than here in Chicago.

The Curmudgeon

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:57:14 -0600

NO. CHANCE. IN. THE. WORLD. We don't have a chance against the other cities. The very idea that our mayor even thinks this city is up to the challenge is as absurd as the idea that there's room here for it. The Olympics is about spectacle, sports, giant venues, and most events in a central location. Our mayor's proposal? A more "intimate" Olympics. Intimate? That's a sneaky way of saying "we know there's no room for it, so we'll be fine with something smaller than Beijing." Give me a break, seriously. If you really know this city and you know the locations and facilities they are proposing to use that exist already, it's a hilarious proposition. They want to use one of the largest and only major parks on the city's south side for opening ceremonies and other facilities. Goodbye park! They want to use existing spaces at McCormick Place for things that I can't even fathom holding enough bleachers and seating on an Olympic level. The only cool thing I've seen is the idea of building some islands on the lake to house the Olympic Village. The city and the mayor think that because we've hosted the Gay Games, we're up to the challenge of the Olympics. That's like owning a hamster and thinking it qualifies you for owning a dozen zoo animals. NO CHANCE. Love the country, love this city, but let someone else have it.

ljpljpljp

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:54:32 -0600

I am sure Daley had to change his shorts a lot watching Beijing. I do not know if he knows who Jimmy Page is though. I really hope that there is no Olympics here for the same reasons everybody else is stating. Besides, Angelina Jolie will probably be the presumptive Democratic candidate for president in 2016, running against the Republican candidate for president, Arnold Schwarzenegger(thanks to the change in the Constitution), and thus I am going to have enough headaches as it is.

Not_another_username

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:49:08 -0600

I think the whole Olympics bid is a scam by the Mayor to find another way to run all the poor people out of Chicago. If he gets his way he can just go bulldoze a few poor neighborhoods for stadia and an Olympic Village and whatever else they would need.

jennyblur

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:48:07 -0600

Dude: SAY IT PLEASE!

Dude II

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:41:28 -0600

Plan For Transformation: Olympics Version. And an Africa games would suck. Imagine the opening ceremonies. Damn, why did you have to say this? I'm black and even I have a MILLION jokes for this but dare not say them.

mepps

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:36:50 -0600

Kathy- Nice idea, but I wonder that since most of the freebies Africa gets now are stolen by various 'leaders', if this would turn into a display of corruption on an olympic stage. I also can't help but imagine that the 'spirit' of the olympics is hard enough for nations to pull off for two weeks, yet alone for several years. Who says who pays for what?? This seems like it would turn into an American/Britain/western european/UN(america again)/NATO funded project, and in that order.

jennyblur

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:36:40 -0600

Also: an Africa Games is basically the stupidest thing I have ever heard. Ever wonder why Africa has no infrastructure. It is called, horrible corrpution and fear-based regimes under what political scientists call "neopatrimonialism". Giving any kind of money to Africa is like pouring water into a bucket with holes. The sheer oversight necessary would be ridiculous. And an Africa games would suck. Imagine the opening ceremonies.

Tankboy

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:29:07 -0600

Ugh ... still think this is a disaster wanting to hapen ... hello civic bankruptcy!

jennyblur

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:27:47 -0600

I don't think crime concerns are valid in the wake of a successful Beijing Olympics. Really. They are like mowing people down in public squares and torturing political prisoners. Minorities killing eachother far away from the games won't have that much of an impact. And if we do get the bid, there will be a police force out like we have never seen. Was anyone in ATL for the Olympics? I mean, besides the bombing, they had no problems with crime because they rounded up all the transients and had them shunned. A quick, explainable rise in violent crime (summer, poor economy etc) should not be listed in any short list for why we should NOT get the games.

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:24:09 -0600

If crime is really an IOC concern, how does Rio even stand a chance? Chicago certainly has problems (especially compared to Tokyo), but Rio is a whole different level. I think our "crumbling" infrastructure is also played up a bit too much. Sure, the L needs a MAJOR revamp prior to the games. Much of that revamp, however, needs to occur over the next 8 years irregardless of whether we get the games if this city is going to continue to grow. For all the talk people need to remember that we still have the skeleton of a major mass-transportation system that rivals many cities in the world already in place. That system also already connects both airports to the downtown area and lakefront (the propossed site for the majority of venues). I see no reason why Chicago shouldn't get it--if we really want it.

Albanyparkour

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:19:21 -0600

I'm completely against a Chicago Olympics. The Machine, with BILLIONS to play with...no. Part of my hinkiness about Obama is the glut of money that the Chicago/Illinois racket will see from the federal government. The "mixed-use" housing bullshit? Please. They might as well write "WHITES ONLY" on the side of those things, maybe "RICH WHITES ONLY" is more accurate. The whole bid feels like a play to revamp swaths of the south side in one fell swoop. You want Mayor Maynot to preside over the Olympic kitty and ride off into retirement on an ocean of cash, then by all means cheer for Chicago 2016.

theplantguy

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:11:49 -0600

I would doubt the IOC you use crime statistics to dicide, since a lot can happen in 7 years. I would be mostly concerned with the transist situation, but I guess a bunch of express busses would get around the trains be shit.

kathy_in_chicago

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:10:48 -0600

I have an idea: that one of the Olympics of the next 20 years should be held somewhere in Africa. Well, anywhere in Africa. In a country with barely any infrastructure -- so no roads, no running water, no public transport, no hospitals. And all the developed and emerging countries that compete (which is all of them) will shoulder part of the economic burden. Sponsors will donate technology, services and volunteers to help train locals. Media attention will be brought to HIV, poverty and famine. Buildings will go up and they will stay up. The entire world will see Africa for what it is. And see how much help it needs to catch up. With the whole world taking part and the spirit of the Olympics driving the entire project, I think it would really make an impact. Am I crazy or could our we really pull something like this off? P.S. I posted about this on my blog: yeahokay.com

fremo

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:06:24 -0600

I think from another "ist" site that something like 4000 people were murdered in Rio last year? I think safety is going to be a concern wherever it is. 400 million in the hole, though? Too much of the way the city plans its budgets is based on revenue instead of managing costs. If Chicago is selected for the Olympics, I think the short term benefits will be outlasted by what is left over and the costs of running things.

Libby

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:58:17 -0600

If we get these Olympics it will be an absolute nightmare for this city. Daley is going to turn this city into a police state...worse that it is now. Please, please, let it be Rio!

Natalia1979

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:48:41 -0600

You know, I was worried about the crime issue too. Until I read that London had 24 STABBING deaths of local youths. I guess that equates with the 24 SHOOTING deaths of our youth. So, if London can still get the Olympics, I think we should be OK. BUT I am undecided as to whether or not I want Chicago to have the Olympics. As a lifelong Chicagoan, I kind of like the idea, but with all the recent rapid gentrification, I am not so sure.