Chicagoist: Anti-Olympics, Pro-Clinics Protest Tomorrow

mcfinley

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 13:09:33 -0600

Improving Chicago's infrastructure is one of the greatest benefits the Olympic games will bring. *Federal* funding to improve highways, mass-transit, and other capital improvements are also used to bolster a host city. Atlanta received 600M in 96' and Salt Lake City received 1.3B in 02'. From these precedents, Chicago could very well receive 2-3 billion to improve the very aspects Olympic detractor complain about. Now, if, as taxpayers, one were to argue that no government funding should be used to pay for the Olympics, than that's another story. But critics should instead argue against all US Olympic bids, not just the current bid in Chicago.

joshie

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 11:25:45 -0600

Do you want to be Daley's Olympic chumbolone? I don't.

jimbo

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 10:40:50 -0600

I agree with you Gordon. I don't think there's any argument if the olympics were guaranteed to be 100% privately funded, but I think we all know how that's going to turn out.

ophmarketing

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 10:10:55 -0600

It' not just the 'crowded' many of us are concerned with. I just don't think we have the infrastructure to support it--nor do we have the ability (financially or otherwise) to develop such an infrastructure. Other cities that prepare for their own Olympics rally the entire country behind them and pour untold funds into creating a world-class environment. Meanwhile, back in Chicago, the escalator at my el stop broke two weeks ago. CTA put up a sign saying it would be fixed in the middle of May. Four months to fix an escalator, and yet we think we can put on an Olympics that won't be an utter disaster to the region? I don't see it.

GordonTramesko

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:48:38 -0600

The games shouldn't come at the expense of something else. But I feel people that oppose the games are selfish. The Olympics would create so much revenue and jobs for Chicago both immediately and years down the road for tourism. I have heard opponents say "it will be too crowded." Get over it.

joshie

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:36:33 -0600

If you'd like crime to increase even more than it already has, by all means start closing mental health clinics in poorer neighborhoods. I am opposed to the Olympic games, but I don't intend to still be living in Chicago at that point, so I don't feel too strongly about it.