Yup. Given how the midwest economy has been going, you can see why it might be something to lift people's spirits. If you are like maxie and think that everything Obama's done so far has actually hurt our economy, I can't really understand why he'd complain about Obama a) getting out of the country for a few days where he could presumably do less damage and b) doing something that will unequivocally create some jobs if he succeeds. Seems like a win-win.
Why do we have to act the same as other countries' leaders? Which of our other presidents have done it? Also, Rio's and Madrid's bids are federally government-sponsored. Ours is locally based. Is the US citizenry going to pay for Chicago's bid? What if Dick Cheney had flown to Saudi Arabia to pitch Halliburton for his former colleagues on the Government's dime?
First, saying Chicago represents the Midwest is like saying we're bummed on the West Coast, so let's root for something great to happen in LA. Second, if you want to lift peoples' spirits, give them something that isn't going to cost them money down the line in taxes to fund the projected shortfalls. First, I haven't said EVERYTHING President Obama has done so far has hurt the economy. I have specificially addressed my issues with his policies. Do you really believe that I see what President Obama is proposing and then immediately oppose it? If so, there's no need to read or respond to my posts. Vaya con Dios. You and I have different opinions, but I've never ascribed to you the label of unthinking hater. Second, you have to learn the difference between work and a job. Ask Montreal how much the Olympics meant to them in terms of jobs--they're still paying off their debt from 1976.
Meh.. I hope Rio gets it. Most of the Olympic venues that I know of become relics that no one wants to deal with. There are a few exceptions. I'd be interested to see some web material that shows the cost/benefit from an objective standpoint of what Olympics bring to a city. On the other hand re: Rio - I know Brazil has made strides but as I recall Rio is composed of a few tiny good neighborhoods and a bunch of really violent, gang-infested, drug-infested neighborhoods. Let the LA jokes commence.
Did anyone else watch the presentation by the Chicago delegation? Amateur hour. The videos were crap, too.
watching it now. holy crap, this shit sucks. what is this, the 1970s? I hope they're at least getting Michael Jordan to pimp it out. Hey, look at our fucking colleges! we'll work with you! we have nameless companies to help you! we will work with you! the chairman for the committee sucks ass. like a boring HS administrator or something. they seem painfully unprepared for this presentation. just a personal observation.
Unbelievable. Michelle Obama wants the Olympics because of her father and President Obama can't stop talking about himself. And people called Bill Clinton egotistical.
Yeah, Obama is basically talking about himself the whole time. what a fuck-knob. "well, everyone was watching the presidential results in chicago...it wasn't about me....american democracy still exists"
What's the legacy that chicago will offer? "put the fun in the games. make it technically excellent" what a fuck.
Rio- would be good for the country as its an emerging nation and one of the rising economies. not a lot of olympic coverage in that area and they could use the exposure in the area. problems are safety, drugs, kidnapping and the poverty gap which they'll need to address. Its a more worldly city and has a fantastic backdrop. I think that having the olympics would be mutually beneficial for both...they just have to clean it up a bunch. Chicago- I don't see much going for this city. The economy is not the greatest, there are not a lot of landmarks, the city is truly a "second city" but I guess if ATL gets the games, chicago could too. To me, Chicago is a fun city..but not really that great, especially when you go past the city a little bit. There are some cool things and its fun to party there...but its in the friggin midwest. Obama could bring these games personally to chicago, but there will always be problems with corruption in the city and misappropriation. IMO, its the boring choice. Tokyo- high tech, city of the future. this is my personal favorite...dunno, i just like japan and enjoy the culture. it'd probably have a lot of enthusiasm with the japanese and is clean, efficient and would be a good host. Rio would be more intriguing though as a venue though since they just had it in Asia and all asians look the same.
For me, I think it's a great idea for the President to do so. That said, there are some real issues with Chicago and the plan. I see both sides, and each side has it's ups & downs. Overall, I support the people against the current plan of destroying a park, displacing low income people and the decades of debt it would create. But, it IS a tough call.
chi-town got eliminated. tokyo too. yesterday, tokyo's mayor said something about this could be the last olympics ever due to global warming....me thinks that had somethign to do with them not getting it.
