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Chicago Is Better Off Without 2016 Olympics

Games are not worth the cost and hassle

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 6, 2009 3:48 PM CDT
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(Newser) – International Olympic Committee representatives are currently visiting Chicago, one of four cities vying to host the 2016 Summer Games. But Chicagoans should hope the honor goes elsewhere, writes Steve Chapman for Reason. The Olympics tend to be a huge cost and hassle with little benefit. Does Chicago, home state of the most powerful man in the world, need any more exposure?

Studies have found that the massive publicity hosting the Olympics gives a city doesn’t really confer any measurable reward. Then there’s cost: London’s budget for the 2012 Games has tripled since it won the bid. Even if they don’t pay out of pocket, residents pay in manifold inconveniences as their city is hijacked for 2 weeks. All in all, Chapman concludes, this is one honor Chicago can do without.

With the Chicago skyline as a backdrop, a jogger takes advantage of the unseasonably warm weather along the Lake Michigan shoreline, Jan. 7, 2008.
With the Chicago skyline as a backdrop, a jogger takes advantage of the unseasonably warm weather along the Lake Michigan shoreline, Jan. 7, 2008.   (AP Photo)
ICx Technologies designed and created the Olympic Rings now coloring the Vancouver sky.
ICx Technologies designed and created the Olympic Rings now coloring the Vancouver sky.   (Photo: ICx Technologies)
The Tribune building, center, rear, graces the Chicago skyline.
The Tribune building, center, rear, graces the Chicago skyline.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
AOgan
Apr 7, 2009 12:00 PM CDT
I also agree. How can we not learn from London's experience? Getting anywhere, CTA or otherwise, will truly be hell. Not to mention that the city has already been making drastic cutbacks (i.e. CTA, Sanitation Department, etc) I will take 2 weeks vacation to become a hermit...
Thinker
Apr 6, 2009 9:28 AM CDT
I completely agree. There is NO PARKING (except by those criminal meters), public transportation is irregular at best, filthy, and dangerous, homeless are everywhere, potholes fill the streets, it's crowded on the expressways and side streets and the cops can't stop the gangs. It's a pain here already; the Olympics will make it hell.

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