I have just heard that Chicago is no longer under consideration to host the Olympics. I am not one bit surprised when one considers the reputation Chicago has for corruption and one of the world major crime city. Why would any tourist want to spend their time and money more to visit that city when they could go to Rio de Janeiro or Tokyo.
I guess Obama's ego thought it was a done deal when he personally went to support the bid for his hometown to get the Hosting privilege. Even with his fellow Chicagoan Oprah, and Mrs Obama backing him his smarmy charm did not work.
Are you surprised or do you think that Chicago is so full of culture that is should have been chosen?
[question posted by whiteheather39]responses and comments:
I think Chicago is so full of culture that is should have been chosen. Al-Capone would be proud. [Tony_Zussamen]
Now it's down to Madrid (ETA terrorist target) or Rio, which has some of the biggest slums in the world. You'd have thought that they would be better spending there money on dealing with Rio's social problems than this monumental sporting waste of money. [jwfarrimond]
Obama has spend a good share of his administration telling the world what a sorry country we are, by apologizing for our past. Is it any wonder Chicago was turned down in the first round? [bestboy19]
I think Obama should stop trying to hog the limelight as he has been doing lately. His ego obviously refuses to believe that NOT everyone adores him. [whiteheather39]
Tokyo was eliminated when Chicago was, although I would rather have gone to Tokyo than last summer's Bejing. I figured Rio would get it. That sounds a heck of a lot more fun than Chicago. Madrid wouldn't be so bad either. I'm kind of glad Chicago didn't get it. I know people say, more jobs. Well, more terrorism also. If it involves America, terrorists work overtime to cause havoc. [AmbiePam]
Only reason I feel to like it not going there is that Obama not getting his way for a change. Dont now for sure about the culture that is there ,but the Rep. is good for old gangsters, the mob. and too they have the BULLS [Lakota12]
lol I agree with that last one [Lakota12]
I am glad it didn't get it. We have enough trouble keeping enemies out of our country. This might make it much easier for them to get in. [lotterylover]
I think the world is getting tired of our President, I know I am. He should never have wasted all that money to go to Copenhagen to campaign for Chicago as the Olympic site. I can see the Chicago officials would be there, but our President? Then he couldn't even get the job done. I think his presence hurt the process, he certainly didn't help it. [wlee9696]
I think I agree with wlee. I had thought it to myself. I do not think the Olympics is of the importance that a head of state should go begging for it. I guess he thought the Olympic committee would be flattered. [GardenGerty]
Hi whiteheather, Madrid is out of the Olympics too for 2016 Rio de Janeiro has won. Cherry I am surprised about Chicago it has so much about it apart from what you mention. People that have lived in Chicago for so many years must have felt really let down. Madrid is also a big City but I think that Barcelona was the best City for the Olympics it was a great celebration too that one. Barcelona is much more beautiful than Madrid. Never mind they will try again I suppose lets see who wins the next time. [lovinangelsinstead21]
Whiteheather, I was just about to start this discussion myself. YAY and Hooray! The corrupt IOC did not allow the CORRUPT BHO to whine and teleprompt his way into his usual pandering! Evil and More EVIL, as in "dumb and dumber." I can only hope and pray that this is a portent of the future downfall and end of all things Obama, as in his illegal usurpation of the presidency, ACORN, all his gangster, radical, Muslim/Islam backed cronies, Soros, Ayers,etc. The more I think about it, Oprah Winfrey needs to be tried for treason, just like the O's, their cronies, Pelosi,DNC, etc. Please, God, let this be the beginning of the end of his reign of terror and not the end of our country. Don't you know there is no culture in Chicago, other than the culture of corruption? Many in Chicago did not want the Olympics there; good for them! But, then, there was one Chicago businessman quoted as saying, "this is the saddest thing". What a fool! SAD is losing our country to a traitor. I would not do business with this "businessman". Would you? [epicure35]
Great response! Very well said and I agree 100%! [whiteheather39]
It would have been great! Chicago is great sports town. It would have showcased the bears, the cubs, the white sox, the bulls, and even the blackhawks! [bounce58]
I just wondered if we were regarded as too pushy by sending the president and others to lobby for us. No magic in those personalities, I guess. [GardenGerty]
I think Obama underestimates the fact that not all foreigners are impressed with his illustrious presence. [whiteheather39]
...Hi whitehether39, I can feel the love (not) you have for the president, but that's another discusssion. If you would check out a legitimate news source, maybe directly from Chicago, you would learn that those who basically filled the IOC board wanted Rio, and the rigged the voting by stacking the deck and swaying people into believing that a certain thing would happen to get their vote and it was a bait and switch act. Whatever cultural deficiency Chicago has, the Olympics would have bought jobs to the United States and visitors and money to other tourist sites in the U. S., and it's so interesting that people would be gloating over the fact that President Obama, was unable to bring the games to Chicago because, in essence he was bringing jobs and money to America. What a thing to cheer for, that the U.S. would lose something that would help the country in so many ways. Strange I do say. Oh by the way the Lake Shore Drive area and the museums in Chicago are not so bad. One more thing, I would prefer his smarmy charm and uncanny intelligence, and charisma, than most who have run this country in the ground in the recent past, if you get my drift. I like people who are able to speak English and can communicate with people on all levels, but I guess you probably would rather do without such ability. Take very good care. [artistry]
Maggiepie thank you for your your sensible comment. It is so arrogant of some people, Barbietre in particular to have the temerity to presume to know how I feel about anything! [whiteheather39]
I did not figure that it would get picked. The other places just sounded alot better. [Thoroughrob]
Politics aside I also think that, just as a visitor to a city, the other places sounded much better. [whiteheather39]
I was born in and partly raised on the south side of Chicago. I've chosen to live in the Missouri Ozarks because I was moved there when you, went back to Chi town during my teen years and finally settled here in Missouri permanently about 15 years ago. With all that said I do have some loyalty for the city. ANY city is going to have crime and corruption...Chicago has it share. There is always going to be something about any metropolis that makes it special too....and the Lake Shore Drive Museums are very special to me. Don't judge Chicago because it was where Obama got his start. There are many good people working and living in the city. But...I feel that the Olympics are way over rated. I've felt that way since the Israeli's team were killed. It made a big impression on me. Maybe folks who are concerned with terrorism raising it's ugly head once again are right. Besides...my family that still live there would not like the traffic problems I'm sure it would cause...:) ON to Obama....you knew I'd say something I'm sure...lol He needs to just sit in the Oval Office and NOT embarrass America any more over seas. I'll leave it at that! The Olympics are not something a president should concern himself with...even if it brings in jobs. We have ambassadors and statesmen for that. Just like he wouldn't let anyone else sit in at the UN...but had to pick up the gavel himself. He's a narcissist and has an ego the size of Kenya! [debrakcarey]
whistle It is something to think about...why is this man inserting himself where no other presidents have dared to go? I thought it was alright that the Mrs. went...didn't think they'd receive her well, but hey...other first ladies have been goodwill ambassaders. Did she go? Or did he usurp her role too? lol [debrakcarey]
Today morning I have heard the news and it said that Rio has won the bid for the Olympics. Rio is a wonderful place. Its far better than Chicago and is most capable to handle such a mega event such as this. Rio is colorful and an amazing place. [biman_s]
Yes, I know the new yesternight. 4 cities,madrid, Rio de Janeiro,Chicago, and tokyo.Unfortunately, chicago is out at the first run, then the city of toyko out, then, Rio de Janeiro win. I can understand your feelling that you wish you hometown or your country to win the bid of olympic Games. But how to say. Olympic Games is a celebration for all human beings live on the earth. We should not put to much county,area, culture things on olymic game. 2016 olympic games is the first olympic held in South American. South American is a great part of earth, olympic games is really a good chance for peopel throughtout the world to know the beautiful land on the earth. Whichever the city win the bid, i am happy to see the reslut. and from the other side of view, if not win the bid this time, means the hope for the next time,isn't it? [gohigh00]
I've only gone through Chicago a couple of times, & didn't stay & meet the populace, but the city does have a very bad rep for corruption. The political machine has been established there for ages, & Obama is a prime product of it. I'm sure there are decent citizens who live there, probably lacking enough money to flee, but overall, it's hard to be sad that they lost out of the Olympics because their "favorite son" is so inept & self-centered (as is his Missus). South America's never had the Olympics, so this is a boon for them. I'm just glad it's not Venezuela getting it! w00t But...it is a tad ironic that The Big Os (all 3 of them!) lost the Big O-lympics, doncha think? rasplol Maggiepie "WHERE'S THE BIRTH CERTIFICATE?" [Maggiepie]
I prefer country life, too, but I can't afford to live there. lol I know what you mean about the Olympics; it's been a long time since it wasn't about deals, corruption & politics, but I love to watch the snow & ice sports, especially, myself. I think the athletes are largely innocent--though being used by the PTBs. I'm sure most of them just grit their teeth & try to ignore entanglements as much as they can, out of love for their particular sport! And if not...well...please don't tell me. Ignorance is bliss. Knowledge can break the heart, you know? As for the "nod" you mention, my reason is based on knowledge of human nature. It's never the people, it's always about the officials. People are generally good, just living their lives, doing whatever they must to survive or even thrive, but the PTBs with power...well, once they have set up their network of corruption, it takes a political earthquake to shake them loose! Maggiepie "WHERE'S THE BIRTH CERTIFICATE?" [Maggiepie]
I think every city should deserve the chance to organise the olympics. Me myself, Chicago was given by Obama at such point, and on such manner, that it was totally inappropiate in my opinion. Just because he's the president, doesn't mean he can make the rules for the whole world. thumbdown Now I'm not saying he's a bad president, but he's certainly not the best! But ofcourse, this is just my opinion. happy He looks very lot a like onthe Dutch prime minister Jan Peter Balkenende. Just look up what Geert Wilders has to say about the Dutch prime minister and Barack Obama. Then you'll see what I mean. happy [slot100]
Yes I do know what you means if you are referring to what was said in this link: http://barenakedislam.wordpress.com/2009/09/15/geert-wilders-says-obama-reminds-him-of-neville-peace-in-our-time-chamberlain-failed-british-pm/ [whiteheather39]
I am surprised why Chicago was not chosen as the host of Olympics.Chicago's rich culture would boost/attract tourists. A major change would have been made by Chicago,like curbing its crime rates. [pepayz]
I don't think Obama had an ego to start with he just wanted to make an attempt to put the U.S. in the running. Imagine the feedback if he didn't make an attempt! I am glad that Rio got it though because South America had yet to get an Olympics there. [Sweeten]
I like your style, girl. Completely agree with what you've written, they though an half arsed effort at the last minute with a "charismatic" figure would suffice and now they've learned their lesson. I for one hope it's the first of many Obama administration defeats to come in the future. [Eisenherz]
Thank you "Iron Heart" I am with you on your hope. [whiteheather39]
NO! I had a thought the other day about why the world cheered when O won. With him in office America will be easier to destroy. When a country like Frances calls us afraid you know we are in deep, deep trouble. [patms1]
Sa to say but I think you are right! [whiteheather39]
I wasn't a bit surprised when Chicago was rejected, but not because of any corruption. The USA has already hosted so many Olympics that it's only fair that it be awarded to someone who's never had it. [6precious102]