Chicago Olympics? [it's Rio]

[Zat0pek]

With the decision due out today, is there anybody besides me that has a vaguely uneasy feeling about the possibility of the most corrupt city in the U.S. hosting the Olympics?

Don't get me wrong; I LOVE Chicago. It and New York are my two favorite cities to visit in the U.S., in fact.

But it's also easily the most corrupt, and has been for decades. Do we really want that bunch so closely involved with putting on the Games in a metropolitan area of nine million people?

[Marlow]

Every city has corruption, and there's always someone on the lookout for a quick buck. There will be scams and schemes everywhere they go.

[toyracer]

It's been hard to sieve through all of the news reports but one that caught my eye in regard to what you mentioned was a report that members of the bid campaign contributed almost US$2M to the Obama election campaign.

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article ... 85,00.html

[Zat0pek]

Every city has corruption, and there's always someone on the lookout for a quick buck. There will be scams and schemes everywhere they go.

No doubt about that and I completely agree.

But Chicago is in a league of its own in this department.

[TrackDaddy]

I'm not sure thats a revelation, toy, given that Obama is from Chicago.

I think the concern regarding Chicago and corruption is legitimate given its history, as Zat stated. But I'm also personally concerned a bit about the current homicide rate and gang activity in the city. My friend Speedfirst who lives there has voiced concern in the past and based on recent news accounts, I'm not sure its gotten any better.

That said, I hopeful that the powers that be will be able to corral these issues and perceptions in time for games if given the opportunity to host them. With big hitters like Obama and Oprah in tow, its hard to imagine Chi not being up to the task.

[26mi235]

I'm not sure thats a revelation, toy, given that Obama is from Chicago.

I think the concern regarding Chicago and corruption is legitimate given its history, as Zat stated. But I'm also personally concerned a bit about the current homicide rate and gang activity in the city. My friend Speedfirst who lives there has voiced concern in the past and based on recent news accounts, I'm not sure its gotten any better.

That said, I hopeful that the powers that be will be able to corral these issues and perceptions in time for games if given the opportunity to host them. With big hitters like Obama and Oprah in tow, its hard to imagine Chi not being up to the task.

And you think Rio is safe?

[TrackDaddy]

No, 26, I dont. I was only considering Chi and not the alternative.

[Zat0pek]

While obviously crime will always be an issue, I'm less concerned about safety from crime than I am about the impact the corruption could have on security at the Games.

[jazzcyclist]

Most cities with major tourism industries know how to protect their tourists, no matter what their crime rate is. During Mardi Gras, the French Quarters is some of the safest real estate in the world despite New Orleans' high crime rate. And I recall reading a few years ago, that when Rio's crime started to spill into the tourist areas, the Police went into the tough neighborhoods and cleaned some time pieces, with many young men never being seen or heard from again.

[Zat0pek]

But there's a big difference between controlling crime and security from terrorist attacks.

Corruption and security are a very bad combination.

[BisonHurdler]

Color me stupid, but I'm having trouble making the specific "corruption ----> terrorist attacks" leap. What am I missing?

(I'll fully admit my political IQ is subpar)

[JRM]

Wow! That was unexpected. First round TKO.

[CookyMonzta]

We just got smacked. Chicago is out.

[croflash]

Wow, I didn't expect this.

[usafa]

dang