I contacted friends in Europe who have some insights into sports and asked them for their rationale on why we didn't get the Games: They thought that Chicago never really had a chance simply because it is in the US. The majority of voters in the IOC are from outside of Europe and from countries who love to piss on us (except for when we provide medical aid and food).
You can still do it on the cheap,I did it years ago when hotels were too expensive for my wallet and Coach tickets seemed outrageously pricey.Rent a motorhome (http://goeurope.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=goeurope&cdn=travel&tm=131&gps=63_734_1212_573&f=00&tt=14&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.arrantea.com/) in France (650-1000 Euro per week) and park it in Abbey Woods (London suburb ,http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/reviews.asp?revid=1382). Easy commute (20min) by train to Charing Cross station.
Not in hindsight, but why wasn't this brought up in the weeks and months leading up to the decision? I haven't seen/read/heard a single word of caution in this regard anywhere. While I didn't expect but cheerleader rarahs from the 2016 committee, I'm stupified that no credible news media (oximoron?) ever touched on that point. All the discussion points were about the local support, the costs, the transportation system etc. Discussion points that make sense actually. Yet none of them were even mentioned in Copenhagen.
Because everyone was convinced that Obama's charisma and celebrity status would prevail over the spit bucket of hate,animosity,dislike,jealousy,resentment and whatever else the rest of the World feels toward the US. As you mentioned above,they only like our $$,food and other help when they get themselves in trouble through their own little wars or just an Act of God catastrophies.
Ditto, as you know, I have traveled extensively in Europe and the Middle East. One thing that stands out in my mind the most, was that while in the West sector of Berlin, a university near the Wall(it was still standing then), had signs in the windows that said "Yanks, GO HOME!" In most countries of the world, we're tolerated because of our charitable help, but hated because of our politics!
I know you were hoping for Chicago to be the winner and I feel for ya. Though I had an opposing position, I really do feel for those that wanted the games here.[/QUOTE] Same here. You have to chuckle at the Indiana governor's wisecrack though; "What is the world coming to when Chicago can't fix an election?"
