Chicagoans for Rio? Wonder who is backing this group

[Beaverhausen]

http://chicagoansforrio.com/

edit- found this link in this yahoo story
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090930/ap_on_sp_ol/oly_say_no_to_chicago

Some Chicago residents hoping Olympics bid a bust

CHICAGO – The mayor, the president and Oprah Winfrey may hope to return to Chicago from Copenhagen with the 2016 Olympic Games, but some around town hope the International Olympic Committee deems the Second City the second city.

As in second to Rio de Janeiro. Or Tokyo. Or Madrid.

The opposition is not as visible as the "We Back the Bid" signs plastered across town. But in a city all too familiar with stories of public corruption and problems with public services, there is serious concern the games can only mean more troubles — and bills — for residents.

"I know it's going to cost us money somehow," said Joseph Patrick, a 51-year-old stay-at-home dad. "The government doesn't have a job (so) the only place they can get money is from us."

A new Web site — Chicagoansforrio.com — is the talk of the town and features the game "Match the Olympic host with its estimated budget overrun." About 170 protesters marched outside City Hall on Tuesday night, many insisting that no matter what organizers say, the games will push people from their homes, lead to more corruption and raise taxes.

"I don't believe anything the city and the 2016 committee says," said Larry Rivkin, who grew up in Chicago.

[TheWraith]

1. The site was created by an advertising agent.

Bet you'd find some South American business in his bank account.

[Beaverhausen]

2. ah- interesting. I added the yahoo article I found it in to my op

[ddeclue]

3. They also want all the games played on ASTROTURF!

:rofl:

[EFerrari]

4. People who don't want to be stuck with the cost overruns and

the state security apparatus (like cameras) that are never taken down after the Games, maybe.

[MineralMan]

5. Not everyone is thrilled with the idea of the Olympics coming

to their city. There are many reasons for this. The cost is one. Inconvenience caused by the Games is another. Security issues, too. The threat of terrorism attracted by the Games.

I could go on and on. I, for one, would not be amused if the Games were coming to my city. I remember Los Angeles. It was not fun for anyone not connected to the Games.