Marty -- I get that you're outraged.

Why do you think it will be a drain on tax payers?

Of course it will be they have already said that all Londoners are paying a surcharge to pay for this rubbish.

What a hit and run shot.

Back it up, skippy.

hey, maybe you can write the theme song for the opening ceremonies.

;-)

A triumph for statism and socialism? Come on. Someone has to have the Olympics.

Hey, I'm happy. At least it won't be a shlockfest where thew world is brought together as one - as long as the USA is portrayed more equal than others. That ha salways bothered.me Act like **you've** been there before. It still will be through the NBC filter, though so !@#$% it.

From what I understand there are a lot of infrastructure improvements needed in London anyway that this will help fund.

You guys could have said no to, what the Millennium Dome? And that gigantic Ferris Wheel - although I heard that is kind of cool to ride.

And frankly, New York would have been one person for every 1,000 police and law enforcement officer for a month. It would have been wal-to-the wall shlock.

Not that it being in London guarantees anything but at least there's a chance for something different.

If you want a scandal, just look to Salt Lake City. They did just about every corrupt thing you could do and it didn't stop them from holding it.

Dave

Yup yup. Although you could make a case that winter and summer olympics have different standards. ;)

The decision was a slap in the face of Chirac, so it does have a positive side.

To any Brits out there...we feel your pain this morning...not about the olympics...

I'm confused...if the olympics are such a drain on the people of any given city...why do cities even bid on it?

I guess all that foreign currency that will be coming into London and the surrounding area ain't worth shit?

Thanks for you kind words. I am living blogging this heinous attack on my blog. I have lots of friends who work in the city (as well as a bandmate).

As far as the Olympics is concerned. Its less about money and more about the pride of the politicians in power at the time. They think that it will help their legacy if they bring the Olympics to their city not matter that it generally shafts the taxpayers of that city for many years to come before and after the event.

Why do they bid? The politicians in charge of the cities bid so they can award the development contracts to their cronies, of course. Very, very big money to be had in building the requisite NEW stadiums & athletes housing facilities et al, not to mention catering contracts & other supplies & services. Sooo...the contractors have a profitable feeding frenzy for a few months, & then leave the local taxpayers holding the bag. I do think it's about time the Olympics were ended; all they are is public subsidization of entertainment for the jock-happy. They certainly have nothing to do w/world peace.

I was in Atlanta when they held the Olympics and I can tell you it was a great boost for their prostitution industry if nothing else.

Along those same lines, the main reason for hosting it is that it brings so many people and so much money to the city - not just spending on prostitution - that it seems justified.

Dave

New York sucks, so it was only natural for IOC to award 2012 Olympics to London.