While I share the sentiments of my colleagues regarding the rejection of Chicago, on the first round no less, for the 2016 Olympics I have another reason to rejoice. While some see the choice of Rio de Janeiro as a slap against President Barack Obama (D) it is also a big no!--and deservedly so--to Chicago's inherited royal ruler cum mayor, Richard J. Daley who rounded up major business, government, media and cultural leaders to whip up enthusiasm for the bid. It didn't work; easily half of the city, and more in the surrounding suburbs, were against the bid. Despite city, county and state taxes going up, up and out of sight the governments are pleading no money and are deeply in debt. New taxes, disguised as fees, have the citizens up in arms. For a short term gain of over a billion dollars (and yes in Chicago, that money is short term), Daley sold the parking soul of Chicago by privatizing parking meter collection for 75 years; the company keeps the chump change, Chicago collects on...(Read Full Post)