by Richard Simon
The House of Representatives today threw its support behind Chicago's bid to host the 2016 summer Olympic games.
That puts Congress on record for an international contest that will be settled in October.
``The city of big shoulders is ready to welcome the Olympics with big open arms,'' said Rep. Judy Biggert (R-Ill.)
The resolution sponsored by Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) encouraging the International Olympic Committee to choose Chicago over rivals Tokyo, Madrid and Rio de Janeiro was approved by a voice vote of the House today..The Senate approved a similar resolution last month.
Speaking in support of the resolution earlier this week, Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill.) said the games would provide a big economic boost to the city.
``Since the (World's Columbian Exposition) in Chicago in 1893, the city and its people have been internationally recognized for hosting magnificent events on a global stage,'' he said.
``Chicagoans are also known for their passion for sports,'' he added.
The IOC is expected to make a decision in October.
Comments
That's nice.
Now, is Congress going to pay for some of it so, 20 years from now, all the elderly living in Cook County aren't evicted when they can't pay the property tax bills when those Olympic Bonds come due?
And Soldier Field Bonds?
And Millenium Park Bonds?
Posted by: ornery | July 24, 2009 3:58 PM
Healthcare: Congress Always on Recess.
Posted by: goinggoinggone | July 24, 2009 4:16 PM
Our Congress...they are on board because they have already cut deals with their friends and family...WHO is going to benefit from the Olympics in Chicago? Really?
Posted by: Claudia Gunter | July 24, 2009 6:31 PM
ornery: There won't be any elderly, the healthcare plan and it's end of life provision will have rid of of those expensive elderly citizens - they just have to decide the red pill or the blue pill.
Posted by: vla | July 24, 2009 10:37 PM
I'll trade you our, Chicago's, " Rapid Transit " System for the Olympics. Chicago can really use a whole, new, real, Rapid Transit system, instead of a sham sports show, called the Olympics !! Priorities, people, priorities !!!! Though, that would mean that all of us would have to take our vote and our opinions very seriously and I don't think our nation is deep enough in the do-do, for anyone to take our political, nor our economical situation, actually, very serious !! If we did, we wouldn't be listening to the likes of Quayle, Liddy, Limbaugh or O'Really !!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, IL | July 25, 2009 12:21 AM
THE TOP TWELVE INDICATORS THE ECONOMY IS BAD
12. CEO's are now playing miniature golf.
11. I got a pre-declined credit card in the mail.
10. I went to buy a toaster oven and they gave me a bank.
9. Hotwheels and Matchbox car companies are now trading higher than GM in the stock market.
8. Obama met with small businesses - GE, Pfizer, Chrysler, Citigroup and GM, to discuss the Stimulus Package.
7. McDonalds is selling the 1/4 ouncer.
6. People in Beverly Hills fired their nannies and are learning their children's names.
5. The most highly-paid job is now jury duty.
4. People in Africa are donating money to Americans.
Mothers in Ethiopia are telling their kids, "finish your plate;do you know how many kids are starving in America ?"
3. Motel Six won't leave the lights on.
2. The Mafia is laying off judges.
And my most favorite indicator of all.............
1. If the bank returns your cheque marked as "insufficient funds," you have to call them and ask if they meant you or them.
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, IL | July 25, 2009 11:31 AM
FITZ,
Weren't you just a couple of days ago spouting public transit as a great example of Socialism and now you are bad-mouthing an example of public transit. Well, which is it?
Posted by: Terry | July 25, 2009 3:02 PM