Let other cities in other nations do as they see fit. But as Anne Elizabeth Moore detailed in her story, "The Olympic (Shell) Games," last week, hosting the Olympics is almost always a losing proposition. It is true that huge amounts of money flow into the host cities, but this new cash is not sufficient to offset the infrastructure-cost overruns. London, for example, expected six years ago to spend $3.3 billion in preparation for the Games. Today, the estimates are running five times that amount.
If Chicago does win the Summer Games, that will be bad news for Illinois and Windy City officials. But it could be good news for Boston, which would then be spared the folly of bidding for the 2020 games.
Obama's time would be better spent working on real issues: the challenges posed by Iran's nuclear reactor, the floundering war in Afghanistan, the debate over health care, and the nation's still stagnant economy.
The Olympics are a glorious spectacle. But when the Games are over and cash is counted, one of the few parties to profit is the International Olympic Committee.
Related:
Burn, baby, burn, He's number three, Holding his punches, More 
- Burn, baby, burn
The Phoenix opposed President Barack Obama's efforts to help Chicago win the 2016 Summer Olympics on the grounds that doing business with the International Olympic Committee is always bad news for the host community.
- He's number three
The conditions seem perfect for Kevin McCrea's latest YouTube video : warm for February, reasonably sunny, no sonic competition from nearby construction.
- Holding his punches
All year, Boston’s political observers have been watching for signs of an anti-Menino tipping point in the mayoral race.
- Malign neglect
If, as the Globe editorial page put it, Boston politics need CPR, why is the press idly standing by?
- Menino's junked mail
Two years ago, when I wrote a column griping about the Boston media's apathy-inducing disinterest in city politics, Boston Globe metro editor Brian McGrory told me his paper had given the lackluster 2007 elections as much coverage as they deserved, but hinted that things would be different in 2009.
- Time to wake up
The news that Massachusetts's finances are in even worse shape than previously thought was not exactly a surprise.
- Media Moses
Bruce Wall is blessed with a talent for publicity.
- Edifice complex
You’re Boston Mayor Tom Menino, preparing to address the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce on a chilly morning in December 2006.
- Citizen arrest
When it comes to violent crime, Boston Mayor Tom Menino has some advice for his constituents: trust the police and help them do their jobs.
- Asians for Yoon — or maybe the other guy(s)
When you're running against a politician as entrenched, powerful, and seemingly unbeatable as Boston Mayor Tom Menino, it's hard to get your supporters to proudly tout their allegiance.
- Vote Yoon
Barring supernatural intervention next Tuesday, incumbent Thomas Menino is expected to top the ticket in Boston's four-candidate mayoral preliminary. The final vote will take place November 3.
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Topics:
The Editorial Page
, Summer Olympics, Tony Blair, International Olympic Committee, More
, Summer Olympics, Tony Blair, International Olympic Committee, International Olympic Committee, Ted Kennedy, Daniel Webster, Charles Sumner, Anne Elizabeth Moore, e-mails, Michael Kineavy, Less
