Ten Reasons Why Chicago Should Host the 2016 Olympic Games

Today, April the fourteenth, Chicago will find out if it even has the chance to bid for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. The cities of Chicago and Los Angeles will both be presenting to the U.S Committee board to represent the United States of America in front of the International Committee in October.

Six months ago I would have told you to let another city host the Games. I would have personally begged the Mayor to drop out of the competition. Think about it. Hosting the Olympic Games means a city overrun with tourists, major traffic congestion, high prices, extra security and the lingering fear of being a target.

Now everything has changed--Chicago made it through the weeding out process and we actually have a chance. Today its Chicago vs. L.A.

Here are ten reasons why Chicago should host the 2016 Olympic Games.

Reason #10: No World Hunger Here
If Chicago host the Olympic Games no one will be made to go hungry, in L.a. the story might be different. Chicagoans believe in eating--no tofu burgers here. We love cattle and we are not afraid to eat them. Toss in some deep dish pizza, Chicago Style hot dogs and big juicy steaks.

Reason #9: We Have Our Own United Nations
No matter where in the world you are coming from Chicago has a place where you will feel at home. The ethnic neighborhoods are the backbone of Chicago, and none of them were set up with tourism in mind so you can be sure of their authenticity. If anyone gets homesick they just need to hop on the El and in minutes they will find themselves in Greektown, Little Mexico, or Chinatown.

Reason #8: We Have Better Songs
Enough said and you all know it.

Reason #7: Our Cabbies Will Get You There
The only place that has more aggressive cabbies is Rome. Chicago cabbies will run over people for enough money, something I could never see an L.A cabbie do. This is a good thing though, if you are running late for an Olympic event and traffic becomes hellish you can count on your cabbie to get you there.

Reason #6: The American Lung Association Agrees With Me
Los Angeles has been ranked number one among US cities for both smog and particle pollution. Chicago does not even make the top 20 on the US most polluted cities for smog list. Ask any athlete where they would prefer to compete and I guarantee they will choose the city where they can breathe.

Reason #5: L.A. is Being Greedy
Los Angeles has hosted the Olympic Games twice in the past while Chicago has never hosted the Games. The Olympic Games were in L.A twenty two years ago in 1984 and again in 1932. Let someone else have a turn now--please.

Reason #4: We Are Closer
Chicago is closer to more of the world's big cities in terms of flying hours than Los Angeles is. Chicago sits in the heart of the nation, so rather than changing flights in Chicago your trip is over.

Reason #3: We Have an I.O.U.
In 1904 the Olympic Games were taken from Chicago. Our neighbors to the south, St. Louis, were already hosting the 1904 World's Fair and a decision was made to move the Games so that both events would coincide. Chicago has an I.O.U. and we have not forgotten about it.

Reason #2: Our Secret Weapon
Everyone knows that Chicago is called the Windy City, but not everyone knows why. Chicago got the nickname because of it's politicians. The current Mayor, Mayor Daley, is our secret weapon. If a job needs doing Daley will get it done, he has bulldozers.

Reason #1: I Love Having the Hometown Advantage
That's right, I said it. IF, Chicago hosts the Olympic Games I will be out there with the rest of them fighting to qualify. Growing up I was a gymnast and had dreams of competing in the Olympics, that ended a long time ago. But in 1996, Atlanta hosted the Summer Olympics and I had the opportunity to be there and learn a new sport that has become a passion of mine.

If Chicago hosts the Olympics watch for me out on Lake Michigan in my sailboat.