Chicago 2016: Are you on board?

Pedestrians pass a giant TV promoting Chicago's Olympic bid near Daley Plaza.

OK, we here at Full Court Press have put it off long enough. We've listened to all the debate about Chicago's 2016 Olympic bid. We've read the opinions of the local newspaper columnists, from the wary skepticism of the Sun-Times' Rick Telander to the near-unanimous endorsement from the Tribune's ensemble. Now it's time we posed the question to you:

Do you hope to hear Chicago's name called shortly before noon (Central time) on Friday, when the International Olympic Committee announces the 2016 host city? Why or why not?

We admit to having mixed emotions. Professionally, it would of course be a very good thing. Newspapers and their brethren thrive on huge stories, so it's little wonder that the local media have climbed aboard the 2016 bandwagon. For seven years, we would have an opportunity to examine the Olympic process up close and personal, and the result would be plentiful and fascinating story angles involving local news, business and sports. The media would be a big part of the story, which is why you read so many glowing accounts about the wonders of the Olympic experience: If you're in the media, you get to go to the events, meet the athletes, talk to the visiting fans. You're invited to the party, so naturally it seems like a wonderful thing.

Of course, if you're an Average Joe, forget about it. The tickets are much too pricey and difficult to acquire. You'll end up watching it all on TV, same as you will if the games are awarded to Rio. If you live in Chicago, you will have to put up with countless inconveniences, the shutdown of streets and lakefront facilities, the tedious traffic jams and the misplaced priorities. And, as a taxpayer, you will be on the hook for any and all cost overruns, as rubber-stamped by the cheerleading City Council.

Local history tells us it's the movers-and-shakers, the power-brokers, who will cash in on the Chicago Olympics. Mayor Daley's legacy will be ensured, and those with clout will reap rich rewards. Now, are all those who are engineering Chicago's Olympic bid in it for themselves? Of course not. The vast majority are upstanding, civic-minded individuals who are absolutely convinced they are acting in the city's best interests. They may well be right. But it's debatable how much the general populace will benefit, in terms of new jobs, new construction, increased tourism. Who knows what the economy will look like seven years from now? Chicago as a whole likely will gain some tangible lasting benefits, some invaluable enhancement of its image, but at this point, that's difficult to quantify.

At FCP, we're predicting that Chicago will get the Games and hoping it proves to be a blessing. Although Rio may be the sentimental choice (because South America never has hosted an Olympics), in these uncertain economic times, it's hard to beat the practicality and security of a U.S. site. And if there's one thing you can be sure about with the IOC, it's that it will follow the money trail.

What's your prediction? We'd also like to hear your thoughts on whether you support Chicago's bid and are pulling for the Games to come here. If you live in the city, how concerned are you about the potential impact on your daily routine and your pocketbook? Do you care that much one way or the other about the 2016 Olympics? All things considered, will you be excited if you hear Chicago announced as the winner on Friday morning? Source blogs.suntimes.com