For those of you celebrating Chicago's loss.

[tinkerbell41]

We have lost 48,000 construction and hospitality jobs since 2007. I just wanted to go back to work.
There is no work in the construction sector right now. These are good paying jobs. So I guess I will be deciding on doing jingle mail to my mortgage holder, pulling my kid out of school, and saying goodbye to my beloved fur-babies.
I understand the arguments against it, I just needed to put food on the table.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

1. Anyone cheering this loss is either a dick or a freeper - or both.

[Xenotime]

5. Blame the tea baggers. The world sees how evil they are.

[Raschel]

6. Yet they wear their flag pins.

[truebrit71]

19. Agree...

n/t

[HughMoran]

44. A plethora of the former for sure

Some people's only purpose here is to shit on another person's plate.

[ItNerd4life]

51. Anybody who wanted the Olympics here in Chicago, doesn't understand politics.

The Daley machine and all his cronies are the ones who would make out. Us taxpayers would be
left holding the bag.

Sorry, don't want to pay more in taxes to fund some fat-cat wealthy friend of Daleys.

[Sequoia]

69. Oh really, and if you're not cheering the loss but just glad Rio won

what then?

I'm glad Rio won. Good people down there. I would've been glad if Chicago won too, but only one city can win and besides, the Olympics have never been held in South America. Come on, Brazil is a great country.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

71. If you are not cheer-leading the loss, it doesn't apply to you. Capice?

[felinetta]

92. These people have no compassion, no feelings for fellow Americans. How despicable.

[dkf]

2. Anyone happy about this loss is crazy and short sighted.

We NEEDED this to create jobs.

[tinkerbell41]

4. No kidding.

I guess we need to start moving the bodies out of the graveyard at O'hare because that is the last hope.

[rpannier]

3. I would hate think anyone is celebrating Chicago not getting the Olympics

That's pretty sad.
I never thought they'd get it and felt they were 4th out of 4.
You are correct. That's a lot of jobs that will never happen as a result.
I don't know what to say that wouldn't sound either patronizing or idiotic

In all sincerity, I do hope things get better for you and yours, as well as for the country as a whole.

[tinkerbell41]

12. Oh they are happy.

I don't get it. We need work. We are the people who will keep this economy going. When you have 3000 electricians out of work it does make an impact. Not to mention the numbers for the rest of the trades. We are talking 40 dollar an hr jobs here. Nothing to sneeze at.

[stray cat]

28. Even some DUers are happy -

[AllentownJake]

7. Not being surprised doesn't mean necessarily your happy

We boycotted an Olympics in 1980 over an occupation of Afghanistan.

History, its good for you.

[tinkerbell41]

15. I don't give a rat's ass about why.

We need the work. Jobs, good paying ones at that. My post just addressed the gloating and happiness
by some who don't realize what it meant to the trades.

[AllentownJake]

16. Sucks

but it is predictable. You can't really expect the rest of the world to give us things when we behave so badly.

[harkadog]

93. Behaving badly did not stop the world giving the Chinese the Olympics.

[malletgirl02]

98. You are right

Nor did its horrible air pollution. A high crime rate doesn't either was you can see with the choice of Rio.

[rpannier]

18. But we've hosted the Olympics since then

We hosted the winter games in the 90's

If they were still p*ssed off about that, we'd have never gotten those Olympics

[AllentownJake]

22. Ahem

We are occupying Afghanistan.

By our own standard in 1980. We should not host an Olympics.

[harkadog]

94. The Chinese are occupying Tibet

Apparently the world you speak about has a double standard.

[BolivarianHero]

32. That was a stupid decision...

The Soviet Union's only crime was not being meticulous enough in disposing of the Mujahideen and the feudal robber barons. With American and NATO help, that task would have been much easier.

[MadBadger]

41. Can anybody say broken record?

[AllentownJake]

46. I just want everyone to remember

How a giant bunch of fucking hypocrites we are.

[Codeine]

76. Every nation is hypocrital.

It's the nature of the beast.

[BooBluePotion]

8. +1

Sad news for workers.

[paulsby]

9. that begs the question

it assumes that chicago not getting the olympics is a "loss" to chicago.

PERSONALLY, i think it is, but it's a debatable issue.

it is true that many people who are celebrating the decision believe they are not celebrating chicago's LOSS, in that many people think it would be negative for chicago to have the "burden" to host the olympics.

you are assuming it's a loss. i agree, but it's hardly proven

[Chisox08]

99. If Chicago would have gotten the Olympics

We would have had to have gone through a massive infrastructure overhaul. Resulting in thousands of new jobs. The CTA would've rehired some of those that they laid off and brought in new workers. This would have gone a long way in repairing not Chicago's economy but the midwest's economy where jobs are desperately needed.

[paulsby]

100. *i* agree with you

however, there's a fair amount of data and a decent argument that it could be a net loss to chicago.

that was my point. that the OP begged the question, about chicago not getting the olympics was a loss to the city.

[Robyn66]

10. I'm sorry Chicago didn't get the Olympics

I think its sad that Americans who are so desparate for work won't get it. And I don't understand how anyone can celebrate that fact.

[TxRider]

24. +1 but also happy for South America recieving global standing

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

11. Isn't nationalistic angst sort of the opposite of what the Olympics stand for?

I mean, those construction and hospitality jobs are needed where ever the Olympics show up. And the U.S. has had the Olympics far more than any other country.

[tinkerbell41]

23. We are dead in the water.

Personally, I'm fucked. I really don't give two hoots what they stand for, our industry is dying .

[liberalhistorian]

57. Then maybe you should think about changing industries?

EVERYONE I know in the construction trades, and I mean EVERYONE, has changed careers because they know the good jobs are gone everywhere and just aren't coming back. It sucks royal blue eggs bigtime, and it's unfair as hell, but it's reality.

We are not automatically entitled to the Olympics just because we're the USA. We've hosted it more times than any other country. We do not have the right to automatically expect whatever we want, including hosting Olympics, just because we want it and because we're the USA.

And there are quite a few people who are not at all upset about it because, as someone else pointed out upthread, Daley's cronies will get all of the perks and the taxpayers will be left holding the bag. A HUGE bag, for years to come.

[tinkerbell41]

62. Maybe you could suggest what I could do

that will replace my 40 dollar an hour job. See, I don't know what 19 yrs in construction transfers to.

[Posteritatis]

48. +1 (nt)

[Common Sense Party]

13. You think Rio doesn't need jobs?

[rpannier]

20. They're hosting the World Cup in 2014

They've got lots of construction work that will be going on for the next 5 years

[truebrit71]

21. No offense, but that's their problem not ours...

...

[Forkboy]

36. And our lack of jobs is our problem, not the IOC's.

:shrug:

[City Lights]

64. +1. nt

[Common Sense Party]

70. EXACTLY.

People here are acting like Freepers with their "I only care about the U.S.! The rest of the world can go to hell!" attitudes.

[tammywammy]

74. +2 n/t

[Robyn66]

25. I'm sorry, I think about our folks first

Nothing against Rio, I wish them well but our country is hurting pretty bad right now.

[liberalhistorian]

59. Well, unfortunately, that isn't the IOC's problem.

They base their decisions on what's best for the Olympics and not the job situation of each potential host city. We're not automatically entitled to the Olympics just because we're the USA, we're acting like spoiled children here. And no, I'm not insensitive to the job situation. Hell, I've been unable to find work for almost two years now and I well know the frustration; hubby's job also isn't secure and doesn't offer health insurance. So I'm not sitting here in an ivory tower.

[Robyn66]

101. All I think is that it is unfortunate that the people in this country

are going to miss out on the jobs. I wasn't railing against the Olympic committee or saying I thought the USA was entitled to anything. The Republicans are dancing in the streets about it, just like it seems some are here. I think that is wrong, not as a Democrat or a Liberal, as a human being. Just because things are hard for me here doesn't mean I hope the people in Chicago Suffer more.

[maxpower]

14. That's how I see it

I live in the Chicago area, and we need a boost.


Peace,
Max

[WI_DEM]

17. Agreed. You made a good point. Lots of jobs would have been created.

[grantcart]

26. keep fighting tinkerbell

[mopinko]

27. what do you do? np

[tinkerbell41]

33. Electrician

Who also happens to wait tables on the side when times are slow. So, considering how this would have impacted both industries this is hopeless.

[mopinko]

37. do you know these people?

http://www.chicagowomenintrades.org/index.shtml

former carpenter here.

[tinkerbell41]

40. Heard of them yes.

Why former?? I guess I am hoping it is the same reason why I feel like saying former electrician here.

[mopinko]

52. it was a long time ago.

mostly it had to do with constantly being laid off. the 80's recession made it hard to find work. i also really got into it because i love old houses. no union jobs doing any of that.
plus i was a single mom at the time, and i needed something more stable.
i would contact cwit. times are tough all over. i don't know what they might have. but try them. they are a good organization.

[tinkerbell41]

56. Constantly laid -off.

Boy, how I can relate. Single mom here also. I joined because I thought this was a way up, boy how I was wrong. I have male relatives in the trades and they haven't missed a day!! Thanks for the info.

[mopinko]

63. the end of apprenticeship is hard

worked steady the first couple years, then when they have to pay you real money for someone who knows so little, it gets hard. i had a boss that was an ass.
it makes me damn sad to see that so little has changed.

[tinkerbell41]

65. I actually know my trade quite well.

Because, i was thrown to the wolves to figure it out myself. They actually did me a favor.
It hasn't changed at all. It's probably gotten worse. I cannot stand when my Union comes out and says "oh we are promoting women" bullshit! If they knew the crap these poor women are subjected to everyday. And I'm not talking about harassment. Fuck I'd be happy if all i had to deal with was a little ass-grabbing.
Sorry to be ranting. I just feel like throwing up.

[mopinko]

68. ok, actually, i was

one of the founders of cwit. not to toot my horn. just to say that i know how fucked up it is. my first job the boss had 3 sons on the payroll. 2 had actually done their apprenticeship, but 3 just bought a card with dad's help. they were a pretty entitled bunch. the youngest was the worst. one day he pissed off a scaffold onto a footing where i was nailing down a plate. and this was the job where the company really liked me.
the next job, i got laid off almost every friday. that bossed fired a friend of mine for failing to sweep enthusiastically.

any company that actually wants women will hire several, and let them work together. nothing worse than being the only one. maybe at least cwit could give you some info on who actually does want women, and who does right by them. if that exists.

[tinkerbell41]

73. Wow!!

You go girl! I am honored to have "met" you. A pioneer.
Yes, I had my hardhat pissed in my first year. I will be calling CWIT I need a miracle.
I have been pretty active in various political work, canvassing and such so maybe I could offer my services that way. like an organizer or something.
Love those guys who are entitled and then scream it's equal and we should all be treated equal no special treatment.

[mopinko]

75. hope they can help you

drop me a pm and let me know how it goes. i don't do much with them anymore. just show up occasionally on a year that ends in a 5 or a 0 when they want us "mothers" to sit in the front row at the big fundraiser.

[Seeking Serenity]

29. Those celebrating Chicago not getting the Olympics,

IMO, are trying deflect from the "Obama failed" meme that will surely come (if it hasn't already started), by asserting that it's no big deal or even a good thing Chicago lost. It's almost like the Aesop fable of the sour grapes.

Hey, the president made his sales pitch and the committee didn't buy. No salesman makes every sale, no matter how good he is. It happens.

I'm sorry for all you Windy City contractors and laborers. I know how disappointed you must feel.

[tinkerbell41]

30. Dissappointed???

This is a death sentence. Yeah, it's that serious. The trades have been in a free-fall since 2001.
I have been in for 19 yrs, and have only worked about 5 yrs in the last 8 maybe less. We were counting on this.

[liberalhistorian]

61. From what I understand, Obama's pitch was good

and well-presented, but the pitches of the rest of the city officials were mediocre. Methinks they didn't prepare as well as they could have because they just automatically assumed they were going to get it since we're the good ol' US of A. Pride goeth before a fall and all that.

[harkadog]

96. Interesting slur on Chicago officials.

Where did you get this "understanding" that Obama was great but everyone else sabotaged the bid? From the White House briefing room?

[liberalhistorian]

97. Oh, for God's sake, turn down your sensitivity meter.

I didn't say "sabotaged." I said mediocre. And I didn't say deliberately mediocre, either, I highly doubt it. Since I have to spell it out for you, the gist of what I meant is that they were likely arrogant enough to think that simply because they were pitching a great American city that that meant they were likely to get the bid and that they didn't really have to do that thorough of a preparatory job in planning and presenting their pitches.

[Blue_Tires]

31. thank you...!

[Barack_America]

34. It was never more than a lottery.

If your region was banking on winning a competition in order to fix its problems...well, that's a problem.

Things are tough everywhere. We should be focusing on fixing these problems everywhere.

[tinkerbell41]

42. My region???

I'm talking about individual tradespeople, who were praying every night and day, that we might be getting some work. No shit things are tough everywhere, my hopes at taking care of my family have been dashed today. I have read about the dashed hopes of autoworkers, factory workers,etc.. Now mine are gone. Along with my many brothers and sisters.

[Barack_America]

49. Yes, your region.

Which happens to be my region and where my blue-collar family members still live.

The Midwest.

Now, if you don't mind, I have to go paypal my out-of-work mother, whose unemployment benefits ran out, the money that I can scrape together so she can eat this week.

[tinkerbell41]

54. Well.....

I live here too! I will be finding out next week if my benefits have run out. I have been reduced to eating 1 meal a day. And now thanks to losing the bid I am assured of losing everything I worked my ass off for. Alone, single mom, in the trades which makes it twice as hard because they don't like females around. Sorry about your mother, but I am in the same boat.

[Barack_America]

55. .

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=6673112&mesg_id=6680310

[Romulox]

35. I'm not sure what's so special about Chicago in that regard. We're in a nationwide recession.

:shrug:

[RagAss]

38. Worldwide...and it was our corrupt banks.

[tinkerbell41]

39. Well yeah..

Considering I live here and I was counting on this to go back to work after 13 mos. What? It's bad for everyone so too bad?? I'm sure the rest of the country would benefit also.

[Cha]

45. Sorry, Chicago didn't get the Olympics, tinkerbell..

At least they sure tried..I hope somehow there will be work for those who need it.

[JonLP24]

43. Work would have only been temporary

But if that's all you're looking for then I'm sorry for your loss.

[tinkerbell41]

47. It's always temporary.

In my biz it's always that way. But 7 yrs is a long time of temporary.

[JonLP24]

53. It took me awhile to figure out your post

I didn't understand the 7 years of temporary part and that isn't what I meant by temporary. I was just thinking of the jobs that will be there for the Summer of '16 that will be gone by the fall of '16. I never been in a city with the Olympics so I didn't know they started work the same year they award the host.

Anyways I hope you find work.

[tinkerbell41]

60. Sorry, I am pissed.

Defeated is more like it. Yes, construction was going to start immediately. We have 3000 members out right now. Just in our local. I was looking at the 7 yr boost. New cars to be bought, for commuting to jobs, more travelers on the L, local food businesses for tradesman lunches,etc.

[iceman66]

50. I, for one, am not celebrating.

This is a sad day for Chicago, and a sad day for America.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

58. Well, I am. But I have an excellent excuse.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x6681613

[hfojvt]

66. sorry about that

I just think it is fairer that the Olympics goto South America for once.

[Jersey Devil]

67. Yeah, and Atlanta thought it would be a big economic boom for them too

But guess what? It wasn't and the people of Georgia will be paying for those games for years to come.

I'm not happy Chicago lost out but let's not make believe it would have been some great economic savior for them.

[tinkerbell41]

77. Tell that to the 8000+

Tradesmen and women out of work for the past year. 7 yrs of steady work is an economic savior right now.

[Blue_Tires]

79. I was in college in Atlanta at the time, and i could swear ACOG turned a profit

not a big profit, mind you, but it still ended up in the black...and either way, it WAS a huge economic boom for the city -- look at how much is invested in the business community, especially from overseas sources...

[ecstatic]

84. Exactly. Dorms were built, etc.

Lots of things were built and lots of bad properties were torn down and rebuilt. That's a gain IMO. Hell, maybe they should have looked into having the Olympics in Detroit??

[ecstatic]

83. I worked at the Olympics. It was my first job

as a teenager. I made 300. I was very happy.

[Maru Kitteh]

72. I am happy for Brazil, but I feel bad for Chicago.

[tammywammy]

78. It isn't the IOC responsibility to fix the economy

Obviously, Rio put forward a better proposal. Do you not think there are those in Rio that could use jobs too? I think it's silly to hinge your bets on whether or nothing the Olympics comes to your city or not, you might as well start playing the lotto every week.

[tinkerbell41]

86. I'm sure they could.

I was explaining my dashed hopes of being able to provide for my family for at least the next 7 yrs. See NO ONE in the trades in Chicago will be going back to work anytime soon. Yes, we were praying to get this, a light at the end of a long tunnel. Do you not think someone who has been waiting to get back to work, to a skilled trade, would see this as a god-send??

[tammywammy]

87. Yes, I understand that

But as you even said a "light at the end of a long tunnel." Maybe you should help your city focus on the immediate here and now instead of long shots to get the tradesmen/women back to work.

[never cry wolf]

80. Laid off Chicago architect here

I took a 20% pay cut a year ago and got laid off April 1. No health insurance, of course, who can afford the cobra? I've been licensed for over 20 years and had my own firm for over 10 years. I am probably going to lose my house.

I must have sent out my resume 400 times worldwide, especially to the middle east including Iraq and Afghanastan. I guess I should keep my eyes open in Rio.

[tinkerbell41]

85. God I feel for you.

I have insurance at least until December, the union keeps giving waivers.
I am so sorry. You are in my thoughts, like that will help.

[Thickasabrick]

81. I'm sorry tink.....I hope things pick up there real soon. nt.

[ecstatic]

82. K&R. I'm disgusted by all the negative comments

I understand that not everyone wanted it in Chicago, but damn, sometimes things people don't want are what they actually need!

[alarimer]

88. Well the Olympics are usually a big drain on the economy of whatever city they are in.

They rarely actually make money. And they are almost always bad news for poor people, involving displacement and eradication of "undesirable" areas.

[PopSixSquish]

89. I'm Certainly Not Celebrating Because That Puts Me in the Same Class as Michelle Malkin

and that's not someplace I'd ever want to be.

I'm sorry about your situation...

[MadMaddie]

90. I am sorry that Chicago didn't get it.

It definitely would have been a great boost to the economy.

[Raine]

91. It's sad that they hate America so much

even when chimp was president I didn't want to see this country fail but these people really do hate their own country. :-(

[nadinbrzezinski]

95. I'm not celebrating

I understand why the IOC will probably go Rio... but I would have rather that money come to the US... and chicago...