Boston and the 2024 Olympics

The race for the Olympics is on with a bid being tendered from Boston, Massachusetts for the year 2024. Boston boasts an embryonic organizing committee which is feverishly pitching the concept of perfection that is the pairing of Boston and the Olympics. Some of the advantages of Boston being touted are the existing infrastructure, the sophomoric environment, the population that is already imbued in sports as well as the rich historic feel and the lovely walks and parks present in Boston. However, nice as all that may be Boston will be competing against cities that will have their list of appealing platitudes to boost their chances of winning the bid. The real question will not be in this largely irrelevant catalog of attributes but will be in the factors that the Olympic Committee actually cares about: factors that give Boston a significant edge for favorite.

A willingness to make citizens impoverished for the support of the Olympics.

Boston has already proven its willingness to spend at the expense of its citizens. The $24 billion “Big Dig” which was concluded about a decade ago is a perfect illustration to this free reign of government spending. So while others may be scared by the depth of requirement of this breath-taking kind of commitment, Boston would be more than willing to follow in the example set by Russia in its expenditure of approximately $51 billion for the winter Olympics. Already Boston is noted for its prowess in raising funds from the loyal taxpayers. Note for example the huge toll increases which ask even the east-to-west commuters to pay for a north-to-south tunnel or the temporary income taxes that slowly evolved into permanence. For the Olympics who knows the heights to which this ingenious system will rise. Maybe another boost in the sales tax or a surcharge on those located west of Worchester. After all there’s never too much that can be asked of the taxpayers of Boston.

The ability to remodel the city to fit the demands of the Olympics.

The demands that accompany hosting the Olympics include the provision of an Olympic Village, support facilities and of course stadiums for the events. A made to fit solution for this is to level the West End. Why not tear down ugly buildings and replace them with newer ugly buildings. Boston has done this before back in the 1960s when the West End looked a little worse for wear. Why not do it again.

A willingness to ignore the wishes of the citizens.

Boston has all other cities beat in this area since there is already a mechanism in place to ensure this: The Boston Redevelopment Authority. This exquisite organization is quite content to “develop” any area that is considered “blighted.” And there is no end of possible places to give this title. The Olympics Committee could freely have the run of Boston with this organization providing the wind behind their sales. Forget thoughtful planning, constructive development, citizen reviews or even environmental considerations. These do not fill the mandate of this bastion of Boston wholesomeness. But various industries in Boston like Travel Agencies, Car Rental Companies, IT and Applications development companies, Manpower Consultants, Event Management Companies will benefit from such a mega event being hosted here.

Can you guarantee a smooth Olympic Games?

While Boston cannot yet lay claim to the standards to rigidity set forth by such places as Russia or China, it can guarantee the spirit of the repressive regime that can dictate their will to the people. While this ideally would pose a problem for a place that is in the middle of a country that boasts its ideas of liberty and equality, there is less resistance than one would think. Boston after all is a one party state with the Democrats in power. Party discipline is evident with such clever implements such as caucuses. While it is not exactly medieval in nature, it is just as effective in striking fear in the hearts of detractors. By the time 2024 comes around even the less intimidating Mayor Walsh will be cracking the whip like an expert to ensure that everyone does what is expected.

A need to make a name for yourself

The IOC is notorious for favoring cities that have a need to gain some recognition worldwide. There is no other way to explain some of the bids awarded except as places that were either seeking to regain past glories or gain some for the first time. Case in point here are Athens (2004), Beijing (2008), Vancouver (2010) and Sochi in 2014. Considering the constant obsession among the powers that be on whether or not Boston is a “world class city” it is obvious that Boston is ripe for some international recognition. It is quite clear that Boston needs the Olympics are quite willing to do whatever it takes to get it. In those areas of concern no one can beat Boston for the 2024 Olympic Games.