The Obama’s plea didn’t make much of a difference as it turns out.  Rio has the 2016 Olympics…and here’s why that’s good.

People come visit the USA.  Even a city like Chicago, while not the number one tourist destination, is likely to glean some tourist dollars.  While this is of course also true of Rio and Madrid, the two between which the final decision was made, we still like the idea of putting the Olympics outside the US.

For one thing, last time the Olympics were held here, there was a judging scandal.  The time before that, there was a bomb threat.  Now, these things are clearly unrelated, but we obviously don’t have the best track record here.

Also, the Olympics is international, and the US is so often a leader in so many international-type stuff. Like, say, the UN.  Why not embrace the opportunity to let someone else take the lead.  In our opinion we can do more by taking a slightly back seat.  It’s better international relations to let others into the spotlight, and this is a perfect opportunity.

So, see you in Rio!