2010 Olympics: A possible financial disaster?

[Glacier]

Erm, unless I have missed something, that "work" has pretty much been completed (exception the athletes village of course), and through high flying pre-recession times.

Lots of work still to do. They still got to manufacture and hand our 298,000 condoms, set up the security and surveillance system so they can watch all the scantily clad ladies...err... I mean terrorists who might show up, and get all the homeless people on the bus to Kelowna.

[steven lloyd]

It’s time we grow up and make the best of this situation. Whining and crying like school children will only make this situation worse. We can either lead; follow or get out of the way. To all the crybabies out there I suggest you suck it up. We are in this mess together and we must work together positively to make the most of it. Let’s lead; be positive and set an example. Bottom line it is money being spent in BC and putting British Columbians to work at time when that work is very much needed.

Finally somebody with clear mind. Too much crying lately. Oh wait, there's always too much crying.

The real unfortunate thing is that come February 2009 we are going to show to the entire world just how much we have to cry about. On the one hand we will be locked down by police and soldiers, and people from around the world recognizing that strategy will see us as no different from the Russians or Americans and see like every major power before us we, like them, are full of $hit.

As much as we’ve tried to hide the poverty and drug abuse associated with capitalist paradigms by transporting it to rural areas, it seems we moved a little too quick with that experiment and everyone’s heading back to the downtown eastside (thanks Gordo for the all paid trip to Prince George – how exciting. I hope I don’t embarrass you too much in February 2010).

Since the Liberals took power in this province almost eight years ago, child poverty has increased to its greatest level ever and the income gap has become the largest it has ever been in the history of this province. While many BC residents are unable to appreciate the significance of these benchmarks, our European visitors (who are typically more educated than North Americans) do understand the impact of our shortcomings and will relay their experiences. If nothing else, we certainly have provided our European friends with a ongoing source of amusement.

[Captain Awesome]

Finally somebody with clear mind. Too much crying lately. Oh wait, there's always too much crying.

On the one hand we will be locked down by police and soldiers...

As much as we’ve tried to hide the poverty and drug abuse associated with capitalist ...

Since the Liberals took power in this province almost eight years ago...

I stand by my statement.

[Al Czervic]

I will stand by my previous statement as well

It always amazes me just how short sighted some people are. The true benefit of the Olympic games to BC is not about having the ability to go out and watch a live venue; as nice as that might be. Rather it is the estimated 250,000 people that are coming to BC with their bank accounts to give this Province a visit. There are 25,000 journalists alone that will be broadcasting BC around the world. Total estimated economic impact is in the Billions; some economists have put it as high as $ 10 Billion.

Many economists are actually picking BC to LEAD the Canadian economy in 2010 simply because of the Olympics games alone. I realize that for those who have never run a business before you might not understand the positive impact of things like advertising and attending trade shows; however these are two of the most important assets a company has to market their product to consumers.

Maybe we forget that BC has a large tourism economy; however the simple fact is that the Olympics is like the worlds greatest trade show and advertising opportunity all rolled up into one 17 day event. The fact that we have private business through corporate sponsorships and the federal Government helping to offset these costs is a huge benefit to BC.

Maybe some of you would rather see that money thrown at Quebec or at the auto sector in bailouts; however as a now retired business owner I can tell you that you are incredibly short sighted if you do not understand the opportunity that the Olympics present for BC. Keep in mind opportunity is what it is. If you sit back; whine; cry and be negative the opportunity will simply pass you by. Opportunity is what you choose to make of it and it is clear that some of you just can’t be bothered.

There are winners and losers in life. Always have been and always will be. I’ll give you a hint about the losers. They are the ones who are negative about everything; often use the word “I can’t” and fail to understand what opportunity is all about.

[steven lloyd]

The true benefit of the Olympic games to BC is not about having the ability to go out and watch a live venue; as nice as that might be. Rather it is the estimated 250,000 people that are coming to BC with their bank accounts to give this Province a visit. There are 25,000 journalists alone that will be broadcasting BC around the world.

And like I said, most of those people will have more open eyes than the people of this province. They'll see the things people like you and the captain like to pretend don't exist. Our biggest embarrassment?




Oh well, it's not like I'd be comfortable with Carole James stading up for us either. Might as well be a criminal megomaniac.

There are winners and losers in life. Always have been and always will be. I’ll give you a hint about the losers. They are the ones who are negative about everything; often use the word “I can’t” and fail to understand what opportunity is all about.

I agree completely Al. I know in my case, not only can I but I did (and I am still doing). And I agree, the Olympics is going to be a fantastic opportunity for a small group of people, and the rest of us will have the opportunity to pay for it – as will our children and their children. I’m not going to complain though. Should be quite the party to watch.

[Al Czervic]

It’s not about the Olympics themselves Steven. It’s about the money that those who come here will bring with them and the future investment opportunities that will be created.

I realize that part of socialist dogma is that you can build a wall around anything and somehow survive and prosper without any trade or foreign investment but the reality; as has been proven many times over; is that this socialist thinking is patently untrue.

You seem to comprehend that a relative wealthy “few” (as you put it) will come to enjoy the Olympic “party” (again as you put it) however you fail to recognize that those wealthy few; many who will be visiting BC for the first time in their lives will end up investing valuable and much needed dollars here. It’s through networking; showcasing and in effect advertising how many business relationships get created.

Some of the World’s wealthiest companies are sponsoring the Olympics and the CEO’s of those companies are going to be here for the party. What if one of them finds out about a good deal on a lumber mill and puts 250 people back to work ? What if another makes a contract for shipping; realizing that thanks to our new Northern Port you can actually move goods into the United States mid-west faster than many other ports now can and put another 300-400 people to work ?

Are you really that naive that you do not understand how networking and business really works ? Do you realize we already have Olympic Teams booked to train here in the Okanagan ? Honestly socialists are some of the most short sighted and negative people I have ever come across. It’s small wonder why the NDP always run this province into the ground.

edited to remove grumpy old goat comments.

[Nebula]

For those who think the Olympics will be a "financial disaster," do you think they would not have been if the NDP were in power?

[steven lloyd]

It’s not about the Olympics themselves Steven. It’s about the money that those who come here will bring with them and the future investment opportunities that will be created. I realize that part of socialist dogma is that you can build a wall around anything and somehow survive and prosper without any trade or foreign investment but the reality; as has been proven many times over; is that this socialist thinking is patently untrue.

I didn’t know that was modern socialist dogma. In fact, I do know that modern social democratic countries in Europe are working towards something quite contrary to what you suggest. But then, I also know your understanding of socialism is as old as you are. Kinda amusing given it appears you are really quite knowledgeable in many other matters.

You seem to comprehend that a relative wealthy “few” (as you put it) will come to enjoy the Olympic “party” (again as you put it) however you fail to recognize that those wealthy few; many who will be visiting BC for the first time in their lives will end up investing valuable and much needed dollars here. It’s through networking; showcasing and in effect advertising how many business relationships get created. Some of the World’s wealthiest companies are sponsoring the Olympics and the CEO’s of those companies are going to be here for the party. What if one of them finds out about a good deal on a lumber mill and puts 250 people back to work ? What if another makes a contract for shipping; realizing that thanks to our new Northern Port you can actually move goods into the United States mid-west faster than many other ports now can and put another 300-400 people to work ? Are you really that clueless that you do not understand how networking and business really works ? Do you realize we already have Olympic Teams booked to train here in the Okanagan ? Honestly socialists are some of the most short sighted and negative people I have ever come across. It’s small wonder why the NDP always run this province into the ground. Obviously Steven, when it comes to how business really works you really have no clue.

Ah Al, despite the cheap insults you like to throw my way I really do have a much better understanding of how business works – at local, national and international levels. I’m always open to new learning and in fact often learn much from reading your posts (I do have to take them with a grain of salt though given you still confuse me with a socialist – LOL). I’ve not suggested there are going to be no economic spin-offs from the Olympics, but I’m not going to just keep repeating and clarifying my points when I know you have the capacity to comprehend what you read, even if you choose not to employ it.

[steven lloyd]

For those who think the Olympics will be a "financial disaster," do you think they would not have been if the NDP were in power?

There's no way the NDP could have done any better. Unfortunately, I also doubt they would have been any more forthcoming with the electorate about it.

[Nebula]

Wow. Thank you for your answer, Steven.

[Captain Awesome]

In fact, I do know that modern social democratic countries in Europe are working towards something quite contrary to what you suggest.

I wonder if in Europe they call Olympics "big party only for elite".

[steven lloyd]

In fact, I do know that modern social democratic countries in Europe are working towards something quite contrary to what you suggest.

I wonder if in Europe they call Olympics "big party only for elite".

No, because in Europe they make a much more deliberate effort to be more inclusive.

[Captain Awesome]

No, because in Europe they make a much more deliberate effort to be more inclusive.

What do you mean? Do they organize Olymopics somehow differently?

[Al Czervic]

Steven,

I re-read my last post to you and should not have said some of things in the manner that I did. My apologies to you. Dammned blood pressure keeps getting out of control and I go off like a shotgun sometimes.

[steven lloyd]

Steven, I re-read my last post to you and should not have said some of things in the manner that I did. My apologies to you. Dammned blood pressure keeps getting out of control and I go off like a shotgun sometimes.

No worries Al – apology gladly accepted. I know you’re a passionate guy when it comes to politics. I am as well sometimes, and I know I’ve gone off like a shotgun before too. You’re usually pretty good at keeping the discussion at a respectful level. Better than I have been in the past, I think. I’m trying to behave better now (although there are still posters here who certainly like to set themselves up for it - I swear, there are posters here who would get outscored on IQ tests by single-cell organisms).