It's official: Rio de Janeiro will host the 2016 Olympic Games.  They were chosen over Chicago, Tokyo, and Madrid, and it will also mark the first time the Olympics will be on South American Soil.  I must say, I'm happy for both Rio de Janeiro and Chicago.  Let me explain.

     The Olympics have been held for a long time, yet they have never been held in South America, which seems rather disgraceful to me.  These are the World's games, and as such, the games should have a wide geographic and cultural reach.  As one of the world's largest cities, I'm confident they will do a wonderful job, and the games will be a source of pride and excitement for Rio, Brazil, and all of South America.

     Now for the United States.  I know there are a lot of disappointed people.  Hosting the Olympics can be exciting and a source of National Pride.  With that said, I think Chicago and the United States are better off without the Olympics.  That might sound like a crazy statement, but when you look at the long-term costs and nonexistent economic impact, are we really missing out on much?  As a matter of fact, it isn't unusual for countries to have a negative economic impact from hosting the games.

     There will be disappointment, but it is probably for the better.  Now the United States can get back to pressing issues such as the economy and health care, while Rio can begin planning.  For their sake, I hope they can stay on budget!