I was one of the people that cheered as loud as possible when it was announced that London has won the right to host the 2012 Olympics. How thrilling. I even went so far as to buy tickets to 2 of the events. The build up to the event has been tremendous and very, very exciting, a lofty aspiration and an opportunity for the UK and London to benefit from this event…..and yet….
How is this even possible?
http://www.mirror.co.uk/money/city-news/olympic-corporate-partners-can-avoid-943011
How is it even possible that a company; namely G4S can secure a million pound contract without any checks or vetting to ensure it could meet it’s commitments:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/jul/14/london-2012-olympic-security-g4s
And why is a fast-food chain being allowed to dictate what food people are allowed to sell….they sold the idea that UK businesses would benefit from the games:
The real winners are the large overseas corporations that gained the main contracts.
Not Just a Granny 
Sadly Cindy this is the truth. Other than the big London hotels (which for the most part are also owned by foreign interests), few if any local businesses will really benefit from the games. At least not in any major or sustainable way. It will tax the resources and the infrastructure of this city beyond reason — imagine the height of tourist season times about 10,000 — and it will be like painting a bullseye on the city and daring someone/something to hit it. Admittedly this would be potentially true of any major world city, but London already has enough terrorists, extremists, and anti-monarchists threats on a daily basis without inviting more. And the only people who will suffer or be inconvenienced by the games are the hard working taxpayers who are footing the bill for all this in the first place,
hi Meg, 😦 yes that, I am afraid is the reality. Although I am really excited to have this opportunity, I am terribly sad that our hosting of the Games have been tainted by blatant disregard for what is right. London is such an amazing city, and it’s sad to see the name being linked to these scandals. However, fortunately London is not the culprit and the big names like McDonald’s and G4S will be the ones who walk away with their reputation in tatters and of course the big bucks in their back pockets!! A sad indictment and the reality of commercialism. Pity that big business can’t be run ethically and fairly. I am sure there must be a way to run a business and make a profit without having to cheat & lie. I wonder?
It’s all about money–G45 wanted to save money and McD wants to make money. And it’s the people of London who will be paying the bill.
ain’t that the truth. I have since had word via the folks whose petition I signed that the bigger companies have agreed to pay tax (?) hmmm really? not so sure about that. Also McD have agreed to allow other food distributors to sell chips. and quite right! we shall see…the day is drawing near when the whole thing kicks off.