By The Beachwood Vs. Affairs Desk
“Chicago’s next turn in the global spotlight promises just as much of an economic jolt as the NATO summit – with a fraction of the headaches,” Crain’s reports.
The 2012 Ryder Cup rolls into the Windy City on Sept. 25 – 30 with expectations of $135 million in economic impact – on par with the $128 million the city expected from the summit, according to the DuPage County Convention and Tourism Bureau.
As protester-in-chief Andy Thayer might say, we’ll have some of what they’re smoking.
There are similarities, however, between the two events. Let’s take a look.
NATO: International elites who like to golf meet for summit.
Ryder Cup: Elitist golfers who like to compete meet for international summit.
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NATO: An anachronistic institution whose best days are behind her.
Ryder Cup: An anachronistic institution whose best days are behind her.
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NATO: Still dominated by white males.
Ryder Cup: Still dominated by white males.
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NATO: Totally boring to watch.
Ryder Cup: Totally boring to watch.
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NATO: Accompanied by marching up and down the street.
Ryder Cup: Accompanied by marching up and down the fairway.
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NATO: There’s America and then there’s everyone else.
Ryder Cup: There’s Team America and Team Europe.
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NATO: The military arm of the global economic elite.
Ryder Cup: The golfing arm of the global economic elite.
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NATO: Expanding drone warfare.
Ryder Cup: Expanding droney broadcasts.
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Comments welcome.
Posted on May 24, 2012