The year 2028 is demarcated for Los Angeles as the host for the Olympics games. However, could it be that California is skateboarding on a seemingly dangerous ramp? The fallout of anti-ICE demonstrations and the calamitous aftermath of the 2024 wildfire outbreak prompt us to pose the question: Is it prudent to welcome the international community to a city often touted as America’s least impressive?
In the wake of the aforementioned turmoil, LA seems to be drowning in crises largely of its own making. Activists advocating for unlawful immigrants have ignited fear in the populace with violent protests on city streets and a show of foreign flags. Amid such upheaval, Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom, under their joint leadership of city and state, have made a mess of wildfire management, resulting in numerous inhabitants of Palisadian deciding against rebuilding their incinerated homes.
Failure appears to be systemically engrained rather than incidental, resulting from neglect, ineffective leadership, and arguably radical left-leaning policies. Could it be that LA now hopes the Olympics will serve as a quick fix for their financial strains? The influx of global attention and the promise of tourist capital might be welcomed, but this extends beyond the monetary aspects and into the realms of aptitude and responsibility.
Is it expected that the same administration that’s mishandled its state affairs can orchestrate a prominent international event? Recall that Governor Gavin Newsom ensured the streets of San Francisco were immaculate ahead of a visit from the Chinese president in 2023. A meticulous exertion of effort was put in place for the state to impress a foreign dictator at the expense of resident.”
However, the concern for cleanliness and hygiene seemingly doesn’t extend to the daily existence of American nationals. LA’s day-to-day reality often features overflowing homeless settlements filled with garbage, accentuated by drug-use remnants scattered across neglected sidewalks for an extended period. Is it justifiable that visitors are treated to pristine conditions, whilst locals endure perpetual disregard?
Recent anarchy observed in Los Angeles reveals the lopsided priorities held by the city’s leaders. Rioters against migrant deportation wreaked havoc on law enforcement officers, setting cars ablaze and vocalizing expletives. The condition on ground severely deteriorated necessitating an unprecedented intervention by President Donald Trump who, for the first time in six decades, had to authorize the deployment of the National Guard without the governor’s approval.
With challenges in ensuring clean streets, citizen safety, and the prevention of wildfires, one is hard-pressed to believe that California can manage an event as grand and unifying as the Olympic games. The event, built upon the tenets of unity, discipline, and advanced organization, finds no resonance in the governance playbook currently being consulted in the state.
This provokes a thought: Would it not be more prudent for the Olympic Committee to re-evaluate the choice of location? Perhaps they should consider a state where governance trumps political high-drama – like Florida, Texas, or a heartland state that resonates more with law, order, and community spirit.
Considering the 2028 presidential race will be heating up in the same summer, it gives the incumbent, President Trump, a card to play: shifting the celebrated event from conflict-ridden and wildfire-prone California to an environment that assures more safety and reliability.
The United States deserves the opportunity to put forth a better representation on the international stage. California, however, with its recent endorsement allowing a biologically male candidate to snatch the top spots from high school girls in a track competition, raises understandable doubts about its fitness to host such an influential global event.
To ensure that the hosting of the 2028 Olympic Games is perceived positively in the eyes of the world, the reconsideration of California as a venue is by all means necessary. At present, LA seems to be gambling with fire, with the stakes seemingly risking the reputation of the entire country.
Given the current circumstances, it seems ever more pressing that alternatives to California be considered at the earliest. Redefining the venue could be a monumental step towards securing a precedent for successful games in the future.
The upcoming Olympic games should be an occasion of unity and celebration for the American people, without any impending apprehension or potential crisis looming over the joyous event.
Most importantly, it’s necessary to ensure the welfare of the local population while extending a warm welcome to international visitors. While Los Angeles has numerous attributes to offer, the social and political upheaval currently characterizing the city does raise valid questions over its suitability to host such an event.