Maybe I'm the only one, but as I watch the Winter Olympics get underway this weekend -- complete with one of our own carrying the flag during the opening ceremonies -- I wondered "What if?"
What if the powers that be in this city had the foresight to think on an international level? What if somebody stepped forward and said, "Let's showcase Milwaukee to the world."
Right now, Milwaukee could best be known as the world capital for public buildings with giant, movable roofs. Miller Park, its problems aside, is a fine stadium. The Calatrava, for all its hype, is still just a big white building on the lakefront.
After that, what do we have? Harley-Davidson? Miller? Both are fine products, but don't have the notoriety of international competition. Our summer festivals are a great time, although they aren't quite the overwhelming national and international sensation we would like to think them to be.
Cities like Lillehammer, Norway, Albertville, France and Nagano, Japan didn't mean much to anybody, but became known around the globe by hosting the Winter Olympics.
Why can't we?
Sure, we don't have the mountains. But that could be overcome in time, couldn't it? Sure, we don't have the facilities, but why not build them? How many debates has this city gone through regarding development of the Park East properties and, going even further back, the Menomonee Valley area?
We've got snow, and we've got quite the history and experience in putting on large-scale events. The Olympics, or other major international competitions, should not be out of the realm of possibility.
Our neighbors to the south have begun exploring the possibility of hosting the Summer Games. Good for them. Mayor Tom Barrett has hinted at the possibility of regional cooperation, but why not beat them to the punch?
Bringing the Olympics to Milwaukee would, admittedly, be a stretch. The sheer logistics of it would be a great hindrance, but why not try? There are smart people in this town who have already thought about the possibility of such an event. Let's see what they have to say.
And even if we're shot down, at least we tried. For those of you laughing already, bear in mind that it isn't like Milwaukee doesn't already have some infrastructure in place. We've got a world-class speed skating venue that goes painfully underutilized.
The speed skating tradition in this town alone should be enough to inspire people. How many Olympic medals were born on the old, chilly, outdoor rink in West Allis that gave way to the Pettit National Ice Center?
All that said, I'm willing to concede that the Winter Olympics would be all but impossible, if only for the lack of quick mountain access (how long, though, is a flight to Denver?). So why not go after the Summer Olympics?
Chicago has hinted at the possibility of including Milwaukee and other regional sites in a possible bid for the 2016 games. Why not beat them to the punch? Maybe it's time we as a city lose our pathetic complex regarding our southern neighbors and make them be our second fiddle for a change.
We have marvelous arenas and a top of the line stadium that surely could be used to host international events. Milwaukee has played host to the Davis Cup tennis matches, as well as the National Gymnastics Championships and countless national and international speed skating competitions.
Why isn't there a group actively lobbying to bring the World Figure Skating Championships to town? How about cross-country skiing? The American Birkebeiner is one of the most famous races in the country. Hey, why not find a way to build a bobsled/luge run? You don't need mountains for the biathlon, ski jumping or hockey, either.
Think of the impact these legacy facilities could have on youth and collegiate athletic programs in these parts. Give our youngsters easy access to world-class facilities, and who knows what the possibilities would be?
Milwaukee has the potential to be so much more than a fancy art museum, and even most of its residents and leaders haven't grasped that concept yet.
Those old, stubborn, grizzled Milwaukee movers and shakers need to step up to the plate or get out of the way. There has to be somebody in this town with enough pull to make something happen.
It's about time that people feel they've had enough of being content with being the little Midwest city that keeps on chugging. Let's turn Milwaukee into a city that will be recognized the world over for something other than good sausage, loud motorcycles, and a couple of old TV shows.
Laugh all you want, but a dream is only a dream to those not willing to take a chance.
