Editorial: Chicago can handle NATO

I have a message for those of us that live in the city and suburbs of Chicago– We can handle this folks!!

I've been very surprised in the general reaction to the major NATO conference that will happen here in Chicago this weekend. It's somewhere between the sky is falling and Armageddon is approaching!!

What is all the fuss?? We have a very well trained police department and the security around the visiting dignitaries will be airtight.

If Chicago wants to be a major player on the world stage then we have to able to handle a conference that is only scheduled to last for two days – New York would consider this NATO event and the potential demonstrations and traffic disruptions just a little blip on the screen.  Where's the confident city that was a serious contender for the 2016 Olympics?? Did we not face potential security concerns and traffic nightmares in planning for that bid??

I support the Mayor and the many businesses who look at this NATO meeting as a tremendous opportunity to showcase Chicago to the world. We can show the world that we can deal with demonstrations and security issues and massive crowds and do so in a very professional and organized way – I think most of us would agree that our city is a great place to live and work!!

I would think we would want the people of the world to think it is a great place to visit as well!!

I do agree that we all should be very prudent in taking the necessary security precautions and insure the safety of our employees and residents.

But let's enjoy this great opportunity to show off our great city and not let the protestors and a few rabble- rousers dictate the course of events this weekend!

We'd like to hear from you – you can e-mail your comments to editorial@foxchicago.com.