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London Hacked Its Own Traffic Lights To Make Sure It Got the Olympics
bmsleight writes "Does it count as a hack if you change your own system? Vanity Fair report that during the bidding process for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the London Streets Traffic Control Center followed each vehicle using CCTV, 'and when they came up to traffic lights,' [bid committee CEO Keith] Mills said, 'we turned them green.'"
I whole-heartedly agree. Anyone who thinks like this should not visit the UK, we have enough tin-foil hatted nutters of our own.
Since nobody's yet posted the comment (or it's below my viewing threshold):
Premise: The International Olympic Committee's job/duty during the selection process is (at least officially) to make sure a place will be decent for those going to see the Olympics to stay and travel in. Also, it's supposed to check for logistical concerns relative to safety, access to venues, etc. A place that's not suitable is to be rejected, and a more/the most suitable place chosen.
Premise: Allowing bidders to "rig" a showing in such a way as hinders the IOC from properly assessing the above factors is problematic in fulfilling the purpose of the above selection requirements, and is therefore so undesirable as to preclude decent selection, short of basically random chance.
Premise: Bribery, "cheating," and other unethical acts are considered highly undesirable for any worthwhile organization to espouse or allow. An organization that systematically accepts and encourages such acts is not, in its present form, a worthwhile organization.
Premise: Britain has just admitted to such unethical acts as above, and the IOC isn't doing anything about it. It's also noted that the IOC's contract includes many terms and practices that are unethical and/or illegal under international law, and the laws of many nations, individually (including requirements about printing currency; forcing applicants to sign a binding contract to do a ton of expensive stuff before they're actually given anything; etc.).
Conclusion: The IOC is not a worthwhile organization (in its present form), and it does not fulfill at least some of the important (presumed official) purposes of that organization.
Conclusion: The continuation of this organization (in its current form) results from something entirely separate from its utility at fulfilling the sensible goals mentioned above, and almost certainly has something to do with the unethical practices being espoused.
Have I missed anything?