Cleveland has been through a lot. It used to be an economically stable city that specialized in manufacturing. Then in the 1960's manufacturing took a hit, and Cleveland's hard working blue collar inhabitants began to leave in search for new opportunities. Since 1950, the population has plunged 57 percent to its current population of 357,000. Of course over the course of those years Cleveland became the butt of many jokes due to a polluted river that caught on fire, a mayor's hair that caught on fire during a ribbon cutting ceremony (seriously), and a default on $15.5 million in loans in 1978. Cleveland was the first city since the Great Depression to find themselves unable to pay their obligations.
However, Cleveland has reinvented itself by diversifying its economy. Now Cleveland has a strong financial services and banking industry among many others. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame opened in 1995, which has brought in over 10 million visitors. LeBron James returned to his home, making every Cavs game a sellout. Due to all of this change, Cleveland earned the nod for the Republican National Convention.
While this may have seemed like a good thing at the time, the rise of Donald Trump has made many officials nervous. Trump himself has openly stated that riots will occur if he does not get the nomination. Roger Stone, a Republican operative and Trump ally said that he plans on organizing protests if Trump is not nominated. Many are afraid that the Cleveland convention will turn into the 1968 Chicago Democratic gathering, where images of riots and violence stained the great city's reputation. Cleveland has taken extra precautions by pledging 600 members of their 1,500 member police force, and purchasing 2,000 sets of riot gear. There is also always the threat of a terrorist attack, especially when one of the main figureheads for American hate is involved.
What do you think? Is this a good thing for Cleveland, or will we look back on it with regret?
I think overall this is a very good thing for Cleveland. No matter where Donald Trump and his campaign have seemed to go, there has been drama surrounding that area. There will always be riots and protesting especially when a candidate is as outspoken and controversial as Trump is. However,despite this this could be a great opportunity for Cleveland to have a spotlight put on it and some recognition brought back to the city. Despite its struggles in the past, I think this will help the city to overcome some of those and to move a step in the right direction going forward.
ReplyDeleteCleveland has done well recently in diversifying their economy to help stimulate the overall growth of the city. While doing so they've placed many structures that maintain that certain industries as mentioned above remain stable and stimulate the economy. Something like a convention featuring Mr. Trump may produce a very toxic event that'll leave a potentially bad impression of Cleveland. They may look back on it with regret.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Q in regards to what Cleveland has accomplished. I think that a lot of this is just threats, although I would expect there to be some riots if Trump did not receive the nomination. I would like to believe that there wouldn't be any massive riots. I feel that Cleveland is prepared for the worst happening, as they should be. I will be living in downtown Cleveland during the Republican National Convention so this will be interesting...
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