How do people think this all gets paid for? Already the games cost the UK more than double the original estimates. Business subsidises the games, to get exclusivity. Not only that, inside that actual games they have zero presence. So of course they will protect what little they bought. And yes, it is little. Look at the corporate graffiti over ever other sports events, like the football world cup. There is none what so ever with in the Olympic events themselves.
I read here many people being reasonable about facebook and craigs list protecting their assets, but the Olympics cant? How is that? Who can afford the complete costs of the event with out the money of the corporations? Must it be a "socialist" paid for by taxes Olympics alone? Is that what people are saying. Olympic spirit? Well, that costs money.
Choice people, take the corporate money, or your government and the fans pay. Choose. But if you want the corporate subsidy, don't complain about it afterwards.
Or should the Olympics be play out in a field in the middle of nowhere so that no one can watch it at all? The only other way this works is if the UN pays for it, or something equally stupid.
It simple: its a very, very expensive event which happens every 4 years. It needs corporate money to fund it, or no country, other than a super power, can afford it. It has to be exclusive, or there is nothing what so ever in it for the sponsors with out that exclusivity. That exclusivity has to be protected, or no deal.
Do I like that? No. Do I like the fact that most of the big sponsors are not British? No. But guys, lets be real, the money has to come form somewhere.