Chicagoist: Is This Our Moment In The Sun?

Marcus Gilmer

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:34:43 -0600

@Matilda - replace the 'war against music' claim on your list with 'apocalypse' and you've got my old home New Orleans (or Detroit). Replace it with any number of other claims and you have any other big city in the nation.

Shannon

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:05:52 -0600

sigh.. as shit as things are as mentioned above, i'm tempted to say that with weather like this, all is forgiven. but then matilda will start beating on me, declaring i'm part of the problem.. which i can't deny.

Ward Up

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:50:15 -0600

Sure, it's a terrific city but I am puzzled by this notion. It is clear that we are NOT on a hot streak when you look at the boarded up homes on the South Side, a situation created by high local concentration of irresponsible buyers and irresponsible lenders, and when you consider the uptick in gunshot injuries and deaths and the high dropout rates in our schools. I would agree with the list severa; posts above, also. We are also NOT on a hot streak when you consider the businesses and jobs that continue to LEAVE Cook County because of ridiculous City and County taxes, the corruption and indictments of political hacks and public employees, when you consider the pay-to-play business at the Ward, City, County, and State levels. When you consider all these things, you can only say that this is NOT Chicago's year. Chicago will be on hot streak when we get rid of our governor and county board president. Oh, and contrary to the B.S. that is swallowed and and promoted by naive national media venues, Mayor Mumbles is NOT doing a good job. It would be nice to get rid of him also, but I am trying to be realistic about what might happen. Well, one can dream.

matty

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:10:12 -0600

I like Chicago I hate the politicians. Real talk.

Margaret

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:56:36 -0600

Like Natalia, I prefer we get no credit. I like it here. it's quiet. No credit for us, none. Chicago blows, everyone STAY AWAY. Except for Johnny Depp, he can stay.

Natalia1979

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:47:52 -0600

I always think that Chicago never gets any credit (especially the White Sox.) When I travel to other countries, IF the person has heard of Chicago at all, they only know Al Capone and Michael Jordan. Not even Oprah. But you know what, I like it this way. I would hate it if this city became like Manhattan or overrun by tourists like San Francisco. The city is dealing with enough gentrification already. In my hood, every other car has out of state plates. I want to continue to be able to afford an apartment in the hood I grew up in. So, not being xenophobic, I say lets keep Chicago a good little secret...

matilda

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:38:44 -0600

Yes, let's enjoy all the good things, but let's be realistic, too, about modern Chicago, 2008: --City budget strained, to say the least --Transit a mess, as noticed by international authorities in Olympics report, and no real hope of repair/funding at this point --Streets filled with craters --Schools still suck --Crime apparently increasing (as in some other cities) --Nonstop work for US Attorney and others investigating city corruption --Highest sales tax rate among big US cities --Ongoing war against local music--one of the city's best attractions--by city officials --Currently, no hope for any non-Machine SOB to win any real power in Chicago --Demoralized cops still without a reasonable contract --Enduring segregation, among the worst of any city I've visited --Decreasing affordability of living here --City Council that, despite flashes of courage, remains beholden to our Dear Munchkin Leader--that is, no real democracy in Chicago