Blago Just the Latest Leaf on a Chicago Corruption Family Tree

By Margaret Lyons in News on Jun 10, 2008 4:18PM

Man, Chicago is a city of criminals and asshats, of mismanagement and lying, corruption and inertia. Just ask the AP! Today's "Corruption fighters find Chicago a challenge" says shady dealings in this town are part of the patchwork we lovingly refer to as Chicago history.

Chicago's tradition of corruption goes back to the 1890s when the so-called Gray Wolves of the City Council stuffed their pockets with bribes. One alderman was celebrated as the Prince of the Boodlers.

"Chicago ain't ready for reform," old-time saloonkeeper Alderman Mathias "Paddy" Bauler once cackled.

Sometimes it seems it still isn't.

For example, after Ryan's conviction, "some thought Chicago might get a break from the corruption that has plagued this city for as long as anyone can remember." Sad trombone on that idea--thanks to Blago's apparently deep ties to one Mr. Tony Rezko, our politically scandalous past is also a politically scandalous present. But at least we can look forward to a "freewheeling Democratic primary for governor...in two years."