Cook County Sales Tax thread (Chicago, Cicero: crime, neighborhood, luxury)

[Drover]

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

Is New York still controlled by Tamany Hall? Political machines have died out in many major cities, usually driven by demographic changes. Afterall, you can't have an Irish machine if there are no Irish people to vote for it. The old Machine in New York died because (1) people were fed up with it, and (2) Manhattan became controlled by a wealthier business class. Demographic changes in Chicago are starting to mirror New York a bit, and it's only a matter of time before the old machines die off. I predict it will be more of a slow fade out than any sort of dramatic revolution, but it's clear to me that the political landscape of Chicago will be very different in 20 years.

Here's what I see: a demographic shift leaning heavily toward people who came here from places where corruption and graft is five times more deeply ingrained in the culture than even here in Chicago/Cook County. Not only are they experts at playing the game, but they almost don't know that it could or should be any other way. I doubt things will be significantly better 20 years from now. I hope you're right and I'm wrong. But I'm not placing any bets on that hope.

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by Drover

Here's what I see: a demographic shift leaning heavily toward people who came here from places where corruption and graft is five times more deeply ingrained in the culture than even here in Chicago/Cook County. Not only are they experts at playing the game, but they almost don't know that it could or should be any other way. I doubt things will be significantly better 20 years from now. I hope you're right and I'm wrong. But I'm not placing any bets on that hope.

Me either! Well, I guess living in Cook County is placing bets on it in a way... But I don't think I'm leaving. If I do, it will be to another metro area--and not the distant burbs.

[Avengerfire]

Lets take over Milwaukee! Who is with me?!

[Drover]

Originally Posted by Avengerfire

Lets take over Milwaukee! Who is with me?!

Heck no... you think Chicago's got problems... that town some how manages to be an even bigger basketcase.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by Drover

Hell no... you think Chicago's got problems... that town some how manages to be an even bigger basketcase.

They just need some direction!

[cdc3217]

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

Is New York still controlled by Tamany Hall? Political machines have died out in many major cities, usually driven by demographic changes. Afterall, you can't have an Irish machine if there are no Irish people to vote for it. The old Machine in New York died because (1) people were fed up with it, and (2) Manhattan became controlled by a wealthier business class. Demographic changes in Chicago are starting to mirror New York a bit, and it's only a matter of time before the old machines die off. I predict it will be more of a slow fade out than any sort of dramatic revolution, but it's clear to me that the political landscape of Chicago will be very different in 20 years.

Yes, but the genius of Daley is that he continously co-opts the new demographic groups and simultaneously gets their buy in while securing the machine's survival.

[july]

a demographic shift leaning heavily toward people who came here from places where corruption and graft is five times more deeply ingrained in the culture than even here in Chicago/Cook County.

Where would that be? Just curious.

[Drover]

Originally Posted by july

Where would that be? Just curious.

Nebraska...

[dragoro]

Heh if ya think chicago is corrupt ya should visit new orleans.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by dragoro

Heh if ya think chicago is corrupt ya should visit new orleans.

Detroit too...