Amtrak Cuts to Trains Serving Downstate Illinois Only (Chicago, Rockford: transplants, apartment)

[Drover]

Well, love it or leave it are your only realistic options. Sorry, but that's just the way it works out when there is a large metropolitan area in an otherwise rural state. Like sukwoo said, power is apportioned according to population. Where there is more population, there is more political power. Not much you can do about that.

[JerichoHW]

I got some lovely news, people in Chicagoland hate Blagoavich also, I mean who does not. I voted for that Green Party guy last election, out of hate for our current governor. To bad the republican was Judy Bar Topenka or else we probably would not have Blagoavich right now.

Here is just an FYI, if you don't want amtrak cuts then just flood your state rep with mail, and they will be on your side.

[HeadedWest]

Originally Posted by Drover

Well, love it or leave it are your only realistic options. Sorry, but that's just the way it works out when there is a large metropolitan area in an otherwise rural state.

But then don't be surprised if Chicago isn't very popular with the rest of the state.

Especially when the governor even refuses to live in the state capitol.

[j33]

We wish he would live in the state capitol, we don't want him living up here either.

[sburton]

One of the most amusing things in the "Us poor Downstaters are just so abused and neglected" rants is that it's evident they i) don't want to be taxed, ii) don't like big government (especially Chicago style), and iii) don't trust anyone from outside Downstate to understand their issues or bestow appropriate sympathy. But I note that like clockwork they instantly go hysterical and throw hissy fits when the State actually...gasp... takes steps to cut services in a response to fiscal tightening. In other words, in tough times when dollars are short and the State cuts back, they go howling bloody murder. Now I ask what's not to get here? For instance, the train to Macomb and Quincy is a money loser. Old news. Times are tough and that route is put on the chopping block. Oh no!! cry the Downstaters, that cannot be!! The hypocrisy is truly stunning. My sincere suggestion to these folks is to move onto something more constructive and stop the endless whining. Giving in to self pity is no solution. Come on folks. It's the 21st Century already!

[cubssoxfan]

For instance, the train to Macomb and Quincy is a money loser. Old news. Times are tough and that route is put on the chopping block. Oh no!! cry the Downstaters, that cannot be!! The hypocrisy is truly stunning.

And the rest of the state does not fund the CTA at all?! IF Chicago and Cook Co. government were honest and efficient (riiiight!), maybe down state residents would not be so "jealous" of the fact/perception some of their money is going to fund the Stroger and Daley and Blago patronage/re-election funds. I live in NW Cook Co. and I can't stand the state, county and city government. I hope Palatine suceeds in suceeding from Cook Co. I hope Arlington Heights and the other NW suburbs join them. Maybe we then stand a chance of getting efficient, honest government (if such a thing exists).

[sburton]

Yes and maybe you can incite the entire region to secede from the State - heck, why not the country, the world and the universe while you're at it? I can imagine the vast downtrodden hordes building support as they rumble over the countryside...Yeah you right. What a hoot! Am wondering if folks have spent a few too many evenings watching classic films about the slave revolts in Ancient Rome... Anyhoo, a secessionist rebellion by the Northwest Chicagoland Suburbs would be the derndest thing. Whatever will the rest of the world do? Cancel my train and I'm seceding. Truly hysterical! This just kills me. Call me when it's over.

[Drover]

Originally Posted by HeadedWest

But then don't be surprised if Chicago isn't very popular with the rest of the state.

Especially when the governor even refuses to live in the state capitol.

We don't care. It's not a popularity contest.

[cubssoxfan]

Yes and maybe you can incite the entire region to secede from the State - heck, why not the country, the world and the universe while you're at it? I can imagine the vast downtrodden hordes building support as they rumble over the countryside...Yeah you right. What a hoot! Am wondering if folks have spent a few too many evenings watching classic films about the slave revolts in Ancient Rome... Anyhoo, a secessionist rebellion by the Northwest Chicagoland Suburbs would be the derndest thing. Whatever will the rest of the world do? Cancel my train and I'm seceding. Truly hysterical! This just kills me. Call me when it's over.

Wow, you must be in a truly rural area of IL to not get the Chicago Tribune and be up to date on the recent tax increases in Cook Co. Chicago now has the highest sales tax rate in the ENTIRE nation. Todd Stoger JR is responsible for most of this increase. Instead of taking suggestions from Maria Pappas, who was Cook Co. Treasurer on how to computerize and streamline departments, Todd decided he needed a tax increase to throw more people at the task of managing cook county business instead of following a proven way of doing more with efficient management from a fellow democrat. So yeah, I'm hacked off at being a "Sugar Daddy" for the corrupt machine politicians and also understand down-state anger at local services being cut. Have you read anything about Blago redistributing pension money? AND don't get me started on state funding for schools. So it is not about JUST cancelling a train route; it is anger at poorly run, corrupt, state and local government spending MY tax money to line their pockets.

[HeadedWest]

Originally Posted by Drover

We don't care.

Exactly my point.