Thursday, February 09, 2006

Daley Says Chicago in Great Shape But Nation Isn't

Just the other day, Mayor Daley gave a speech about how great Chicago is while claiming the rest of the nation isn't doing too well.The Chicago Tribune reports:
Daley asserted that Chicago is in excellent shape.

"I can report to you today that the state of our city is strong and getting stronger," he declared. "I am very optimistic about our future."

Daley, who has not announced whether he will seek re-election in 2007, cited a list of achievements that read like a campaign pitch: a decline in violent crime and the 40-year low in recorded homicides last year; improved performance in the city's public schools; new job creation downtown and in the neighborhoods; provision of affordable housing; construction of new parks, libraries, streets and other infrastructure; and improved social services for the elderly and the poor.

But even as Chicago is making progress, the same cannot be said for the nation, Daley said, revisiting a theme he made in his budget address last fall.

"Across America, we see rising poverty and a growing gulf between rich and poor," he said. "We see working families and the poor struggling to get by. In Washington, D.C., they approve huge tax cuts that benefit the wealthiest Americans, while doing little for working people, except leaving huge deficits."
Daley forgot to mention that his definition of success isn't a standard one.Few of America's big cities can say they've lost population since the 2000 census.On those public schools really no sign of improvement.With 69% of Chicago Public School students on free lunches you might say Mayor Daley's definition of good schools and improvement is outside the mainstream.On the crime front, ABC Chicago reports on a so called gentrified area of Chicago:
Chicago police are investigating more than a dozen robberies on the city's North Side. Police say people are being robbed right on the street. The incidents have been happening between Lakeview and Damen, from Diversey to Lawrence.

Police say as many as four suspects have been involved in these strong-arm robberies. They say it's unusual because the suspects have not been terribly successful in getting away with a lot of cash.

Nevertheless, they have been prolific and struck more than a dozen times in the last couple of weeks. Police say it's been happening later in the evening. The victims tend to be young men walking alone, usually after they have left the restaurant or bar. The suspects are not armed, but they approach the victim from behind.

"They are basically coming up from behind and punching, pushing, kicking the victims, ask them for their wallet or reach for their wallet," said Lt. William Dunne, Chicago police.
Just think, Chicago is one of the only places in America you can't own a gun.Kind of like a candy store for criminals.That's Mayor Daley's Chicago.