Business took me by City Hall just after 12 noon Thursday. Prompt fellow that I am, I got there a few minutes before my appointment, so killed time by wandering around the ground floor. Sometimes there are interesting displays, for a holiday or civic organization.
Nothing in the display department. But there were a number of police officers, milling about, conferring. Six, eight, maybe 10. "Establishing a perimeter" is the phrase that came to mind. There were several cops on the street, standing watch,and inside the doors, creating space, directing people in that space to step away. Waiting expectantly. Obviously something was about to happen. I took up position on a step and waited too.
In hurried Mayor Brandon Johnson. At first I felt disappointment — I had planned to never set eyes on him in the four years he'll be in office until he is replaced by literally whoever wants the job. My personal protest to his contempt for the press, so vital in a free society. And now that plan had been scuttled. Too late now; there he was, right in front of me. A dapper man rushing by.
Nothing in the display department. But there were a number of police officers, milling about, conferring. Six, eight, maybe 10. "Establishing a perimeter" is the phrase that came to mind. There were several cops on the street, standing watch,and inside the doors, creating space, directing people in that space to step away. Waiting expectantly. Obviously something was about to happen. I took up position on a step and waited too.
In hurried Mayor Brandon Johnson. At first I felt disappointment — I had planned to never set eyes on him in the four years he'll be in office until he is replaced by literally whoever wants the job. My personal protest to his contempt for the press, so vital in a free society. And now that plan had been scuttled. Too late now; there he was, right in front of me. A dapper man rushing by.
For one second I considered shouting a greeting. "Hey Mayor Johnson!" But didn't want to startle him — or all those police officers. I'd end up wrestled to the ground. And what would be the effect on the mayor? If half of what one hears is true, he's a man under pressure, someone to be pitied, not confronted. Besides, the cops made sure I was far enough away that I couldn't casually extend my hand and say a few words. He'd glance in my direction and keep going. At least I can say I've never spoken to him; a consolation prize. I remained mum.
A few seconds, he was in the elevator and gone. Later, a person in-the-know told me — off the record, alas, — how he is the worst Chicago mayor in city history, and the civic helm is spinning while downtown crumbles and money flees as if Chicago were on fire. I like to think the situation isn't as bad as that, and considered bringing up Levi Boone, who sparked the Beer Riot. But that was in 1855, rather a reach back in history. I hope things aren't that bad. Then again, hope is not a strategy.
A few seconds, he was in the elevator and gone. Later, a person in-the-know told me — off the record, alas, — how he is the worst Chicago mayor in city history, and the civic helm is spinning while downtown crumbles and money flees as if Chicago were on fire. I like to think the situation isn't as bad as that, and considered bringing up Levi Boone, who sparked the Beer Riot. But that was in 1855, rather a reach back in history. I hope things aren't that bad. Then again, hope is not a strategy.
That person may be correct about the Mayor. And Lightfoot was the 2nd worst, in modern times.
ReplyDeleteToo bad it wasn't one of the historic ones, Mr. S. Daley the Elder, Jane Byrne, Harold. I wouldn't give Chicago's current mayor the time of day, either. As soon as I saw the police detail, I'd probably say: "Oh, I know what's up...it's Brandon. Let's go." And then I'd leave (see what I did there?).
ReplyDeleteI was fortunate to have been a city resident during Harold Washington's time in office, and to have been able to vote for him. Mayor Washington was getting out of his limo, flanked by his bodyguards, on the Saturday morning I arrived at City Hall to be married. They pushed past us, obviously in quite a hurry.
I really wanted to ask him to pose with us, in a photograph, but I didn't have the guts. And the mayor just seemed to be too damn busy. I greeted him, and he responded in kind. He let me take his picture, and then he quickly moved on.
Two months later, he was dead, and I was standing in that long sad line, almost in the exact same spot, waiting to pass by his open casket. As Royko famously said: Say it now. Always, always say it now.
You know it’s bad when Eugene Sawyer starts looking good.
ReplyDeleteI see he's too good to use the revolving door, which requires pushing it to go through, instead a flunky holds open the door the handicapped use to enter.
ReplyDeleteYet more proof he's out of touch with reality!
this response is actually to most folks that have been posting on this article- just. want to inform on a technical matter. grizz actually came pretty close to nailing it, but this treatment is standard for whomever is mayor. an elevator is held, the cops are there to make sure the path is cleared and the mayor whisks in to head to the office. every mayor. i'm no fan of the guy, but don't get your nose out of joint for this, it's just what always happens. i was on harold's staff so i know the drill.
DeleteI still have his picture...but oh, how I wish I had one of him flanked on either side by me and the woman I married that day in '87, even though it only lasted for another five years. After Harold died, I kicked myself for not asking him to pose with us. Several hundred times a day. If you really want to do something, do it now--you may never get another chance.
DeleteThank you for that important reminder. Talk to people and tell them what they mean to you or say hello. I also had a chance to see Harold but didn’t take it. I did wait for hours in the long sad line after his death.
DeleteI wish I were someone-in-the-know. I would tap Mayor Johnson on the shoulder and show him a copy of this blog and let him know that Neil Steinberg was someone who was able to find something to like in Dr. Willie Wilson, who got points just for talking to Steinberg. It might be that Johnson by opening his mouth would prove that he's the worst mayor Chicago has ever had, but it still would be worth a shot. Personally, I think that Johnson would really have to go overboard to beat out William Hale Thompson and Richard M. Daley for the prize of Worst Mayor of Chicago Ever.
ReplyDeletejohn
My military son would say, "Hope is not a plan, Ma." But, I heard a line on a tv show that said, "Hope is what you do while things get worse." Indeed. When I told that to my son he laughed and nodded. So, lest we hope. I regret this mayor more than words can say.
ReplyDeleteIt's the hope that kills you.
DeleteI live in Blue Island so he isn't my mayor, but what happens in Chicago affects the suburbs. I was hopeful about Mayor Johnson, but not so much now. He's good at talking around questions but not really answering. Disappointing.
ReplyDeleteme too-was hoping he'd do well. We love Chicago and want to see it thrive. Maybe he still can.
Deletethis is to show the left his control of the police ... sad FOP allows it
ReplyDeleteWell, I don't think he's a thief. And there's no money left after Richie, the two Eddies, and quite few others have looted the place. But he seems to be in way over his head.
ReplyDeleteEvery day that Johnson is mayor is proof positive that the people who voted for him now have the mayor that they wanted. If they were uninformed enough to vote for this charlatan shame on them. Remember that this is a guy who had to be shamed into paying his utility bill. During Covid he fronted for the CTU and helped keep children out of the schools when other districts and schools were holding classes. His answers to important questions, no matter who is asking are insulting and uninformative, and filled with “this is what we will do” which never gets done. After a lifetime of living in the city I am personally embarrassed that this idiot is our representative on the national stage.
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