Just saw this:

Chicago (AP)

A state Republican legislator has introduced a bill to the Illinois General Assembly to separate the Chicago's county from the state--effectively making the midwestern city the 51st state in the union.

The bill, filed by State Rep. Bill Mitchell of Decatur Tuesday, would "enact legislation dividing Illinois and Cook County into separate states" because county residents "hold different and firmly seated views" on "politics, society, and economics" from people in the rest of the state. The bill's supporters point to higher tax rates and strict gun laws in the Chicago area and contend that the northern county is out of step with its Illinois neighbors.

"These liberal policies are an insult to the traditional values of downstate families," Mitchell told the Decatur Tribune. "When I talk to constituents, one of the biggest things I hear is 'Chicago should be its own state . . . .Our voters' voices were drowned out by Chicago."

The measure would put the issue up to a vote by state residents through a referendum and then would require approval from the United States Congress and the president. As of this writing, the bill has just one other co-sponsor.

I don't know I just found this funny.  Is is just me or are state level legislators 10 times more idiotic than the federal government ones?  I think this should only happen if it becomes illegal for citizens of the rest of Illinois to work in Chicago.  The lack of employment and tax revenue from Chicago would result in the rest of the state transforming into a wasteland straight out of Max Max: Beyond Thundredome.

Well, look at it this way. Since time immemorial cities have always maintained a distinct character vis-a-vis their surrounding areas. It is only now that massive concentration of people is being seen in cities with the bulk of the world population soon going to be urban very soon.

However a separate political unit of the city doesn't always make sense. True there is Singapore but it won't work in every case. If Chicago becomes a state, basic items like food will become dearer. Add to that the funds needed to setup the infrastructure needed for a state.

Instead of finding fault with Chicago, maybe the irate voters of 'rural' Illinois should try building another center in the state that can counter Chicago's overbearance. It will create much needed jobs and will be better for all in the long run.

Well, look at it this way. Since time immemorial cities have always maintained a distinct character vis-a-vis their surrounding areas. It is only now that massive concentration of people is being seen in cities with the bulk of the world population soon going to be urban very soon.

However a separate political unit of the city doesn't always make sense. True there is Singapore but it won't work in every case. If Chicago becomes a state, basic items like food will become dearer. Add to that the funds needed to setup the infrastructure needed for a state.

Instead of finding fault with Chicago, maybe the irate voters of 'rural' Illinois should try building another center in the state that can counter Chicago's overbearance. It will create much needed jobs and will be better for all in the long run.

They've also talked about this in other states.  Why?  Because it's a very thinly veiled attempt to consolidate political power.  Republicans would want this, because the president is elected by an electoral college not by popular vote, and each state gets two senators no matter how small.  So it tilts it the balance of power from being in the hands of the many to the few that live in much smaller but safer districts for conservatives.

One of the big problems I have with this is the hypocrisy of it all.  Without Chicago, Illinois wouldn't have an economy.  Hek, Indiana, and all the conservative types and racists that live here, wouldn't have jobs either if it wasn't for Chicago.  They can talk about folksy small town values all they want, but it's literally biting the hand that feeds you.

But over all, this is so ludicrous it will never happen, but it's just good to be reminded sometimes of which of our representatives are insane political hacks that need to be voted out of office.

However a separate political unit of the city doesn't always make sense. True there is Singapore but it won't work in every case. If Chicago becomes a state, basic items like food will become dearer. Add to that the funds needed to setup the infrastructure needed for a state.

Not automatically.

What if the roles of Mayor Of Chicago & Governor were one & the same?

Likewise, Alderman & Legislator?

This guy must be crazy in the head to think this is going to happen.