Life During Rahm Time: Is Emanuel’s Chicago the future of Democratic urban politics?

[marmar]

from In These Times:



Life During Rahm Time
Is Emanuel’s Chicago the future of Democratic urban politics?

BY David Moberg


During the NATO protests in May, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, by massing police forces, contained the minority seeking a physical clash with authorities. The next day the front page of the Chicago Sun-Times trumpeted “The City That Worked.”

But for whom is the city working? That was the heart of the conflict in Emanuel’s backyard—actually, front lawn—on NATO weekend. On May 19, an energetic crowd of more than 800 descended on Emanuel’s house in the upper-middle-class neighborhood of Ravenswood to protest the city’s closing of six mental health clinics. Emanuel’s budget-balancing has disproportionately cut human services—despite meager savings for the city—while keeping costly aid and tax breaks for big businesses.

In May 2011, Emanuel took the reins of power from the city’s longest-serving mayor, Richard M. Daley. The new regime represents another turn in the evolution of Chicago politics but also, given Emanuel’s prominence and ties to both Presidents Clinton and Obama, a potential harbinger of Democratic urban policy nationally.

Journalists often focus on Emanuel’s style—tough, impatient, foul-mouthed, intimidating, ambitious. But Emanuel’s politics more significantly represent a triumph of corporatism in a city where the contest for working-class support has taken many forms. ..............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.inthesetimes.com/article/13354/life_during_rahm_time

[Iggy]

1. Doubtful

The answer is no. Keep in mind the G-8 summitt was moved to Camp David by
President Obama, at the last minute-- a move that wasn't apprciated by
Chicago merchants. So this is hardly the "city that works".

The reason for the move wasn't explained, but I think it's safe to assume it
was partly because of Rahmbo's "style", and the desire to avoid embarassing
PR had there been a battle between protestors and the Chicago police.

Next up? A teacher's strike. Let's see how Rahmbo handles this one. If he thinks
he can pull another Governor Walker type bully move, he's wrong.