Are We Really Surprised?

So in case you've been living under a rock in Chicago these past few days, I'm sure you've heard about our good king Daley retiring. Or more specifically, simply choosing not to run again. The way the news sites and social networks were ablaze yesterday when the news was announced you'd think it was the second (third, fourth, whatever) coming of Christ here in the Windy City.

The two major papers here, the Chicago Tribune and The Sun-Times, both used the quote caption "It's Time" on their front page, full picture story, which leads me to believe the rest of the announcement either sucked or was so poorly written for our sound bite loving culture that "It's Time" was all they got. The internets are awash with headlines like "Decision Stuns Political World" and "Business Lament End of an Era", Facebook yesterday had posts from friends ranging the gamut from elation, to sadness, and queries of whether or not now that Daley was stepping down, could they run for mayor (this being from a friend who actually doesn't live in the city anymore, but in a close suburb, and I'd totally vote for him!).

But as I sit back and watch the news filter by and the accolades flow freely, I have to wonder, why the hell is everyone so surprised by this announcement? Taking a step back, lets look at 3 simple things that have happened in the past few years.

1) 8 Years ago his wife, the woman that has stood solidly at his side for 38 years was diagnosed with breast cancer. And just this past year a malignant bone tumor showed up. That's a hell of a lot to deal with, and maybe, just maybe, the man wants to spend some time with his family after 20+ years in office. Hey, stranger things have happened.

2) On a less family friendly note, remember this spectacular failure? After pouring millions into the Olympic bid, Chicago was booted in round one. Round one folks. The banners were barely up before the city was shot down. Not exactly a way you want to be remembered.

3) And finally, on a services note, there was this amazingly disastrous blunder. Nothing gets folks involved faster in politics than fucking with a day-to-day service that almost everyone encounters. Snow removal, garbage pick up, parking - you get the idea. And boy did Richie fuck up the parking system. To the little guy it felt like we traded our best and only cow for a handful of worthless beans. And then, when there was a glimmer of hope that maybe those beans were magic, the bully down the street stole them in the middle of the night and blamed your brother.

Just looking at those 3 things, I'm confused as to what the fuss is all about. He's a man. He had a job and has decided to not do that job anymore. End of story? Unfortunately not in Chicagoland it won't be.