The Price of Suppression

One of the things that has emerged in this particular election is how divided the ward has become. It is clear that Ald. Stone has long neglected parts of the ward outside his base area of support. Religious figures talk about meeting Stone and "having to kiss his ring." I think they meant figuratively. There is a lot of resentment for how Stone treats people and how little he and his staff work to address the problems here.

For Stone's supporters, this has been eye-opening. It is easy to pin our suppressed resentment on the "outsiders" who have been hired or volunteered to come into the ward. While it may be no big deal for us to contribute or help Joe Leiberman or someone else who doesn't live in the 50th, it seems to be a much bigger deal that the people of Chicago (or surrounding areas) express an interest in the outcome of this election.

Alderman are not just ward managers but also city legislators. They influence city policy, and have a vote on the direction that the city of Chicago will take. It is no different than taking an interest in a Senate election in another state.

Berny Stone has tried to run this ward as a mob boss. Intimidation and derision have long been his weapons of choice. But the price to be paid is that people get tired of it. Something that may have worked in the 1970s or even 1990s doesn't seem that effective now. One reason is because of the internet, and how it has allowed us to voice our discontent.

There should be no doubt that there are people here who honestly and freely support Ald. Stone. There should also be no doubt that there are people here who don't. The price of suppression is that the latter fact is now becoming apparent to all. The bubble has burst. Stone may be much beloved by his core group of supporters. But that feeling is not universally shared. People are now free to voice their discontent. And they have.

On February 27th, we will be free to show how we really feel about Berny Stone.