6th Most Miserable City (Correction - 3rd)
Detroit won by a landslide, but hey, we made the Top Ten!
- Residents of the country's third-largest metro face long commutes (31 minutes on average) and high violent crime rates (619 crimes per 100,000 residents). Another chief complaint: the bitter-cold winters. And as for misery, nothing tops being a Cubs fan. The team has not won a World Series since 1908, the longest winless streak in baseball.
Via Forbes Magazine.
============
Seems we looked at last year's link. Chicago moved up to #3 with a bullet! Well, actually 520+ bullets:
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Seems we looked at last year's link. Chicago moved up to #3 with a bullet! Well, actually 520+ bullets:
So with all of the good vibes coming out of Chicago, how does it show up as the third worst city on our second annual list of America's Most Miserable Cities?
Lousy weather, long commutes, rising unemployment and the highest sales tax rate in the country are to blame for the Windy City being near the top of our list. High rates of corruption by public officials didn't help either.
Labels: general
posted by SCC at 12:04 AM
68 Comments:
And as for misery, nothing tops being a Cubs fan. The team has not won a World Series since 1908, the longest winless streak in baseball.
************* CORRECTION *************
THE LONGEST WINLESS STREAK IN THE HISTORY OF MAJOR LEAGUE SPORTS ! ! !
.
Philly just edged Chicago.
We're moving on up...
Is that from a citizen perspective or a police officers?
Even the Streets and san political hacks hate this place!
The question now is where is the BEST place in the USA to live???
what about highest taxes in the nation?
Seiser invented all 26 letters of the alphabet
hope the olympic people were made aware of this-- but we still have the best police dept and the best beef sandwiches around. the pizza isn't half bad either.
SCC:
Your Forbes Misery Index (FMI) is one year old. Check the LATEST FMI that was just released:
#1: Stockton, Califormia
#2: Memphis, Tennessee
#3: CHICAGO
Also note the NEW category of political corruption and the nation's highest taxes" comments about Chicago by Forbes NINE categories used. When Detroit "won" last year (the one you posted) only six categories were used.
PLEASE POST THE LATEST FMI.
Thank you, SCC.
SCC, can you correct this post whereas Chicago was #3 This year!! This link you have posted is for 2008!!!
This SCC thread is one year old. For the just released update, go to www.Forbes.com. Scroll down in right column to "Most Popular" stories and click on "America's Most Miserable Cities".
Also note that according to the U.S. Census Bureau statistics, in U.S. cities with populations in excess of 750,000, Chicago is THE MOST MISERABLE CITY of all.
Under thread below entitled "City Giving Away Money - Again", my post of 2/9; 6:33 PM is confirmed as accurate. Also note that Forbes specifically cites Chicago for POLITICAL CORRUPTION and the nation's HIGHEST SALES TAX.
WE'RE NUMBER ONE! We could not have achieved this dubious distinction without the political corruption of our beloved mayor and "the Toddler".
Come on folks, give shortshanks a break. He’s just carving out his legacy, I mean he’s dishing bullshit so deep you need SCUBA equipment just to get the hell out of the room, the only time it gets deeper is during his press conferences… and hell if they don’t fall in line…Off with their heads
OLYMPICS HHERE WE COME!! NOT
I'm surprised there is no discussion about obama's rohm emmanuel seizing power of the census bureau. Census is responsible for tabulating electoral college and political gerrymandering... Right outta the cook co political playbook.
Forbes accurately skewered Chicago as the "worst" major city in USA. As a native Chicagoan in my 50s, I've never felt so disheartened about Chicago's present situation. Chicago is declining rapidly, losing its economic base, losing a number of corporate headquarters and related white-collar employment, losing its manufacturing base and related blue-collar employment, and suffering significant deterioration of its infrastructure (roads, utilities, CTA mass-transit, municipal services, etc) and housing stock (excluding gentrified high-income north-side neighborhoods).
Crain's Chicago article last year (2007 or 2008) reported on similarities between Chicago and Detroit, reaching conclusion that economic situation was far more similar than different regarding economic trends, unemployment, and disinvestment. Google article, and read - it's an eye-opener.
Also, google the foreclosure maps for west-side and south-side, and behold the significant number of homes in foreclosure proceedings. Anyone remember the amount of housing abandonment in the 60s and 70s? Here it comes again; there are far more available housing units than there are consumers able to purchase or rent those units.
The "nail in the coffin" is the combined high tax burden and the political corporation at the city and county levels. A taxpayer revolt is unlikely. Our political leaders still believe it's far easier to increase taxes and fees than to trim government spending by eliminating the ghost payroller and the "merit" patronage-based employees who fail to perform.
We can't easily move from Chicago given our specific professions, but in ten years we'll be gone too. Retirement without a civil pension is impossible here, and our professions provide only the meager and now battered 401K plans. Our real estate tax is so high, that we need an income to cover that cost, so we'll need to sell and move.
Thank God Obama, a product of the Chicago machine, has been elecetd to the White House! Soon the rest of the nation will be as miserable as we are!!!
Certainly, the Summer Olympics would never be held in the much less populous towns of Stockton or Memphis.
According to Forbes, the fact is that among ALL "big league" (population <750,000) U.S. cities, CHICAGO IS THE MOST MISERABLE CITY IN THE NATION. Political corruption is a defining factor (See actual Forbes article).
Lausanne, Switzerland is seven hours ahead of Chicago CST.
The following is contact information for the International Olympic Committee:
International Olympic Committee
Chateau de Vidy
1007 Lausanne, Switzerland
Phone: (41.21)621 61 11
FAX: (41.21)621.62.
* * * * * * * * *
ATTN: U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE.
How long must the decent citizens of Chicago of at least median intelligence wait until you drag that crooked sonofabitch out of his 5th floor office at City Hall? Cuffs and leg irons for "the perp walk", please.
http://realestate.yahoo.com/promo/americas-most-miserable-cities.html
use this link it is dated
feb 6, 2009
it shows chicago as #3.
They're from out of town, so they assumed most people were Cubs fans. If you're a Sox fan, this is only the 27th most miserable city!
Shortshanks is POLITICAL CORRUPTION personified. Why doesn't Fitzgerald do something?
Sorry, kateykakes at 1:14 AM.
Chicago is the big-city winner in a blowout. King Richard II is our MVP.
Anonymous said...
Seiser invented all 26 letters of the alphabet
2/10/2009 02:10:00 AM
A shame you cannot use them for something more constructive.....
Wait, you've seen nothing yet!!
If you had any doubts about the local media being in Daley's hip pocket, I can't find any mention of the Forbes survey.
Someone should contact the Olympic Committee in Switzerland.
Northside?
KATEYKAKES,
This is Chicago! Detroit and Philly are also rans.
GO JOHNNY NORTHSIDE!
WE'RE #1.
On a similar note in today's Daily Herald:
"Illinois leads the nation in per capita gang members, fueled in part by the growth of suburban street gangs," (US Rep Mark)Kirk said. "As violent gangs are pushed out of Chicago, they are relocating to the northern suburbs."
everyone knows the reason why. but its political suicide to tell the truth. so the beat goes on and on..
My brother who lives in Az. sent me the Forbes article earlier today. I replied, "we're working hard on being #1". What can you say that hasn't already been said before.
THE TEN MOST MISERABLE CITIES IN AMERICA
RANK/CITY/POPULATION & U.S. RANK
1. Stockton, CA 287,245 (62)
2. Memphis, TN 674,028 (18)
3. CHICAGO 2,836,658 (3)
4. Cleveland, OH 438,042 (40)
5. Modesto, CA 203,955 (100)
6. Flint, MI 114,662 (216)
7. Detroit, MI 916,952 (11)
8. Buffalo, NY 272,632 (68)
9. Miami, FL 409,719 (43)
10. St. Louis, MO 350,759 (52)
Last year, five of the above 10 cities made the original Forbes ten most miserable index, last year's rank in parentheses: Detroit (1), Stockton (2), Flint (3), CHICAGO (6) and Modesto (8). Only six categories were used. The latest index now adds 3 more categories including PUBLIC CORRUPTION.
SOURCE: Forbes and U.S. Bureau of Census.
According to the Tribune:
"Chicago is third on the list of America's most miserable cities, according to Forbes Magazine, trailing only Stockton, Calif., and Memphis.
The other cities in the top 10, in order, are: Cleveland, Modesto, Calif., Flint, Mich., Detroit, Buffalo, Miami, and St. Louis."
Im confused... are we more or less miserable than detroit??? SCC says Detroit is the most miserable, as does the link to the forbes article. Yet, the Tribune has Detroit as #9??? did the Tribune fuck this up, too??? I demand accountability if this is true... The people have a right to not be misinformed!!! I DEMAND HEADS ROLL AND THIS FUCK UP BE FRONT PAGE NEWS FOR MONTHS!!! Or will they cover for one of their own? Sweep this under the rug and not hold anyone accountable? The black ink curtain I will refer to it from now on!!! Reporters covering up for the mistakes of colleagues! This happens every damn day, yet these rags and the slime reporters say it is us that covers up corruption! If Forbes took into account biased, misleading news agencies we would be #1 for sure! Fuck the Trib!
SSC THEY FORGOT TO MENTION MAYWOD,ILL.
but we still have the best police dept and the best beef sandwiches around. the pizza isn't half bad either.
Best police dept????? what the fuck are you smokin?
In today's USA Today Snapshot, Section B (lower left corner), a Robert Half Internatonal survey posed the following question to executives, their responses follow:
WHAT MAKES GOOD EMPLOYEES QUIT?
35% Unhappiness with management
33% Limited opportunities for advancement
13% Lack of recognition
13% Inadequate salary and benefits
1% Being bored
the cubs have been winning for a long time now.
MLB is a business and the cubs sell out their seats year after year.
the cubs bring in a lot of money while spending little.
it's ALL about $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
now lift residency so i can move out of this corrupt shit hole !
We are in a Catch-22 situation in Chicago. Political corruption makes us the laughing stock of the world. Even most third-world countries have clean politics compared to Chicago.
With the exception of the Tribune's John Kass, local media does absolutely nothing. Most of the voters are either apathetic, bought off or plain stupid.
Now with Chicago-spawned Obama's new Attorney General, Eric Holder, there will be no help from the Justice Dept.
I have been miserable since 4 Nov 08. Just sickening.
Since 520 murders are often mentioned, was the murder at MCC counted when one inmate murdered another. The G handled the whole thing and since it happened in Chicago bounderies it should be recorded. I bet it wasn't.
SCC Is it true that J-Fed is the nephew of a certain Michigan Police Chief that just happens to be work in a certain place the our studdering Mayor has a vacation Home? An old favor perhaps?
City of Chicago said...
It is such an honor to accept this prestigous award. First of all, I would like to thank the Mayor who's unmatched and blatant corruption has made this all possible. I know I have always had issues with corruption but this administration has finally pushed me to the top. I would also like to thank the Toddler and his equally inept administration who has run my play cousin, Cook County, into the ground as well. While I'm at it how about a shoutout to The Guvna and his disregard for the law and civic duties. I would like to thank the Aldermen who continue to vote themselves ridiculous wage increases while they run around this city like untouchable overprivelaged children. I would like to thank Jack Frost for the long cold dark winters and his damage to the faulty streets that have turned this my surface into a series of canyons. I would like to thank the savages who run through my streets at night with no regard for human life. I would like to thank the freeloaders that suck up all of the tax money and keep finding loopholes in the faulty welfare system. I would like to thank the sales taxes for climbing at rates that would make a sherpa blush. But most of all, I would like to thank all of my residents who live here and put up with all of this nonsense...for it is you who's votes put the all knowing and powerful leaders in place and let them continue to thrive as they catapult me to the top of the charts. As long as you blindly vote for this machine and their minions, I will remain at the top of the Misery Meter and keep you with me. Yes we can!
Dont forget to toss in Obama,Blago and G.Ryan guess that might figure in the equation
The national and international media are know picking up on what we have known for along time. The quality of life in Chicago has gone to the dogs.
The Highest Sales Tax in the USA.
The "Murder Capitol of the USA"
Skyrocketing Crime
Unabated Political Corruption
Misappropriation of Tax Revenues
Hundreds of Red Light Cameras
The Worst Public School System in the USA
Chicago is an Illegal Alien Sanctuary City
Chicago Violates the Bill of Rights Depriving Lawful Citizens of Their 2nd Amendment Rights, Violating the US Constitution
Potholes are More Numerous than Trees
Snow Removal has become Sub Par
Chicago Refuses to Provide its Citizens Adequate Police Protection, the CPD is 2,000+ Officers Short
Manufacturing and Industry has Fled Chicago
Mass Transit is Sub Par
Chicago Water is Flouridated
Chicago is Losing Its Personal Identity, Marshall Fields, Meigs Field, Reza's, Sears, Jay's Potato Chips, Chicago Honey Bears, Brach's Candy, WMAQ, Bozo Circus, Etc.
Failure to erect the Chicago Spire and Waterview
Chicago is a great city with tremendous potential. Maybe it is time for someone with vision to address these issues? We all want the to reside in the best city in the world.
Chicago Needs Change!
Just watching one of my favorite movies, Forrest Gump, reminded be of a great line, "stupid is as stupid does". Keep saying your ashamed to be CPD, the dept sucks, your embarrassed to be CPD and guess what they will all come true for you. I am ashamed and embarrassed by some members, but as a whole we are an extremely honorable department, so stop putting us all in your miserable mindset. I am proud of the resiliency and work ethic of those I work with, to constantly be put down by exempts, media, mayor, and especially other p/os and to still come to work everyday and do your job is the true definition of integrity and honor, keep up the good work and always be safe.
Okay, tell me this...how are we only 3rd?
The question now is where is the BEST place in the USA to live???
2/10/2009 01:29:00 AM
Anywhere but here...
No longer can we make fun of Detroit, they can make fun of us. YES WE CAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
everyone knows the reason why. but its political suicide to tell the truth. so the beat goes on and on..
2/10/2009 11:27:00 AM
Amen to that, brother. But we all know why.
Daley will get his damn Olympics by depositing millions of unaccounted taxpayer dollars in Swiss bank accounts for certain voting members of the IOC.
That's what happened for the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. The evil Daley will make the Mormons' bribery look like childsplay.
THI$ I$ CHICAGO!
THE LONGEST WINLESS STREAK IN THE HISTORY OF MAJOR LEAGUE SPORTS ! ! !
.
2/10/2009 12:47:00 AM
at least CUbs fans arent toothless hillbillies!!! Whats funny is the Sux title is so insignificant that not even Forbes magazine recognizes it!!! hahahahaha no one even realizes there is another baseball team in CHicago... the only sox are the red sox! You losers are just insignificant hillbillies with an axe to grind!!!
It's definately #1 with me !
The Feds will possibly have it all cleaned up by the year 2099 though, at the rate they're moving.
Man, if the Feds can't catch tons of corrupt politicians here, they should turn in their badges and guns and go hang out at the old-folks home, with the rest of the senile.
Mr. SouthSide says---
I'd rather be a toothless hillbilly than live on the north side and have my teeth around Billy's Willy.
We're number one in homicides. We're number in misery. We're number one in taxes. We'e number one in corruption. What's the mayor or Weasel got to be upset about? We're number one.!!!!!!
at least CUbs fans arent toothless hillbillies!!! Whats funny is the Sux title is so insignificant that not even Forbes magazine recognizes it!!! hahahahaha no one even realizes there is another baseball team in CHicago... the only sox are the red sox! You losers are just insignificant hillbillies with an axe to grind!!!
2/10/2009 09:40:00 PM
And before the yuppies and rainbow flags took over that shitty area around Wrigley nobody went to those games except toothless hillbillies and winos. Do you remember the Riverview? That attracted all the carnival type people to work there from the hills of appalachia, where did they live? Lakeview.
So the only thing Cub fans can be thankful for is yuppies because you don't have a world series since you moved from the south side. Oh most cub fans dont know that one. They played near the medical center. You may call it the west side. South of Madison at any rate.
"Mr. SouthSide says---
I'd rather be a toothless hillbilly than live on the north side and have my teeth around Billy's Willy.
2/10/2009 11:22:00 PM"
Besides your Canaryville Daddy enjoys your molar free purty mouth
Don't Forget!
#1 in Electric Rates
#1 in Water and Sewerage Rates!
Parking Meters 24-7-365 and Snow Tows when it 65 Degrees.
Highest Sales Taxes, 10.25% but cross the street and it is 2.25% on groceries and no extra tax on bottles water.
High Taxes Taxes and More Taxes on your guns, vehicles and if Daley could tax the sun rising and setting he would do it.
For what, it isn't as if he is spending the money on us. I mean we are no getting bribes to send the Olympics here. I want health care and a contract, not more flowerpots and art deco stylings on bridges.
I want squad cars that roll and equipment that works not junk cobbled together. I want streets paved that will last more than one winter and not break an axel on my four year old car.
I want to be able to sleep when I am off duty and not more worried about thieves in suits carrying brief cases walking into the fifth floor of city hall are going to steal more from me and my family than any gangsta wearing a hoodie carrying a Lorcin.
Don't you suckers love Daley's Chicago!
Keep Voting Democratic!
I used a site that has a break down of all the races that live in each area. You know what the amazing thing they all had in common? BLACKS, HISPANICS, and DEMOCRATS. So what does that say about the "Chosen People" or should I say the "CHOOSED PEOPLES" or the "PUEBLO ESCOGIDO". Unbelievable and we are supposed to bow down and kiss these peoples asses because of the color of their skin?
Just imagine if we took every non working, non taxpaying citizen (no matter what race) and never allowed them to drive, there would be no traffic. So that would bump this City out of the top 10 right there.
Lets break this down:
Stockton CA Majority of Population is Black & Hispanic
Memphis TN Mostly BLACK population
Shitcago Mostly BLACK and Hispanic Population
Cleveland Mostly BLACK and Hispanic Population
Modesto CA Mostly White
Flint MI Mostly BLACK
Detroit MI Mostly BLACK
Buffalo NY A TIE
Miami FL Mostly Hispanic and BLACK
St. Louis MO Mostly BLACK Population
Here is the site for all you naysayers:
http://www.city-data.com/
2/10/2009 01:29:00 AM
Where there are no Democrats or indigenous people.
Do you remember the Riverview?
=================
"The" Riverview? Exactly how long have you been a Chicagoan?
All this may be true, but we're going to get the Olympic Games. The Games will save us!
go to Forbes.com and post your opinion lets be heard people....
Murder capital of the USA!
Bring on the Olympics!
THE TEN MOST MISERABLE CITIES IN AMERICA
RANK/CITY/POPULATION & U.S. RANK
1. Stockton, CA 287,245 (62)
2. Memphis, TN 674,028 (18)
3. CHICAGO 2,836,658 (3)
4. Cleveland, OH 438,042 (40)
5. Modesto, CA 203,955 (100)
6. Flint, MI 114,662 (216)
7. Detroit, MI 916,952 (11)
8. Buffalo, NY 272,632 (68)
9. Miami, FL 409,719 (43)
10. St. Louis, MO 350,759 (52)
Why isn't Philly on the list? We've been jipped!
Philly is a shit hole!
KATEYKAKES
Keep your fine ass out of North Philly, girl. Stay out on the Main Line and keep your OC pepper spray in your purse.
Yes, I feel confident in this regime. They showed a picture of our superintendent as they announced we were 3rd. Thanks JFED
"Why isn't Philly on the list? We've been jipped!
Philly is a shit hole!
2/11/2009 07:45:00 PM"
It was the top 10 most miserable cities, not the top 10 most tragic.
"Do you remember the Riverview?
=================
"The" Riverview? Exactly how long have you been a Chicagoan?
2/11/2009 09:22:00 AM"
Obviously not very long.
Northside,
I stay out of Philly, period.
My township is way too close to West Philly, and that's as bad as North Philly.
I still want to visit Chicgao though and I've even been offered my own personal body guard. It doesn't get any better than that. ;)
"I still want to visit Chicgao though and I've even been offered my own personal body guard. It doesn't get any better than that. ;)
2/12/2009 01:36:00 AM"
Depending on the bodyguard, it might.
Depending on the bodyguard, it might.
I have faith that he'll take good care of me. ;)
ha-haaaaaaa!
shortshanks is in denial mode...
"...miserable weather..."
according to the shit-times.
again he shows that he was the "special child" of the daley brood, more idiot than savant but i guess they didn't want him to feel left out so everything he did was ok.
"maaaaa, dickie is peein' in the top bunk & playin' with matches again!"
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