As a Chicagoan, what bothers me so much about Chicago politics is not merely that it is venially corrupt, violent, and tyrannical, but that when Chicagoans talk about it amongst themselves, they know it and think it is funny and not a big deal. I even did it in my more foolish days. Truly, people get what government they deserve.
I am now looking for employment outside of Chicago, but as a financial mathematician, it is hard to find jobs outside of New York and Chicago. At least as far as taxes and standard of living go, Chicago is in fact the lesser of two evils.
Best wishes to you, FRiend.