File:Architectural Fragments of Demolished Chicago Buildings (7133481645).jpg

If this city had recycled more turn-of-the-last-century buildings instead of demolishing them, tourists would have a lot more reason to visit Chicago.

And maybe this city wouldn't be 700 million dollars in the hole, and having to bring dog-and-pony shows like NATO to town to "showcase our city". Between the first Daley and the second, there's not much city left to showcase. Taking NATO leaders to hear honest blues at the Maxwell Street Market? Touring the Stock Exchange, McGraw-Hill, Republic and Time-Life Buildings? The NorthWestern, LaSalle Street and Grand Central Stations? Not possible anymore.

The second Daley's last act of vandalism was tearing down practically the entire Michael Reese Hospital complex, including buildings designed by Walter Gropius, to make room for a pie-in-the-sky 2016 Olympics that we had no chance of landing once the beating death of Derrion Albert hit the headlines.

We've torn down entire blocks of elegant turn-of-the-century homes and buildings on the south side and west sides through fast-track demolition. Indiana, Prairie and Calumet from 39th to 55th look like they were hit by an atomic bomb. Ditto Englewood and North Lawndale. No wonder this city has lost a third of its population since 1950.