Ken,
That is my city too. I know I haven't lived there in 25 years, but I will tell a mofo in a minute I was born there. I just hate to see certain parts in that bad of a condition and a bunch of people who seem to be content. Man I see so much promise and opportunity there. If I lived there I would probably be a millionaire within 5 years. Let's look at Detroit as an example. The black population of Detroit has been drastically decreasing over the last few years. Guess who is moving into Detroit in droves? Those damn Asians. And when Detroit bounces back and it will, guess who is going to be in a position to benefit the most? Asians. When some folks see doom and gloom, others see opportunity.
It is going to take something drastic to turn around areas like Englewood, parts of Auburn-Gresham, Roseland, etc. The mentality of the people living in those areas have to change and the city leaders need to do their part as well. You have a lot of voter apathy in the city because folks don't feel like the folks they vote for will make much difference. That's why Daley was able to be entrenched as mayor for more than 20 years.