Just wow! My wife and I were walking North on LaSalle Street, in Chicago, early this afternoon. I was not paying attention, but as we approached a 5 star restaurant, a well dressed young man in a suit stood in front of me and blocked my way. Afterwards, my wife had thought he was a Mormon missionary, and I had thought that he was going to attempt to sell me something. Neither was true. Instead, he very politely stated "excuse me, sir, I am going to have to ask you to stop right here for a moment". I then became more aware of my surroundings and saw lots of well dressed men in suits climbing out of black SUV's and limos. Next, my wife said "It's Mayor Daley". Indeed it was Mayor Daley walking past us no more than 3 or 4 feet away. I raised my hand and waved to Mayor Daley and he came over, shook my hand, my wife's hand and visited with us for a minute or two.
I don't know if this is an appropriate topic for a diary, but I would like to share my experience and my perceptions of Mayor Daley.
Lead on, McDuff.
At 64, I don't believe that I appeared star struck upon meeting Mayor Daley, but with all of my heart, I greeted Mayor Daley by telling him that it was an honor to shake his hand. He was very gracious, and I do not remember his response. We both acknowledged how great a city Chicago is. I remember telling Mayor Daley that we...my wife and I...missed having him as mayor. He actually lowered his head and appeared humble about my statement. After visiting with my wife and me, he went on to shake the hand of a young couple and their young, she appeared to be about 8 years old, daughter. Mayor Daley then left us and went to attend his luncheon.
Our chance meeting with Mayor Daley caused me to contemplate my feelings about his mayorship. It also caused me to remember why I am a Democrat. Mayor Daley, like all of us is human, he is a man. I can honestly state that though I did not agree with some of Mayor Daley's decisions, I never, ever doubted his sincerity, his general support of labor and working people and the wonderful growth that his policies visited upon Chicago. It also caused me to remember how Mayor Daley brought so many cultural activities, social activities and festivals to Chicago. It was his administration that worked to create the beautiful lakefront and parks that we all enjoy.
Was Mayor Daley perfect? Of course not, who is? Is the Democratic party perfect? Of course not, what party is. Was Mayor Daley head and shoulders above any Repub that he faced? Decidedly, emphatically, yes. Is our Democratic party better than the Republican alternative? There is absolutely no question that we Democrats offer our country and our citizens much...very much...more in terms of quality of life, work opportunities, healthcare, social safety net, freedom to control our own bodies and freedom in general than does the extant Republican Party.
Thank you, Mayor Daley. My wife and I miss you being Mayor; we miss your talented and compassionate dearly departed wife, and we wish your child well.