Chicago is about as far away from anarchy as you can get. Think...totalitarianism and you're getting closer. Some neighborhoods are definitely no mans' land zones. But the vast majority of neighborhoods are so heavily patrolled by police that violent crime is extremely limited. That's the thing, Chicago is an example of what extreme government control gets you. I live in Hyde Park, right now...there is, on average, two police officers within 100 meters of my location. Seriously...But that's okay for me...because I am a half-Mexican, half-white dude that usually doesn't get hassled by the cops. If you're a black man in this neighborhood, life could be very different, stop and frisk, and "proactive" policing is strong inside the boundaries of this neighborhood. Across the street? Hardly.
And that's what Chicago really is at some level Somali on one side of the street, DPRK on the other side of the street.
And frankly that's what the politicians want. The group think here is strong and the rhetoric is equally strong. It's gotten to the point where they say, "Don't go to X, Y, or Z. But if you are in A, B, or C you can't possibly need a tool for self-defense, because a cop is 100 meters away from you at all times." And that's the whole logic that is permeating this entire area. A week ago, a young man was "mugged" outside of the university. A guy in a car pulled over, hopped out, pointed a gun at him and demanded his money and cellphone. The young man, no doubt not a Chicago native, told his armed assailant to get fucking bent. And the perp...confused by not finding an easy victim, got back in his vehicle and left the scene of his failed attempted mugging.
And the rhetoric in the email sent out by the University about this incident? "Please remember, to hand over your belongings and do not fight back. Fighting back increases the likelihood that you will be injured and further victimized." -
I'm down with this, hardcore. Because it will simplify my life. Police no longer (or never did?) have a duty to protect the citizenry? Cool. That must mean it is my personal responsibility and therefore I cannot be limited be limited by the law in any way. It's gonna be awesome to carry my gun everywhere, even on an airplane. I mean...do you think if the cops aren't responding to armed bad guy calls, they are going to respond to armed guy in the airport calls?