Chicago: The Fifth Coast
So, let's entertain a wild thought for a moment: What if Chicago decided to ditch Illinois and become its own state? Cue dramatic music. I know, I know, it's like suggesting pizza without cheese or a deep dish without the deep – a culinary crime, perhaps. But hear me out.
The Windy City, State-Side
Imagine it: The State of Chicago. It has a certain ring to it, doesn't it? We'd have our own flag (probably a deep blue with a big, bold "C"), our own state bird (the pigeon, obviously), and our own state motto: "I Will, State-wide."
Picture this: No more Illinois license plates – we'd have the coolest ones. Maybe something with a skyline or a pizza slice? Oh, and let's not forget the state anthem. We could have a battle between "Sweet Home Chicago" and a new, original tune about deep dish and hot dogs.
Economic Powerhouse or Financial Fiasco?
Now, let’s get serious for a second (kind of). Chicago is already an economic powerhouse. As a standalone state, it could potentially become a financial juggernaut. But, there’s a flip side. Illinois would be, well, a bit less Illinois. And let's not forget about those pesky state borders. Where do we draw the line? Do we include Oak Park? Evanston? What about the suburbs? This is where things could get messy, like a poorly planned deep dish.
Politics: A Whole New Ballgame
The political landscape would be a rollercoaster. Would Chicago lean left or right as a state? Would we elect Rahm Emanuel as our first governor? The possibilities are endless, and potentially terrifying. But hey, at least we wouldn't have to worry about downstate politics anymore.
How to Make Chicago a State (Probably Not)
Okay, let's get real. This is probably never going to happen. But just in case you're feeling particularly ambitious, here are a few steps to get you started:
- How to start a petition: Gather a million signatures (or maybe a billion, just to be safe) from people who agree that Chicago should be a state.
- How to convince Congress: Good luck with that one. You'll need a lot of pizza and charm.
- How to design a state flag: Keep it simple. A big "C" on a blue background should do the trick.
So, while the idea of Chicago as a state is fun to ponder, let's enjoy the Windy City as part of Illinois for now. After all, a whole pizza is better than just a slice, right?