Chicago: The Windy City or the Lone Wolf?
So, let's say Chicago decided to pack its bags, grab a deep-dish pizza, and hit the road. It's a wild thought, but hey, stranger things have happened (looking at you, Loch Ness Monster).
Illinois: The Ex Who Got Dumped
First off, Illinois would be absolutely devastated. Imagine losing your hot, popular sibling. That's basically what it would be like. The state would probably try to win Chicago back with promises of free deep-dish pizza for life, but let's be real, that ship has sailed.
Without Chicago, Illinois would be like that one kid in high school who was always overshadowed by their cooler sibling. It would have to figure out its own identity, which could be a good thing. Maybe it would discover a hidden talent for agriculture or something.
Chicago: The New Kid on the Block
Chicago, on the other hand, would be all about self-discovery. It would have to figure out things like taxes, education, and how to build its own Navy Pier. Let's hope they're better at governance than they are at basketball.
There's a good chance Chicago would become a state of its own, which would be pretty cool. It could call itself something like "Chicagoland" or "The Windy State" (again). But let's not get carried away. There's a lot of paperwork involved in becoming a state.
The Economic Fallout
Let's talk money. Chicago is a major economic powerhouse. Its departure would leave a gaping hole in Illinois' economy. Think of it like losing your job and having to sell your car. It's not pretty.
But fear not, Illinois! There's always tourism. You could rebrand yourself as "The Land of Wide Open Spaces" or something equally lame.
So, What's the Verdict?
Is it likely to happen? Probably not. But it's fun to think about. And who knows, maybe one day we'll wake up to the news that Chicago is now its own country. Stranger things have happened.
How To...
- How to survive without deep-dish pizza? Embrace your inner foodie and explore other culinary delights.
- How to cope with the loss of Chicago? Focus on building up your local community and finding new things to love about your state.
- How to start your own state? Well, that's a big question with even bigger legal hurdles. Better consult a lawyer.
- How to deal with the inevitable increase in tourism in Illinois? Invest in hospitality training and start practicing your "welcome to our state" smile.
- How to prevent Chicago from leaving? This one is tricky. Maybe try offering them more autonomy or financial incentives.
