From Taiwan to Chicago

I've made the move, I've left Asia and settled in Chicago-land.  The blog will now be focusing on the issues of America's second city.  The move from crowded, tropical, and mountainous Taiwan to flat, continental, and spacious Illinois has been quite a change of scenery. I've experienced culture shock of a different magnitude. Where once I was constantly frustrated by a language and culture that I was not fluent in, I now find life to be much easier. But, that is not to say that I have found life in Chicago to be paradise.  The culture here is different from my native Portland, Oregon.  The politics are horrible, Blagojevich is just the latest in a long line of corrupt politicians whose names have been making headlines. Corruption in Illinois has many similarities to the corruption present in Taiwan.  Both have the problem of family first schemes.  Political dynasties such as the Daleys have had a retarding effect on governance of the city.  Alderman and county commissioners also attempt to establish dynasties, and award contracts to friends.  The corruption runs so deep that its almost impossible to escape it.  I will be continuing to research the seeds of corruption, but at first glance I assume it stems from the structure of government, and tribal politics.