Chicago is a pro when it comes to corruption. But corruption isn't just a Chicago issue, corruption exists everywhere, just on different levels. When I lived in Ukraine corruption was clear as day and in your face. In the United States, it's usually not as obvious, as in a police officer can't just pull you over and demand a bribe. But as I canvas the country making this content, I'm realizing corruption is much more of an issue than I was aware of just years ago. It makes me wonder what's going on behind the scenes in my town. Sources to support Benjamin's claims: 1. Chicago public school’s awful performance: chicago.chalkbeat.org/2023/8/3/23817681/chicago-public-schools-illinois-assessment-readiness or see Illinois Policy Institute’s analysis: www.illinoispolicy.org/reports/trapped-in-chicagos-worst-schools-education-outcomes-in-chicagos-lowest-performing-public-schools/#:~:text=More%20than%2021%2C000%20students%20in,in%20reading%2C%20science%20and%20math. 2. Professor Simpson ranking Chicago as the most corrupt city in the nation based on the number of public corruption convictions: pols.uic.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/273/2022/05/Corruption-Rpt-14-on-5-7-22-final.pdf 3. The City of Chicago, Office of Inspector General’s parking meter lease financial analysis: igchicago.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Parking-Meter-Report.pdf . In the Public Interest’s short article about the same and how bad the deal was: inthepublicinterest.org/the-worst-privatization-deal-in-u-s-history-just-got-even-worse/ . 4. General Aviation News, covering the fines the City of Chicago had to pay for its illegal destruction of Meigs Field: generalaviationnews.com/2006/10/06/chicago-to-pay-over-1-million-for-destruction-of-meigs-field/ . True enough, Mayor Daley cited safety reasons as the need to exercise dictatorial powers to destroy the field. Most folks exercising an abuse of power will cite public safety as their need to exercise such power 5. Information on ownership of the Chicago Skyway shared between Canadian and Australian investors: financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/australian-firm-defies-top-investor-buys-chicago-skyway-stake-from-canada-pensions . Some corrections from Benjamin: 1. In my first discussion about cashless bail, I accidentally state “convicted” instead of “arrested.” I state that correctly later in the recording. Simple mix-up. 2. Similarly, I sometimes say “Spot Shotter” instead of “Shot Spotter” as a simple conversational mistake. 3. Apparently, I was slightly off on property taxes, as Illinois (2.05 percent) is the second worst in the nation just under New Jersey (2.21 percent). 4. Several commenters were “shocked” or “surprised” I didn’t mention x person or y story. There’s only so much time and space to discuss many examples of corruption. 5. Several old school Chicagoans complained I pronounced Pulaski incorrectly. I employ ordinary English pronounced in an ordinary accent when speaking.

The parking meter deal was the dumbest deal ever done

Peter: You are the undisputed king of citizen journalism. An ordinary guy with a wide-open mind broadcasting and sharing the worldview of ordinary folks. This is the media everyone needs access to. Well done.

I used to own a Construction Company in Chicago, Ive had to deal with inspectors and alderman often and I can tell u this video is very accurate... Beyond aggravating, as residents here we are fed up with the arrogance, hope the city pulls themselves together soon.

I love how real your journalism feels. I don't feel like I'm watching a production meant to distract or mislead me, just a guy hitting the streets. Keep up the good work dude.

Even if some Aldermen ARE doing the right thing day-to-day, when they don't call out their corrupt colleagues they're just as guilty.

How does one single man provide more information about the world so effortlessly with a single camera in his hand than all of media combined? Man went from Alaska to Saudi Arabia to Watts California and everywhere in between this is by far my favorite KZfaq travel channel. Glad he finally came to Chicago and met someone to explain the corruption of the upper echelons of Chicago.

WOW for this Attorney to speak about corruption in Chicago. That's a big deal and scary at the same time. I'm praying God keeps this man safe.

From Chicago. In the mid to late 2000s my Father, a General Contractor, was forced to make contributions to several DNC candidates in order to get any contracts to him and his team. This was done to all the other GC's he knew working in Chicago. They told him if he didn't pay for their election campaigns, they'd work to keep contracts away from him and or keep permits impossible to attain. Eventually all those larger contracts went straight to the unions and he began looking for smaller projects.

Agree 101%. Corruption everywhere. Property tax up to the roof. They tax everything. After paying bills, services, nothing left.

As a 3rd generation Chicagoan we have known this forever but its extremely difficult to articulate to outsiders. Thank you for using your platform to portray this city in a fair and realistic light.

This has been one of the best conversations I've listened to in a while. An intelligent well spoken person with a high sense of community and high expectations of a job well done. I enjoyed that.

It’s hard to imagine that you could have found a better person as your guide for this episode. That man is articulate, reasoned, knowledgeable and equitable. I would have to imagine that he is a very gifted attorney. Absolutely great episode!

What he is describing with the parking meter money is what the UK Government has done to the whole UK, all public utilities are now foreign owned gas, electric, water etc & public transport buses, trains, pension funds are held in offshore tax havens & the list goes on. The UK has basically been asset stripped by successive UK Governments for short term quick cash & after the decades UK Citizens are now starting to pay the price of this.

As a Chicago resident thank you for this video

This video was incredibly informative. I've lived here my whole life, and I'm familiar with the corruption and the Dailey era, but the way Dailey Jr. betrayed this city, he should be behind bars.

This guy does a better job than our local news media on getting the real stories 👏🏽

Regarding the tax on your receipt Peter. The 3% is the State of Illinois tax. The 25% is the city of Chicago fast food tax. Even though you bought your drink at a grocery store it's still considered "fast food". It didn't seem like it was explained so I hope this helps.

When I visited Chicago last year I wondered why the airport O’Hare was so far from downtown! Now I know why they got rid of the city airport

Comment on the lawyer - this guy is great! Good to know there are people out there like him, especially in Chicago, fighting the good fight on 1A issues and beyond. Intelligent, reasonable and good ideals is a rare batch of character traits these days

Resident of Chicago here. I had to do a double take... Our parking income goes to Abu Dhabi???😲 I knew Daley signed a 75 year contract but WTF??? Is there anything we can do to make the transfer of this contract null and void??? Thank you for this! ❤

If you want to know the level of corruption in your city, look at the state of your roads.

Mr. Barr did an excellent job of demonstrating how corruption harms everyone, regardless of where your personal political beliefs may fall on the spectrum. He also highlighted the importance of the First Amendment, something fading as a priority in our society today. With one of its most critical roles allowing journalists to afflict the comforted, and comfort the afflicted, regardless of party, in order to ensure we can hold those perpetrating that corruption to account. An excellent video providing insight to what lies beneath the facade of a seemingly functional city.

I lived in Chicago for 15 years. The first few years was in Lincoln Park, and all of the rest of the years were downtown in different areas of river north. My first 13 years, I never witnessed gunfire or personally knew anybody who was robbed or car jacked. From 2020 thru fall 2022, I witnessed gunfire three times, I followed the stories of all three. Four people were shot, and one was fatal. I had a friend who was carjacked at gunpoint. I had two friends who were robbed at gunpoint. And knew of another acquaintance who was randomly attacked with a knife. All of the sudden things were hitting very close to home while all of my costs and living situation’s were significantly increasing in cost, while getting significantly worse in terms of living comfort and convenience. Being originally born in Pontiac, Michigan outside of Detroit. Although I only live there as a very young child, I bought a house near family and moved back. The comfort convenience in my life has gone up significantly while my costs have gone down significantly. I do miss a lot about Chicago, my network of industry friends and the excitement of the city, but I chose just to be a hop, skip and a jump away from a visit, instead of living in it.

I have lived in Chicago for almost 15 years and there is so much bullshit that goes on here its crazy. I have lived in Humboldt Park, Lincoln Park, Pilsen, South Shore, etc and and have heard and dealt with shootings all the time here. Almost every week. Granted a lot of that is gang violence, but it still is a worry that you are going to catch a stray bullet on the way to do laundry. A lot you have to keep your head down and keep walking and pretend it isn't happening and mind your own business. Never know who might try to blow your head off. A lot of income doesn't stay here either. The city nickels and dimes you for everything and even the beggars try to shake you down.

I was worried when I saw the suit he'd try to sanitize things or deny one side but I was very pleasantly surprised when I realized he's probably one of the best guides thus far. I would love to see him as a reappearing character and hear more on Chicago and the constitution in a bit to see how the city is changing.

The museum of science and industry is hands down the best museum in the country and the biggest. It’s in Hyde park in Chicago and wonderful

"Vote for the guy who hasn't been indicted". Words of wisdom.

Illinois had 2 governors in jail at the same time, James Ryan and Rod Blagojevich. Mind boggling

Hilarious. I've also described the aldermanic system as feudal, so I'm glad I'm not alone. As a Chicago business owner, I've been shaken down by aldermen, and they are the sole power in their wards. Best euphemism for bribery that I've heard? I had an alderman demand a "private, ad-hoc, cash-only fundraiser."

I learned more about Chicago gov corruption in this 46 minutes than I ever did by the corporate press. Independent journos are the only ones I listen/watch anymore. Great job on this.

Every single time I watch one of your videos I am blown away by the quality. You ask real, hard hitting questions to people who experience these places first hand. I live in Chicago myself (grew up outside of the city in Naperville, then moved to the city after college), and I have slowly grown to love the place. However, as the love has grown stronger, so too has my hatred for some of the truly awful things that happen here. Corruption is rife and so many people don't even know that they are being essentially scammed every day. It makes me want to leave, which is awful because there is so much here to be enjoyed.

We need lawyers like him as Presidents. You got my vote.

Thank you Benjamin Barr for educating people on this corruption that’s falling on the shoulders of the Chicago citizens

Surprised the lawyer didn't mention journalist Mike Royko, who chronicled so much of Chicago's corruption.

Did I hear that right? 25% Food tax?! That's criminal!!!!!!

Any council member or politician, in Chicago, with any kind of intelligence should realize how important people like this man and his wife are for the city, also the sheer volume of views this platform has the ability to be seen and the fact they are smart enough to use that to bring some awareness about the issues going on in their city(thanx to Peter)…Badass

I remember a friend of mine wanted to open a car repair shop, but the alderman said no because he said there was already one in is ward. And that was his only reason and it was rejected. Case closed.

Lived in Illinois all my life, and this was all news to me. Of course we all know how corrupt the state is, but man. I had no idea how Chicago was ran. This was very informative, really enjoyed this one

This interview was amazing. I was so intrigued by everything that was discussed here. Bravo

Really appreciate the way this man explained corruption in Chicago. It's all owned by someone makes so much sense why the city never ACTUALLY improves. And I don't mean private developments and gentrifying neighborhoods. This guys has a good head on his shoulders, he's very aware, the other things he was saying were so on point and true. Him and his wife make a great team. Awesome interview.

I sit (in stunned silence) watching this in Rogers Park. This city is home but the corruption is so deep! I thought knew how deep the corruption ran but oh i was so naive. 😢

Grateful I found this channel. It's more than everything I've ever expected!

Another fascinating piece of video journalism! Thank you Peter! Your work is so good!

Mr. Barr should be a mayor of Chicago. What an intelligent gentleman, wow. And Chicago is absolutely gorgeous ❤

Man that last statement hit hard and needs to be shared at a national level. The free market of ideas is what this nation was built on. Beautifully put Mr. Barr.

We lived in River North Chgo neighborhood and we relocated our two businesses and our home to a Red State to escape the crime, corruption, high taxes and hopelessness that it will change for the better anytime soon. Glad we moved!!

In addition to corruption, I would add laziness and apathy as elements that our leaders have that help explain the dysfunction.

I know some small towns in Florida that are corrupt. I think you can find this in most all states. And getting rid of Meigs field was a crime.

I moved to downtown Chicago two years ago and love the city. It's got it's problems, but there is much to be thankful for. However, every time I hear about the parking deal it makes my blood boil. Perfect example of shortsighted leaders pursuing quick fixes for complex problems, profiting off their insufficient solutions, and kicking the crisis down the road for the next generation. Wish I could have seen you while you were in Chicago, Peter. Thank you for hard work and thoughtful videos!

Your Chicago series is so interesting & informative!! Just WOW!! Thanks, Peter!!

What a geat and smart man! May God bless you and protect you and your. Thank you for exposing darkness.

As someone who moved to Illinois 20 years ago I figured out really quickly that 1) politicians don't retire they are indicted 2) Alderman seats are passed down by generations, like a king on a throne 3) Illinois is the only state with a huge pension problem, but at the same time it allows their retirees to move to other states and collect a pension while working in the other state. They allow people to retire at 55 based on their last years wages, even if they didn't work that higher paying job their entire job history. As an example, a 54 year old school teacher moves up to principal their last year at the school and their wages increased from $70,000 to $150,000, their retirement is based on the $150,000 pay, they retire the next year and then they move to Arizona where they become a school teacher and work another 20 years and then retire. They will be paid retirement from Illinois while working that last 20 years and then collect a second retirement for the second state as well. I could go into the corruption and kickbacks, but honestly it's almost to crazy to believe.

My Dad worked for the Chicago fire department and also worked for Mayor Daily Sr. He always told me that Chicago is corrupt all the way up and down. It use to be my favorite city but I moved because of a job transfer but I would never go back. They are incompetent and can not run the city properly.

This was really good but barely scratched the surface of not only the very deep corruption that has plagued Chicago for decades but all of ill-inois.

That 75 year lease is crazy. Just wow

One thing I love about peter's videos is, even with hot button divisive issues, he never comes across as preachy or having an agenda. He puts the questions out there for the sake of the viewer and simply writes down the answers on his metaphorical pen and paper

This attorney is highly intelligent and knowledgeable. Jesus. What an eye opener about Chicago's messy history, politics, etc.

Peter. Next time, let them eat first! But anyway, great video. Ben made a lot of good points. I think a lot people need to realize they can't make critical decisions like voting people in to office with only an hours amount of research. Challenge yourself and your biases. When it comes to corruption anywhere, I'll leave it with a good quote. "The only thing necessary for triumph of evil is for good man to do nothing." - Edmund Burke.

Chicago is still the only place in America besides New York where you feel the movie America just walking between skyscrapers.

I really liked this guy's educational level of insightfulness in regards to his talk outside the resturant. He's awesome. Great find Peter

Haha, I know how weird the Chicago Adelman could be. Lived there for good 18 years and moved to the south to avoid the crazy property taxes

I don’t know who that guy is or what party he belongs to but I’d vote for him.

What a gorgeous clean city. I look forward to visiting it.

As someone from Toronto (a city of comparative size to Chicago) who recently visited Chicago for the first time (and LOVED it) these few videos on Chicago are completely fascinating to me. Well done Peter.

I've had watched several videos already. These are quality content I highly recommend you've done Peter. I had learned so much by listening and watching with different cultures in the US that opens my eyes in different perspective. Keep up doing the good work. Kudos! 😊😊

great interview, thank you Mr S.

"Indeed, if one can get items/things from stores without facing consequences in chícago. this means the level of corruption within that environment."

Peter, I so appreciate all you do! Thank you for OPENING UP AMERICA TO US ALL!❤

As a denizen of the Metro region-sometimes living in the city, and sometimes in the burbs-this was so enlightening. I knew there was corruption, but I never knew the background of a lot of this. I knew the Daleys were awful. I knew M. Daley sold the parking meters for decades. I did not know the money was going to Abu Dhabi.

Just to quantify: Daley Sr. died in office in very late '76; Daley Jr. became mayor in '89. Jr. did not succeed Sr., as might have been implied.

Peter, Chicago has some of the best Museums in the world hands down! Please do not miss out. The Fields Museum is an absolute MUST. Have fun!

No big city is perfect. They all have problems. Chicago has its problems too, but they pale in comparison to how beautiful the place is and friendly and social the people are. My part of the city is safe. Its a big place with many nice neighborhoods and areas. Its not luck or accident that we are constantly voted as the best big city or most beautiful. I love Chicago❤

Love this guy. He is an absolutely wonderful presenter! Please have him on again!

One of the best reporting videos I've seen in a long time. Thank you.

Peter you sneaky snake! can't believe you stopped by my neighborhood. I would definitely suggest a circle tour around the rings outside of chicago's downtown to really see the changes and diversity of the city by neighborhood.

9:11 There are homeless encampments usually under bridges btw.

These documentary’s he does are all worth watching I promise you will learn something from all of them. But this one was really informative. You hear about Chicagos list of problems and there’s a lot this shed light on why. A must watch.

Downtown is clean. Downtown has no tents. Downtown is not Chicago. I grew up in the 90s near Cicero and Diversey. Residential blocks still look clean depending on the alderman(many blocks are in severe need of sidewalk and pothole maintenance), but people are miserable, parking and traffic are terrible (always have been (remember people putting milk crates in the street during winter?)), small businesses are struggling, and crime is still rampant. We used to play outdoors after dark. There used to be block parties. Now everyone stays in at night. I don't know how residents are capable of owning a home and/or raising a family with the current cost of living and real estate. I haven't been back since 2021 and, with any luck, I'll never return.

I moved to Chicago from Texas (lived all over the state) last year and it’s incredible the reputation the city gets. Every time I talk to someone in Texas, they’re always concerned for my safety and I always laugh a little because I’ve never felt unsafe. Obviously there is crime but that’s true everywhere and as long as you’re smart I think you can avoid most of it. State income tax has taken some getting used to but the public transportation alone really makes the city worth it. Only thing that might make us leave is the winters lol

here in Denmark we have 25 % tax on all items sold..but it is in the pricelabel on the shelf..not added at checkout

In Chicago being an alderman is akin to being a king. They call it The Machine™. Make your alderman happy and they'll make sure your streets are salted and your street lights work.

another great look at America. I enjoyed seeing you guys walking down some of the same streets and in some of the same areas I usually visit when I go to Chicago. I learned a lot from the attorney.

Here just to show you how awful and how hard Chicago and cook county officials/workers work, I’m on probation for felony drug possession. My probation officer is worthless. I had a meeting with her a couple weeks ago where I gave her ALL of my verification for community service and treatment and all that. I go to court this past Friday and the probation lady went up there and said she had no verification or anything. If I hadn’t given everything to my lawyer I would’ve looked so bad. Almost as if they do it on purpose.

Great conversation with the lawyer as a UK viewer I found this fascinating as I do all your videos. Didn’t think I’d be taking a deep dive into Chicago politics tonight but so glad I did. Outrageous corruption leaving a beautiful city on the brink.Big up the lawyer man. A beacon of truth and passionately caring about his city and people. I think he’s brave too taking on all the corrupt mayors

Incredible content Peter, thank you for sharing

Wow, 15 min in and you are blowing my mind 😳 I am not from an area that has Alderman's and I've always wondered what they are. Now we know....mob bosses....aka Alderman's

I'd love to hear the clarity and detail of a Benjamin Barr level discussion of the corruption that's happening at a national level.

Great episode, lots of people need to see this. Paints a clear picture of what most politicians do on every level.

Hey Peter, I’ve been watching you for quite a while your travels through China on motorcycles filming on your helmet camera with your buddy;now you’re here in Chicago where I was born and raised watching you with these pretty impressive very very knowledgeable;Botn the retired cop & Peter are Jaded Having to having their careers blackened being EXPERIENCED IN THE CHGO WAY! SADLY FOR ALL OF US,we’re circling the drain and when SHTF THE PIPERS GET PAID,the city’s going the way of Detroit! Highly admired Peter being a first class attorney, knowing the real history from 1830 as he elaborated was gobsmacked by his wisdom.Him having to dealing with these corrupt city politicians and the whole history Very interesting. Keep up the good work.

Thank you Peter and Benjamin

I've had a bit of an obsession with Chicago ever since I visited 5 years ago. Everything I have looked at has been very surface level, however, and had no idea how deep the corruption went with the aldermen. Thank you for enabling us to see some of these layers. It's a fascinating city and though it has its issues, I really want to go back and visit again soon.

From Beirut Lebanon i send wishes for peace and love to the city of Chicago. I was a survivor of the horrible explosions that rocked Beirut port 3 year ago. Peace for Chicago and hope to visit it someday

Exceptional as usual Peter!!!

From a born & raised Chicagoan, a little known fact of why Chicago is called the "Windy City." Hint: It's not because it's windy outside. It got that name because way back when, it was said that when a politician in Chicago spoke, he was just blowing hot air. Hence, Windy City. The pension thing is a real problem. Issue is, people that have already retired in that system got to retire with those great benefits such as retire with full pension at 55 etc etc. The people currently working that are in line for these pensions, they started working under the assumption they would be able to participate in the same pension with the same rules. Can you now tell them that the rules are changed and they must work until 65 to get their full pension? They'd start a riot.

Man kudos to the lawyer for speaking up! I would be shit scared of those that corrupt coming after me! :D

Great one, Peter. And you asked some great questions.

Political corruption is ignored by most people unless it is kicking them in the teeth. They know it exists and that it affects them in some way but if they can’t feel the intense pain of it then they don’t rock the boat for fear that the corruption will find them and make them feel the pain. This is why political corruption still exists in just about every American city big little and small.

I'm from Chicago born and raised. Chicago is the best city in America but the mob/gangster mentality is holding it back.

property taxes in Illinois are high, but if you factor in home insurance costs, other states have increased dramatically over the past few years - you have to take many factors into account to compute true cost of living.