Roots of Chicago Corruption

A couple of interesting articles explore the sources of the pervasive corruption we're all so proud of here.

Cecil Adams responds to the question in the Reader and references the identical question posed to Slate e-zine.

Straight Dope summary:

1. Corruption is fun for both perps and observers.
2. No opposition party.
3. It isn't so much Chicago corruption anymore, as it is Illinois corruption these days.

Slate analysis:

1. A century-old culture of corruption.
2. Large, easily manipulable ethnic population.
3. No successful reformers or reform efforts.
4. We treat politicians like celebrities who can get away with anything.
5. Although high, our level of corruption isn't really the absolute worst, we just happen to be in the spotlight.