As reported May 20th, 2009 in the Chicago Sun Times, the 11th Ward south side Alderman James Balcer ordered the city’s graffiti blasters to paint over a mural on private property.  This was done because Balcer said he viewed the piece as, “a threat to the community.”  He went on to say that he had the mural removed after his office received about 10 calls regarding the artwork.  Mayor Daley, who incidentally grew up in the 11th Ward and maintains strong ties to the area, went on to say, “In the scheme of things — city kids getting shot, folks losing their jobs — an alderman’s controversial order to paint over a mural on private property isn’t a big deal.”

As a resident of this city I’m continually amazed with the amount of liberties and lack of consequences our elected officials operate under.  As one can see from the above quotes by Mayor Daley and Alderman Balcer they simply don’t care.  They don’t care about the mural they destroyed, they don’t care about the resident’s/voters private property, they don’t care about the artists Gabriel Villa’s work, and worst of all, they don’t care about the rights its’ citizens retain under the U.S. Constitution.  This behavior must stop and the citizens of this great city must stand up and say enough is enough.  These politicians need to understand that this city was made great not by them but by the people that live and work here.  It always seems to be the same tired talking points coming from the Mayor and his office.  Oh, it’s not that big a deal–the city has bigger problems to deal with.  Always trying to change the subject and continually deflecting away from the topic at hand.  This strategy is evident in the Mayor’s quote about kids getting shot and folks losing their jobs.  Although we don’t disagree that these are important topics, that’s not the issue at hand.  Property owners rights, freedom of speech, an artists right to express oneself on private property, these are all important issues.  The fact that our local government feels they are entitled to do, say, and act as they please and then get upset when questioned  about their decisions is a big deal.

In conclusion, we at BombChicago are appalled with the way  this city operates under a big brother state of politics.   We would love to hear from you and get your thoughts and ideas.  Check back soon for further updates.

NBF
Bombs Away

A picture of the mural before the city's destruction

A photo after Balcers order