Chicago alderman denies block party permit because of "Chiraq" movie title

Even a broken clock is
right twice a day

Chicago has 50 aldermen, which is way too many--15 or 25 would be much better. Why does Chicago have too many aldermen? Because it allows members of the City Council to more easily collect presents, such as campaign contributions, for issuing zoning or block party permits in their tiny, easily watched fiefdoms.

And it lets an alderman bully opponents.

Yes, even block parties can be of victim of a petulant alderman.

From the Chicago Sun-Times:

The campaign to pressure movie director Spike Lee to drop the name "Chiraq" from his upcoming move on black-on-black violence is intensifying. A rookie aldermen is playing hardball.

Newly elected Ald. David Moore (17th) is refusing to grant a city permit required to close the street for Saturday’s annual summer block party outside St. Sabina's Catholic Church in Auburn-Gresham for one reason: the party is co-sponsored by Spike Lee and the cast of "Chiraq."

"He would not sign the permit if Spike Lee had anything to do with it. He said his residents have a problem with the name of the movie," said Rev. Michael Pfleger, the outspoken pastor of St. Sabina's who is cooperating with Lee on the Chicago-based movie.

"He was told we would have signatures we'd get from people in the neighborhood showing they're in support of the movie. He would not respond. He's just doing it because he has a problem with Spike Lee and the movie."

I usually disagree with Chicago's meddlesome priest on just about everything, but I'm in Pfleger's corner this time. Yes, even a broken clock is right twice a day.

I hope he tells Moore to go to hell. Which in a way he's doing, since Pfleger will hold the block party anyway.

How many other cities are mismanaged this way?