Former Mayor (Byrne) Blasts (Chicago Mayor) Daley...

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Dear editor: In a recent letter to the editor, a Chicagoan graciously suggested that a public park or monument be named in my honor, as a tribute to my achievements as the 41st mayor of Chicago, including, among other things, initiating Taste of Chicago, the Blues, Gospel and Jazz Fests and the neighborhood festivals. The writer further suggested that it be Meigs Field.

I am flattered, but I do not want the midnight butchery of Meigs Field associated with my name. As are most Chicago residents, I am still angry about what happened in the darkness of the early morning hours of March 31.

Primarily, I am appalled at the arrogant disregard of due process by whoever ordered the destruction. Due process of law, the most fundamental, precious constitutional right of all citizens, even Chicagoans, was purposely ignored. I say purposely because a few hours after the destruction, the administration stated that its irrational actions had "prevented the issue from being tied up in the courts." We are a nation governed by laws, not individuals, and no public servant has the right to place personal opinion or convenience before the laws.

Secondly, Chicagoans want the truth. The explanation that the attack on Meigs took place because the City had lost its lease with the Park District is outright deceitful. Surely the administration knew that under the terms of its month-to-month lease, enacted by a City Council ordinance, the lease could not be terminated until the first day of the month following written notice of termination. Meigs was destroyed before its lease was up. There was no valid or legal basis to strand a dozen cardiologists here when their patients may have needed them at home.

Personally, I was shocked and saddened at the sight of the Chicago police escorting the wrecking crews onto the field and being directed to stand guard as they watched city property being vandalized and destroyed. The official giving that order showed callous disrespect to those officers, whose role it is to protect public property, not to assist in its destruction.

No, I do not want my name associated with the Meigs Field massacre.

(snip)

Yet another rip against the arrogant King DINO Daley...