For decades, the Democratic Party has positioned itself as the champion of the “little guy,” constantly pointing out societal problems—yet rarely, if ever, offering real solutions that actually improve people’s lives. This is especially true in cities like Chicago, which has been under one-party Democratic rule for nearly a century. With virtually no serious opposition, you’d think they would have had ample time to demonstrate the effectiveness of their policies. Instead, what we see is a city mired in crime, corruption, economic decline, failing schools, and runaway taxation.
So the question is simple: When have Democrats ever actually solved any problems?
Chicago: A Century of One-Party Rule, A Century of Failure
If we use Chicago as a case study, the results are obvious. Since 1931, Chicago has been a Democratic stronghold, with every single mayor coming from the Democratic Party. That’s over 90 years of uninterrupted power. That’s a long time to prove that your ideas work—yet Chicago is arguably worse off today than it was a hundred years ago.
Here’s what decades of Democratic rule have brought Chicago:
1. Crime Is Out of Control
Every election cycle, Democrats in Chicago talk about gun violence, yet crime statistics continue to climb. Carjackings, murders, and violent assaults are rampant, and instead of addressing the actual causes—like gang activity, weak prosecution, and soft-on-crime policies—Democrats continue to push ineffective gun control laws that only disarm law-abiding citizens.
Case in point: Illinois implemented a “cashless bail” policy under Gov. J.B. Pritzker, ensuring that violent criminals are back on the streets within hours. The result? Crime is worse than ever, but the same politicians who enacted these disastrous policies pretend like they had nothing to do with it.
2. Sky-High Taxes, Failing Economy
Chicago has some of the highest property taxes in the country, yet residents receive little in return. The cost of living continues to skyrocket while businesses flee the city. Meanwhile, the city government racks up debt, making promises it can’t afford to keep. The state of Illinois itself is a fiscal disaster, with one of the highest net population losses in America because people can’t afford to live there anymore.
Despite all of this, Democrats continue raising taxes rather than addressing their reckless spending habits. Their solution to every financial problem is always more taxes, never smarter budgeting.
3. Corruption Is the Norm
Chicago has long been considered one of the most corrupt cities in America. From Aldermen being caught taking bribes to mayors using taxpayer dollars for personal gain, corruption is an institutionalized part of Chicago politics. The Democratic machine keeps a tight grip on power by making sure only their people get ahead, while anyone who dares challenge the system is quickly pushed aside.
Take Michael Madigan, the former Illinois Speaker of the House, who spent decades running the state like his personal fiefdom. He was finally indicted on federal corruption charges, but how many lives were ruined by his crony capitalism and political favoritism before that?
Chicago’s Public Schools: A Case Study in Democrat-Run Failure
In 1995, then-Mayor Richard M. Daley pushed for and received full control of Chicago’s public school system (CPS). The Illinois state legislature—also under Democratic control—gave him the power to appoint the school board and the CEO of CPS. The argument at the time was that the state’s management had failed, and the city would do a better job.
So, after nearly 30 years of total city control, what are the results?
1. Chicago’s Schools Are a Disaster
- Academic performance is abysmal. In 2023, only 20% of CPS students could read at grade level, and even fewer were proficient in math.
- Graduation rates are artificially inflated. Many students who graduate lack basic skills necessary to succeed in the workforce or college.
- Violence in schools is out of control. Teachers routinely report dangerous classroom environments, with violent incidents often ignored to protect “equity” statistics.
Chicago teachers are among the highest-paid in the country, yet the school system remains one of the worst-performing major districts in America.
2. Corruption and Financial Waste
Despite billions in funding, CPS constantly claims it needs more money. Where does it go? A few highlights:
- Bloated administrative salaries. CPS is stacked with bureaucrats who make six-figure salaries but contribute nothing to education.
- Politically motivated contracts. The city hands out sweetheart deals to connected businesses that overcharge for everything from school lunches to textbooks.
- Pension disasters. Chicago’s teacher pension fund is billions in debt, yet union-backed politicians keep promising more unsustainable benefits.
3. The Chicago Teachers Union: More Interested in Politics Than Students
The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) has weaponized the school system for political activism. Instead of focusing on improving education, they:
- Push radical political agendas in classrooms.
- Go on strike every few years, demanding more money with no accountability.
- Oppose any real reforms, like school choice, charter schools, or parental oversight.
CTU’s current president, Stacy Davis Gates, is a self-proclaimed “progressive” activist who rails against private schools—yet sends her own son to one. If CPS is so great, why isn’t her child enrolled there?
4. The Parents’ Revolt Is Happening—But Democrats Fight It
With public school failure becoming undeniable, more parents are demanding school choice, charter schools, and vouchers. But guess what? The Democratic Party fights against it at every turn, because:
- They are owned by the teachers’ unions, who profit from a failing system.
- Keeping kids trapped in bad schools ensures future generations of Democratic voters stay dependent on government handouts.
Conclusion: Another Democrat-Created Mess
So, Richard M. Daley took over the schools nearly 30 years ago to “fix” the problem. Now, CPS is in worse shape than ever.
Once again, the pattern repeats:
- Democrats take control.
- They create a bigger mess.
- They demand more money.
- They blame “outside forces” (Republicans, racism, capitalism).
- They refuse to take responsibility.
Are Democrats Actually This Inept, or Is This the Plan?
It’s easy to assume that Democrats just don’t know what they’re doing, but the reality is far more sinister. The people running the show aren’t dumb—they are misleading people on purpose.
Think about it:
- When Democrats are out of power, suddenly they care about constitutional rights, government overreach, and censorship.
- When they’re in power, those concerns disappear, and suddenly they ARE the Constitution—rewriting rules, silencing opposition, and expanding government control.
Their goal isn’t to solve problems—it’s to maintain dependency. If they actually fixed crime, improved education, or lowered taxes, what would they campaign on?
Final Thought: When Have They Ever Fixed Anything?
The next time someone claims that Democrats are the party of solutions, ask them to name a single long-term, sustainable success story.
They won’t be able to do it.
Democratic-run cities like Chicago have been failing for decades, yet the same politicians keep getting elected. It’s time to stop rewarding failure.
