Richard J Daley
Boss, Richard J. Daley of Chicago written by Mike Royko depicts the life of Richard J. Daley and his career as the leading political influence in the city of Chicago. Considered by many as the last of the true "Bosses" Daley represented all that was considered machine politics. During his twenty-year reign as Mayor extensive urban expansion, political extortion, and a clear disregard for social justice characterize his administration. Royko clearly presents Daley's performance as Mayor in an objective perspective identifying his accomplishments as well as his weaknesses. He provides the reader a record of Richard J. Daley the person, the politician, the Mayor and the corruption that plagued his political machine.Richard was born on May 15, 1902 to Lillian and Michael Daley. He was raised in a flat on 3602 South Lowe in the segregated neighborhood of Bridgeport, on the south side of Chicago. This simple Irish community made up of mostly blue-collar workers exhibited all the characteristics of a small town with "taverns, the funeral parlor, the bakery..." (31). Chicago was home to a diverse collection of ethnic cultures: English, Irish Protestants, Polish, Italian, Jewish and African American.
Daley's victory celebration did not last long. After completing elementary he continued his education at De La Salle Institute, a three-year commercial high school. This lack of change did not deter Daley from winning his second term as Mayor in 1959. Wilson, a professor at the University of California, turned this crisis situation to his advantage just in time for November elections. He was forced to make drastic changes in the police force in an effort to retain his power. He managed his responsibilities at City Hall in addition to his direct involvement with ward politics, The Hamburg Athletic Club, and DePaul University Law School. Explicit examples of Daley's authoritarian method of leadership are given through out Royko's text. Royko concludes his colorful story on Richard Daley in quoting Alderman Paddy Bauler in his statement after Daley was first elected in 1995 as saying " Chicago ain't ready for reform yet, "(214). Royko points out, Daley's overemphasis on improving the infrastructure of Chicago as well as increasing his patronage left him open for criticisms on many social issues. After graduating law school in 1934 Daley established a local practice with his Jake GuarinoHamburg Athletic Club associate Bill Lynch. About one thousand homes were burned" (36). His explicit understanding of machine politics and use of patronage centralized the power of his administration. King when Daley gave explicit orders to " shoot arsonists to kill and looters to maim and detain"(169). Beginning with his first term as Mayor his endeavor to control Chicago's political environment was upheld by way of brute force and corrupt government agencies. Daley's work ethic quickly gained him reputation as hard working and trustworthy.
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