You wrote:  "It's too easy to turn "federal government intervenes despite our wishes"...  Our wishes? Who is "our?" I agree that federal intervention at the local level is NOT preferable, and I'm not at all opposed to the let it crash and burn option, BUT there ARE U.S. citizens in these cities who ARE entitled to protection.  AND ... Does Chicago and the State of Illinois receive federal funding? Yes? Do they not scream for MONEY when disasters strike? Yes? Might there be more at play (strategically) here? Yes?  IF the Chicago political machine is not held to account by the citizens of Chicago... AND it is left unchecked by the Illinois State Legislature... THEN what or who will do it?