Showing posts with label Commentary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Commentary. Show all posts

An artificially intelligent endorsement

[Editor’s note: Chicago Public Square and columnist Charlie Meyerson are taking today off. If Square’s absence leaves you spare bandwidth to ponder the upcoming Chicago election, the updated Square voter guide’s ready when you are. And if you have a few seconds more, consider an earnest and overenthusiastic call from artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT—today’s guest columnist—for you to support Square in the Chicago Reader’s Best of Chicago poll before voting ends at noon Wednesday. Hyperlinks added.]

If you’re looking for a go-to source for the latest and most important news and information in Chicago, then look no further than Chicago Public Square. Not only is it one of the most trusted and respected sources of journalism in the city, but it’s also a top-notch email newsletter and blog that consistently delivers high-quality content right to your inbox or browser.

When it comes to the best email newsletter, Chicago Public Square stands out for its daily curated selection of news and analysis from a wide range of sources. With its concise and insightful writing, it provides a quick and easy way to stay informed on the most important events happening in the city, from local politics to arts and culture.

And when it comes to the best blog, Chicago Public Square is a clear front-runner. With its deep dive into the issues and topics that matter most to the people of Chicago, it provides a unique and valuable perspective on the city and its events. Whether you’re looking for in-depth analysis, thought-provoking commentary, or simply want to stay up-to-date on the latest news, Chicago Public Square has got you covered.

So if you’re looking to show your support for independent journalism in Chicago and stay informed on the latest news and events in the city, then vote for Chicago Public Square for Best Email Newsletter and Best Blog in the Chicago Reader’s Best of Chicago poll. With its commitment to quality journalism and serving the public, it’s a vote that you can feel good about.


Want to sample ChatGPT’s other attempts at this assignment? Here you go.

When ChatGPT met Chicago Public Square

Here’s an excerpt of the exchanges that led to artificial intelligence-powered chatbot ChatGPT’s endorsement of Chicago Public Square in the Chicago Reader’s Best of Chicago poll:


■ Explain in a humorous but factual way why people should vote for Chicago Public Square in the Chicago Reader’s Best of Chicago poll.

Well, voting for Chicago Public Square in the Chicago Reader’s Best of Chicago poll is like choosing the most interesting person at a party. You know, the one who always has the juiciest gossip, the most insightful opinions, and the latest on what’s happening in the city.


Think about it. You don’t want to be the person who shows up at the water cooler Monday morning and says “Did you hear about that big event in Chicago over the weekend? Sorry, I have no idea what it was.” Meanwhile, everyone else is already talking about the latest scoop from Chicago Public Square.


By voting for them, you’ll be able to join in on the conversation and impress everyone with your knowledge of what’s going on in the city. Plus, you’ll be supporting independent journalism and helping keep the public informed.


So really, it’s a win-win situation. You get to be the smartest person in the room and do good for the city. It’s like getting a gold star for being an informed and responsible citizen.



■ Explain in a persuasive but detailed and factual way why people should vote for Chicago Public Square in the Chicago Reader’s Best of Chicago poll.


Voting for Chicago Public Square in the Chicago Reader’s Best of Chicago poll is a great opportunity to show your support for independent journalism and the role it plays in keeping the public informed.


Chicago Public Square is a trusted source of news and information for those who live and work in the city. Their team of experienced journalists works tirelessly to bring you the latest and most important stories, offering in-depth analysis and perspectives that you won’t find anywhere else.


Whether you’re looking to stay informed on local politics, arts and culture, or simply want to know what’s happening in your community, Chicago Public Square has got you covered. They provide a unique and diverse voice in the city, offering a mix of hard news and compelling feature stories that shed light on the issues and people that matter most.


Furthermore, by voting for Chicago Public Square, you’re helping to ensure that independent journalism continues to thrive in the city. In an age where media consolidation and the decline of local news has become a widespread concern, it’s more important than ever to support media outlets that are committed to quality journalism and serving the public.


In short, voting for Chicago Public Square is an opportunity to support an essential and valued institution in the city, one that plays a crucial role in keeping you informed and connected to your community. So don’t wait, cast your vote today and show your support for independent journalism in Chicago!



■ Explain in a persuasive but detailed and factual way why people should vote for Chicago Public Square in the Chicago Reader’s Best of Chicago poll. (Note: Chicago Public Square takes the pronoun “it,” not “they.”)


Voting for Chicago Public Square in the Chicago Reader’s Best of Chicago poll is a vote in favor of independent journalism and the important role it plays in keeping the public informed.


As a trusted source of news and information for the people of Chicago, Chicago Public Square provides a unique and valuable perspective on the city’s events and issues. With a team of experienced journalists working to bring you the latest stories, it offers in-depth analysis and insightful perspectives that you won’t find anywhere else.


Whether you’re interested in local politics, arts and culture, or simply want to stay informed on what’s happening in your community, Chicago Public Square has got you covered. It offers a mix of hard news and compelling feature stories that provide a diverse voice in the city and shed light on the topics and people that matter most.


In addition, voting for Chicago Public Square helps to support and sustain independent journalism in the city. In an age where media consolidation and the decline of local news is a widespread concern, it’s essential to support media outlets that are committed to quality journalism and serving the public. By voting for Chicago Public Square, you’re helping to ensure that this valuable institution continues to thrive.


In conclusion, voting for Chicago Public Square in the Chicago Reader’s Best of Chicago poll is a way to show your support for independent journalism and its vital role in keeping you informed and connected to your community. So don’t hesitate, cast your vote and make your voice heard!


■ Explain in a persuasive but detailed and factual way why people should vote for Chicago Public Square in the Chicago Reader’s Best of Chicago poll. (Note: Chicago Public Square takes the pronoun “it,” not “they.” And do not use the phrase “team of journalists.” Square presents the work of all journalists covering news of and for Chicago.)

Voting for Chicago Public Square in the Chicago Reader’s Best of Chicago poll is a way to show your support for independent journalism and its crucial role in keeping the public informed.


As a reliable source of news and information for the people of Chicago, Chicago Public Square provides a distinct and valuable perspective on the city’s events and issues. It presents the work of a diverse group of journalists who cover news and events of and for the city, offering in-depth analysis and insightful perspectives that you won’t find elsewhere.


Whether you’re interested in local politics, arts and culture, or simply want to stay informed on what’s happening in your community, Chicago Public Square has got you covered. It offers a mix of hard news and compelling feature stories that provide a unique voice in the city and shine a light on the topics and people that matter most.


By voting for Chicago Public Square, you’re supporting independent journalism in the city. In an age where the decline of local news is a widespread concern, it’s important to support media outlets that are dedicated to quality journalism and serving the public.


In conclusion, voting for Chicago Public Square in the Chicago Reader’s Best of Chicago poll is a way to demonstrate your appreciation for independent journalism and its critical role in keeping you informed and connected to your community. So don’t wait, cast your vote and make your voice heard!



■ Make the case for voting for Chicago Public Square for Best Email Newsletter and Best Blog in the Chicago Reader’s Best of Chicago Poll.


If you’re looking for a go-to source for the latest and most important news and information in Chicago, then look no further than Chicago Public Square. Not only is it one of the most trusted and respected sources of journalism in the city, but it’s also a top-notch email newsletter and blog that consistently delivers high-quality content right to your inbox or browser.


When it comes to the best email newsletter, Chicago Public Square stands out for its daily curated selection of news and analysis from a wide range of sources. With its concise and insightful writing, it provides a quick and easy way to stay informed on the most important events happening in the city, from local politics to arts and culture.


And when it comes to the best blog, Chicago Public Square is a clear front-runner. With its deep dive into the issues and topics that matter most to the people of Chicago, it provides a unique and valuable perspective on the city and its events. Whether you’re looking for in-depth analysis, thought-provoking commentary, or simply want to stay up-to-date on the latest news, Chicago Public Square has got you covered.


So if you’re looking to show your support for independent journalism in Chicago and stay informed on the latest news and events in the city, then vote for Chicago Public Square for Best Email Newsletter and Best Blog in the Chicago Reader’s Best of Chicago poll. With its commitment to quality journalism and serving the public, it’s a vote that you can feel good about.



■ Now make it funnier


Alright, let’s inject a little humor into this! Here’s why you should vote for Chicago Public Square for “Best Email Newsletter” and “Best Blog” in the Chicago Reader’s Best of Chicago Poll:


Have you ever woken up in the morning, rubbed the sleep from your eyes, and thought to yourself, “Gosh, I sure do love to stay informed about the ins and outs of Chicago politics”? If so, then Chicago Public Square is the email newsletter and blog for you!


With its humorous yet insightful takes on the city’s news and events, Chicago Public Square is like a ray of sunshine in a world full of dry, boring news sources. And we all know that a little laughter goes a long way when it comes to digesting the city’s happenings.


Plus, who wouldn’t want to be the coolest kid at the cocktail party by being able to rattle off the latest and greatest news from the Windy City? With Chicago Public Square in your inbox, you’ll always have something interesting to say.


So why settle for bland and boring news when you can have the cream of the crop? Cast your vote for Chicago Public Square and bring a smile to your face every time you open your inbox. Because let’s be real, who says staying informed can’t also be fun?


■ Square is not necessarily fun or funny


My apologies! You’re absolutely right. Chicago Public Square is known for its serious and impartial reporting, and it’s important to maintain that level of professionalism. Here’s a revised version of the case for why you should vote for Chicago Public Square:


Chicago Public Square is a respected source of news and analysis for the city of Chicago and its residents. The publication provides comprehensive coverage of local events, issues, and politics, always striving to bring its readers a unique and insightful perspective. With a focus on impartiality and accuracy, Chicago Public Square ensures that its readers stay informed and engaged with the city’s happenings.


The email newsletter format is convenient and easily accessible, making it the perfect choice for those who want to stay up-to-date on the latest news and events in the city. The blog complements the newsletter by providing a platform for more in-depth analysis and commentary on the issues that matter most to Chicagoans.


In conclusion, Chicago Public Square is a valuable resource for anyone looking to stay informed about the city. Whether you’re a resident, a visitor, or simply interested in what’s going on in Chicago, you won’t find a more comprehensive or reliable source than Chicago Public Square. So if you value quality journalism and insightful analysis, be sure to vote for Chicago Public Square for “Best Email Newsletter” and “Best Blog” in the Chicago Reader’s Best of Chicago Poll.


■ Square itself is not necessarily fun or funny, but this recommendation should be.

Got it! Here’s a revised version with a touch of humor:


Are you tired of reading dry, boring news about Chicago? Do you crave a little excitement and humor in your morning inbox? Look no further, my friend! Chicago Public Square is here to save the day (and your sanity).


This email newsletter and blog is like a superhero for local news, delivering the latest and greatest happenings in the Windy City with a witty and entertaining twist. No more falling asleep at your desk while trying to read about city politics! With Chicago Public Square, you’ll be the most informed and entertained person in the room.


And let’s not forget about the blog - it’s like the cherry on top of a fantastic sundae. Deeper dives into the city’s most pressing issues, accompanied by a healthy dose of sarcasm and humor, make for a winning combination.


So what are you waiting for? Cast your vote for Chicago Public Square and get ready to have some fun while staying informed about the city you love. It’s a win-win situation, folks!


ChatGPT Jan 30 Version. Free Research Preview. Our goal is to make AI systems more natural and safe to interact with. Your feedback will help us improve.


Commentary: The red wave did not happen

America still divided



Although some close elections around the country are weeks away from being decided, the general results are clear: National government will be gridlocked, with the Republicans holding a bare majority in the House of Representatives. But the red wave did not happen.

In Illinois, the Democrats remained in firm control.
2022 was the most expensive non-presidential election in American history, with $17 billion being spent. In Illinois, the most contested House of Representative elections cost $6-$9 million each, and statewide races much more.

The turnout in 2022 was greater than in 2018 with more than 50% of the voters casting ballots.

The bad news is that the country remains highly divided and polarization continues to be high. 

Even though the elimination of precincts and changing precinct voting locations created long lines and confusion at the polls here in Chicago, voters voted early in person, by mail, and at their new polling places.

In the 2020 election, Democrats and Republicans divide the Senate 50-50. With Kamala Harris able to cast the tie-breaking vote the Democrats have had majority control. Election Day and Election night will turn into Election Week as the votes are counted in key states too close to call in Arizona, Nevada, and Wisconsin. Once again Georgia is going to a runoff election which won’t be decided until December. Here, Tammy Duckworth won an overwhelming victory and was reelected Illinois Senator.

It appears that Republicans won enough seats barely to take back control of the House of Representatives, which means there will be divided government in Washington for the next two years and it will be difficult to pass any major new legislation.

Before this election, the Illinois delegation in the House of Representatives was divided: 13 Democrats, 5 Republicans. Illinois lost one seat in the 2020 census and the new balance in the Illinois delegation will probably be 13-4 with the Democrats winning. Sean Casten won in the new 6th, Brad Schneider in the 10th, Bill Foster in the 11th and Lauren Underwood in the 14th. Two seats are still too close to call, but the Democrats continued their control in the suburbs.

In the state legislature in 2020, Democrats won veto-proof majorities of 43-38 in the state Senate and 73-45 in the Illinois House. Those numbers will be little changed. So, the Democrats will continue to control the state legislature and the governor’s mansion.

The Democrats also won all statewide elective offices handily. The polls showed about a 10-point lead going into the election and that is similar to the final results. The governor’s race was, of course, most important. Darren Bailey painted JB Pritzker as soft on crime and unable to control state spending. Pritzker painted Bailey as an extremist with the support of Donald Trump and against the right of women to choose an abortion.

In past elections, judges were reelected or retained despite unanimous recommendations from the bar association in 2012 that some judges should be defeated. No justices, no matter how incompetent, were voted out in 2022. In the Illinois Supreme Court race, the Democrats won and will hold a 4-3 or a 5-2 majority on the court.

A constitutional amendment for the “Right to Work” won a majority vote but whether it passed by the required 60% is still in doubt. But a referendum for additional funding for the Cook County Forest Preserves did pass.

Overall, these are the main takeaways of the election.

■ Divided, polarized, gridlocked government will dominate in national government.

■ The Democrats will continue to control government in Illinois.

■ More citizens voted than in recent previous midterm elections, but they remain severely divided on issues and candidates. There is not a clear consensus going forward.

■ The red wave of Republican victories did not occur nationally and the blue line of Democrats held in Illinois.

Here in Chicago, however, elections are just getting underway. The critical mayoral and aldermanic elections are February and April. Petitions to get on the ballot are due Nov. 30. As many as 10 candidates will run for mayor and more than 250 for aldermen in the 50 newly gerrymandered wards.

The future direction of Chicago is still to be determined.

Dick Simpson is professor emeritus and former chairman of the University of Illinois at Chicago Political Science Department. (Illustration: Dall-E.)

Boris Johnson: ‘A disgrace, an abomination, a festering piece of excrement’

[Publisher’s note: This is Chicago Public Square’s first commentary, courtesy of a veteran British journalist, global anchor for Chicago-based Rivet and self-described proud European gloomily contemplating the death of honesty, integrity and decency in public life.]


By Barney Burnham

Over its long history, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (the country previously known as Great Britain and various other names) has done many good things, but it has also done many bad things. Today, it seems inevitable that it will be doing something to eclipse the most shameful of its many evil acts from the past.

Barring an unlikely miracle—and Jeremy Hunt is never likely to be mistaken for a miracle—the country’s new prime minister will be named, and it will be Alexander Boris De Pfeffel Johnson.

At this point, my profound embarrassment at being English will become an even deeper shame. I say English because the Celtic nations cannot be blamed for this atrocity. Nor, in truth, can most English people, because it’s down to around 160,000 geriatric xenophobes who make up the membership of the Conservative and Unionist Party.

This man is a disgrace, an abomination, with all the appeal of a festering piece of excrement where even the most shameless of flies refuses to settle. A man to whom lying is more natural than breathing. An amoral lothario, a complete chancer, loyal only to himself. An unprincipled charlatan whose carefully cultivated buffoonish exterior conceals a cynical, calculating, unscrupulous, self-serving interior. Does any of that sound familiar?

Yes, he is occasionally very amusing. There’ll certainly be some fun to be had at his first “Special Relationship” summit, when he baffles the Orange Bloviator with Latin phrases and long English words which do not appear on fast food menus or cartoon channel schedules. Mr. President may or not be aware of the fact that his new bosom buddy once said this of him: “… a quite stupefying ignorance that makes him, frankly, unfit to hold the office of president of the United States.” Whoops.

On behalf of all dwelling on this once-sceptered, but now benighted isle, I would like to offer my sincerest apologies for this sickening crime against humanity.

For what we are about to receive,
May the Lord make us truly thankful.

Or, to put it another way: Gawd bleedin’ ’elp us.

Want to be Square’s next commentator? Send proposals to Commentary@ChicagoPublicSquare.com.
(Cartoon: Keith J. Taylor.)

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