Despite the historical rough and immoral reputation that Chicago has (two past state governors are currently in prison…) it is a nice and relatively tame town.  Since the Democratic convention in August 1968, Chicago hasn’t witnessed major street turmoil.  Well, to be historically correct the last street disorders were in celebration of the Chicago Bears’ super bowl championship, January 26, 1986.   Even as it was a night to remember the January cold weather kept the revelers in check.

The upcoming NATO summit (weekend of May 19-21) in Chicago is a different story.  For starters, the weather is good in Chicago in May.  The Millennium Park and Grant Park are in full bloom.

With 28 heads of state (or their next in line to power), NATO summits attract media coverage from all over the world.  Crowds of thousands of protesters find these high profile meetings an attractive venue for “peaceful demonstrations”.

Currently, a protesters’ march is planned for Sunday, May 20, from the Petrillo Band Shell in Grant Park past Library Tower on State Street towards McCormick Place, where the NATO meeting will take place.

According to Fox News, residents living in the 17-floor Library Tower building at 520 South State Street were warned in a letter from their condo management recommending that “all residents find places to stay during the conference from May 18 through May 21.”

Who plans on going there?  Being there?