As I see it 10-15-00   I received an e-mail from a listener who asked me why I was angry with the folks who ran the BassMasters Classic bass tournament here in Chicago in July? I really wasn't angry-just greatly disappointed with the shell game forced upon the state and city of Chicago-by the folks from Alabama. You see-a lot of hot air was blown into the ears of state and Chicago officials how there was a ton of money to be made by the sheer fact the BassMasters were coming to town for their three ring circus. I seem to recall Tom Grey-one of the mayor's assistants, telling people there would be a windfall of over 40-million bucks from visitors spending the coin downtown. The overall showing of spectators was pitiful. And in fact-at the tackle show-held in conjunction with the Classic-I was told the gatekeepers double and triple counted people coming into the great halls of McCormick Place. Even though I fish for largemouth and smallmouth all the time-and even though I chase big bass in Florida-and even though I love to toss spinner baits and plastic worms after the giants-I came to realize that Chicago is not a BassMasters town-as evidenced by the very poor attendance at the retail tackle show and weigh in ceremonies--or to mention the free Tricia Yearwood concert held in Soldier Field. Am I angry---not in the least- Am I disappointed? You bet. I am disappointed with state and city officials for falling prey to a three card monty game-the old shell game. I am disappointed and really not surprised the state and city offered up close to a million dollars to BassMasters to bring their traveling road show to the city and state where graft and corruption are taught on the streets and by0-ways every single day. But since you asked dear listener-as to why you think I'm angry- I am a little p.o.'d with the governor and his henchmen-including tourism hacks-who saw fit to fork over public money to an outfit that is in business to make a buck-at our expense. I am a little upset the state and city hasn't seen fit to find some bucks to build fishing piers and extra parking for people who want to enjoy a day on the shorelines of beautiful Lake Michigan. You see-there's always the bleed and greed crowd-who have pals in the construction business-who get the fat paving contracts-who get the construction jobs-and everyone gets rich while state taxpayers get screwed and tatooed. Am I angry with B.A.S.S.? Absolutely not- I am disgusted with the way the governor and his cronies took the public on another expensive joy ride- Why aren't there enough dollars to give cops, firemen, and teachers decent pay raises---so they can feel proud about their jobs-knowing someone besides the students, homeowners, and law-abiding people appreciates them. You asked if I was angry-well-let's say I'm not angry but a little perturbed with politicians who can always find time to dedicate a bridge or shovel a pile of dirt for the cameras but are never willing to stand up and get rid of the gangs and dopers who roam the streets freely every single day. Angry you ask? Nahhhh-not all.. A poor, taxpaying citizen can't even enjoy the lakefront and fish for a day without some scum bag trying to snatch his wallet or scalp-but there always seems to be plenty of money for the BassMasters and the boys with three first names to catch 12 inch smallmouth bass in Lake Michigan and then slide their way back to the hotel-on that red carpet-so carefully laid out by the clowns who take our money.   (c) Copyright Mike Jackson Outdoors Communications Network