We are Downstate Illinois

NOTE:
Illinois is widely seen throughout all news outlets as having the most corrupt state government in America. The backbreaking tax burdens, the massive out of control debt, the laws passed without majority approval of the people, the endless "player" payoffs, the far left leaning moves of the government, and the Chicago Machine's control over everything, are the reason Illinois has the greatest exodus of citizens fleeing this state in its history.
When many people think Illinois they think Chicago. Illinois is the longest state in the country next to California; almost 400 miles north to south. With Chicago in the far northeast and most all of the rest of the state south, well, the miles alone is not the only difference between this mega-metropolis and Illinois  "downstate" people. Here's a poem to express it.

We Are Downstate Illinois

We're skyscrapers, and fly papers.
We're college grads, and blue collar dads.
We dine high, and we pan fry.
We're school teachers, and country preachers,
We're bank tellers, and corner office dwellers.
We're town squares and millionaires.
We're Cardinals, Cubs, and Irish pubs.
We're cattle, horses, and college night courses.
We're rolling rivers, and chicken livers.
We're Prada purses, and dedicated Nurses.
We're opera lovers, and Den Mothers.
We're miles of corn, and the Manor Born.
We're up-all-nighters, and firefighters.
We're egg poachers, and sports team coaches.
We're Jaguars, and Mason jars.
We're Lincoln Library and Kampsville Ferry.
We're Think Tanks, and "Country Boy" Hanks.
We're born free and love liberty.
We're policy insiders and law abiders.
We're college punters and deer hunters.
We're Bible readers, and civic leaders.
We're MD's and EMTs, Vets, and referees.
We're an open mind and color blind.
We're lakes and streams, and farm machines.
We're high tax haters, and restaurant waiters.
We're veterans, and proud daughters and sons.
We're Broadway plays, and County Fair days.
We're pedicures, and hog manure.
We're Pro life (with common sense) and want patriots for Presidents.
We're higher learning and wage earning.
We're Any-Doodle pups and pickup trucks.
We're SMART cars, and Honky Tonk bars.
We're True Blue Cops, and cool Hip Hops.
We're Gucci suits, and cowboy boots.
We're Peking Duck, and the deer rut.
We love the Bears (need a good Punter there?)
We are Northern Loud and Southern Proud.
So....
We're everything Chicago is and, Lord knows, a ton of things they ain't.
We're the country air breathin', freindly greetin', good people of DOWNSTATE.

K.L Dennie 2019