Of course, it does not help that this is the Middle East, although we're probably inifinitely better in that regard than our neighbors, especially after the Soviets "helped". I recall reading about a huge beauracratic building in Egype, sort of a modern-day pyramid. Supposedly, at least one petitioner jumped off the side in frustration. Then again, ancient Egypt had some features in common with the U.S.S.R.

It is, of course, hard to build or modify a building here. Then again, try building something in New York, or in some small suburb. I remember when I lived in your neighboring Highland Park, when the mayor actually put together a plan that would involve building something, maybe get a tax base. His Republican opponent was prompty voted in.