Daily Herald opinion: A celebration of Chicago: The disparagement in our national politics of our city by the lake sadly obscures all that its fabulous about it

As frequent visitors to our neighboring metropolis to the east and occasional tourists elsewhere around the country and around the globe, we would -- with pride and without hesitation or unease -- put Chicago up against any of the world's great cities. What a blessing it is for all of us in the suburbs to have all it has to offer next door.

We always have believed that the suburbs have a vested interest in Chicago's success, as Chicago has a vested interest in ours. One does not thrive without the other.

Visit the city on a warm sunny day and, well, it sparkles. It does on snowy winter days too.

Yes, Chicago has its problems. It suffers from the crime and poverty problems that afflict most urban areas. The schools struggle. Commuting by car is insufferable. Neighborhoods are too segregated. It operates with an unhealthy domination by one political party. And, yes, the pro sports teams sadly tend to disappoint, though with periodic flashes of excitement as in the Cubs’ appearance in the MLB playoffs this year. At one time or another, we have offered friendly criticism regarding all those things.

Still, we at the same time cherish the great strengths of a dynamic city. It is a city that is so vibrant that just last week, Condé Nast Traveler magazine named Chicago "Best Big City in the United States" after a Readers Choice vote of more than 750,000 ballots. It marked the ninth consecutive year that Chicago received that recognition.

“This recognition comes from some of the world’s most experienced and discerning travelers, and it affirms what we know to be true: Chicago is a world-class city with unmatched beauty, culture and hospitality," said Kristen Reynolds, president and CEO of Choose Chicago. "At a time when negative narratives too often overshadow our reality, this distinction helps showcase the true spirit and vibrancy of our city to the world."

One of the unfortunate side effects of the vitriol currently going back and forth between the White House and Chicago's City Hall and of the president's exaggeration of the city's crime problem, as serious as it may be, is the damage on all fronts to Chicago's reputation. What a shame it would be if it discouraged tourism unnecessarily. What a shame it would be if it discouraged those of us in the suburbs from enjoying the city.

This is a great and diverse city in so many ways -- with world-class culture; world-class entertainment; world-class restaurants and wide-ranging cuisine; world-class hotels; awe-inspiring architecture; fascinating museums that enrich our lives; a pristine 26-mile lakefront with 18 miles of trails for biking, running and walking; celebrations of ethnic and racial pride.

Have you been to the city recently? Have you witnessed its ongoing development? The riverfront with a Chicago River that is now so clean that people are swimming and kayaking in it. The Mag Mile. State Street, that great street. Millennium Park with The Bean and the Lurie Garden. Navy Pier. The Willis Tower and its Skydeck. Wrigley Field. Rush Street. The Art Institute. The 27 beaches. Have you seen how they redeveloped the Tribune Tower? Have you visited Chinatown, Greektown, Taylor Street, Bucktown, Bronzeville? The Garfield Park and Lincoln Park conservatories? The home of the blues. Yes, an incredibly vibrant live music scene as well as the Broadway in Chicago presentations, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Lyric Opera.

This is not a city to fear. Last year, 55 million people visited Chicago. Fifty-five million. Hardly any were victims of crime. Virtually all of them felt welcome.

We encourage all who are reading our words to make the most of living in this fabulous metropolitan area we in the suburbs call home. Yes, enjoy all of the great benefits of our suburbs. But don't miss out on all of the great benefits of Chicago, too. (And while you're at it, also do your part to allay the unrealistic fears of your friends and relatives from out of town.)

We're proud and happy to live in the Chicago area. We hope you are, too.