What is the story behind these people? Do they have any training?

Usually they just stand in the middle of busy intersections and block traffic. Isn't it the job of traffic lights to tell cars when they can and can't go?

And if one of these clowns tells you you can't cross the road, can you just ignore them? I mean, they're not police officers. Are they just civilians employed to do a job which traffic lights already do, and who in reality just hinder the flow of traffic?

Does Chicago or IL have jaywalking laws? If so, aren't they breaking them all day long.

[/rant]