Unable to create your city at this time. Please claim a city again later

I have been trying since around 10PM Eastern Time.  It is now almost 1130.  I have not been able to play.  This is unacceptable.  I never complained about the always on.  However there should be an option, if I want to play alone. Which I would like to right now, it should by-pass the servers.   This is honestly stupid.  People have paid money, for a product, they cannot play. 

This so far is theft.  Atleast in my state.   That's how I take it until I am able to play.