A recent letter in the Sun-Times by a retired cop, “When Trump says Chicago is ‘out of control,’ he does not exaggerate,” ignores the reality on the ground of state violence and systemically impoverished, under-resourced and overpoliced communities.
With Chicago’s gun violence epidemic killing innocent children every weekend, we need solutions that will help communities heal and prevent violence. More cops are not the answer. These hordes of armed men in riot gear will continue to terrorize protesters and escalate violence, not protect our children from gunshots.
The Chicago police left teenagers bloody and battered last weekend. How will more of them in our schools and on our streets keep children safe? Police are not required to protect people and prevent harm; the Supreme Court told us as much. Police are there to control and apprehend.
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I was too far away from the front of the march on July 17 to see the initial altercation with protesters and bike cops. Many had no idea that even occurred. Police attacked us anyway, deploying mace and batons indiscriminately against people who never lifted a finger against police or the statue. My first experience of physical violence was at the hands of of the Chicago Police Department. Cops shoved me to the concrete multiple times and hit me with my own bike as I lay screaming. They did not, and do not have to, care about the safety of young people in the streets.
We cannot count on the same people who are paid to inflict violence on youth in schools and at protests to protect youth from violence. Mayor Lori Lightfoot should listen to the communities plagued by gun violence and police violence, not to President Donald Trump or CPD.
Meghan Hasset, Pilsen
Planned out well
I was able to witness first-hand the disaster we all saw last Friday from my balcony. What looked like a peaceful protest marching down Columbus Avenue turned into a riot. This was planned out very well, military-like. The detour to the statue, the people in dressed in black, the umbrellas, and the hundreds on bikes to block the police. Everyone knew what the intent was. The protesters knew as well. The mayor defending these so-called protesters is blind to the reality. I just feel for the men and women in blue who took tremendous abuse. City leaders need to wake up.
Craig Johnson, South Loop
Obvious damage
Why have the media pundits been failing to call attention to the obvious damage being caused by Kanye West and his fruitless decision to enter the race for the presidency? When will his reckless action be identified for the threat it poses?
Why haven’t respected political leaders or others of influence in the Black community called out West for his stunt, which can only hurt the cause they and most other decent and intelligent people can’t wait to see: Donald Trump being voted out of office?
Isn’t it obvious that West, like Trump, is ego-driven and has no experience or demeanor for the job, and can take votes away only from the one candidate who has a chance to set our nation back on track after the nightmare of the last three-plus years?
J.L. Stern, Highland Park
