In the latest chapter of the ongoing saga that is American urban crime, the enforcement efforts by the President have arrived on the doorstep of the Windy City, and the winds of change (or, one might say, a tempest in a teapot) are threatening to blow through Chicago. Today, ICE enforcement is set to kick off in this sprawling metropolis, despite the vocal opposition of local leaders who threaten to take action should the National Guard step in. But what do the residents of Chicago truly desire? In this instance, it seems they are more concerned with their safety than the political theater offered by their leaders.
We got a chance to hear from Connor, a Chicago resident who doubles as the Director of the Community Round Table. Despite the sound and fury surrounding these enforcement efforts, Connor, who has also been seen sharing his opinions on other conservative media outlets, offered insights into what the Chicago community really wants. There appears to be a glaring disconnect between what the politicians are stumping for and the harsh reality faced by everyday citizens. It’s not a matter of rocket science to understand that 54 people were shot and seven were killed over the Labor Day weekend. Yet, despite the staggering statistics, some among the ruling class continue to bury their heads in the sand, asserting that there’s no crime problem.
Connor is quick to highlight a stark, almost comically absurd reality: there’s a proverbial pot of gold for those who benefit from the status quo of crime-riddled neighborhoods. The irony that there is “money in crime” isn’t lost on this Chicagoan. It seems that some agencies are snagging government funds left and right, yet one might be left scratching their head when seeing the chaotic streets that suggest no such services are effectively working. This, coupled with the fact that their mayor is a proponent of defunding the police—a position that, to many, is akin to treating a broken bone with a band-aid—further muddies the waters.
Everyday Chicagoans like Connor are, from all indications, yearning for support. Despite their mayor’s executive order prohibiting cooperation with the National Guard, and a seeming handcuffing of local police, residents are not blind to the fact that something must be done. They might not be thrilled about armed guards patrolling their streets, but surely, living in constant fear isn’t a picnic either. Connor, for one, recounts with less-than-fond memories that his husband was carjacked right in front of their home earlier this year.
Lastly, the political undercurrent fueling this skirmish is laid bare. A question looms large over this entire debacle: would the tune change had the President sending in the National Guard been one Barack Obama? It is, sadly, all too evident that politics has reared its ugly head, and the impenetrable fortress of political priorities could be to blame for what should be a straightforward issue—ensuring the safety of citizens. As the winds continue to blow in Chicago, one can only hope they usher in a breath of fresh, safe air for its embattled residents.
