As some of you know, I’ve a young friend, Annie, who lives in a suburb of Chicago, where she and her husband, Ben, have a daughter in the first grade in a public school. Ben is an American of Filipino descent; thus, his skin color is mocha. Even though he is a corporate executive, his wallet carries his birth certificate, social security card, and a copy of his university credentials. In America? Hell, yes. Why? Because ICE is randomly zip-tying people of “color.”

Now, if you’re not appalled and enraged by Ben’s fear, imagine their six-year old daughter, who, too, lives in fear. Her teacher took them to the playground for recess this week, and ICE masked agents showed up! Fortunately, this teacher herded her crying students back into the building without incident. But the psychological damage done to children that day can not be minimized. Nor can we ignore the repeated “active shooter” drills, our children are subjected to monthly. In America? Hell, yes. Why? The NRA lobby.

However, Annie, Ben, and their neighbors met and decided to confound their dilemma; they organized. They escort kids to and from school, ‘they watch over the alleys and ingress points for several blocks surrounding the school to ensure every child gets home to a safe adult.’ In America? Hell, yes. Why? Good question.

Annie’s final comment to me: Sue, Chicago is under attack, but Chicago is rising. The unity and alignment I’ve seen as neighbors is inspiring. This is a veiled excuse to try to intimidate the people of Chicago, and it isn’t working. We will keep protecting our neighbors.

In America? Hell, yes! Why? BECAUSE WE ARE AMERICANS!