With great concern, I read the news report about the vigil and fast by a group of African-Americans, led by Rev. Albert Sampson, protesting the rights of Ald. Edward Burke (14th) and his wife, Illinois Appellate Judge Anne Burke, to keep a 2-year-old black foster child, who was born with drugs in his system and who has been raised since birth by the Burkes (Metro, July 14).
I have heard Judge Burke speak about this child, the horrific torture cocaine babies endure, and the patience, attention and sacrifice required for the custodian of such children. I also know about the extraordinary and gratuitous kindness and commitment that the Burkes have demonstrated for this infant.
Given what amounts to a heroic act of volunteerism, it amazes me that any group can fault or protest against anyone for caring for this child.
Certainly in many cases, under the laws of Illinois, a child should be returned to his natural parents–and this might be such a case.
But it is up to the courts, judges and court professionals to make these decisions. In all likelihood, the Burkes are legally obliged to retain the child, pending order of court.
To somehow make politics or race an issue or to place blame on the Burkes–two busy public servants–for “stealing” a child is outrageous. The Burkes should be commended for giving their time, their home and their love.
The protest, fasting and time of Rev. Sampson and his followers would be much better spent encouraging others like the Burkes to volunteer their time to help such unfortunate children and to prevent such tragedies from happening in the first place.
