In response to Thursday’s editorial regarding how the people of the world view Chicago, I could not agree more. My husband and I travel extensively, and we have always had a sense of pride in telling others that we are from the Chicago area. Usually, others would smile and bring up Michael Jordan, Al Capone, the Bears, Cubs or White Sox. It is a great way to meet people and start a dialogue.
Unfortunately, when we say we’re from Chicago now, people look at us with a sneer that combines both pity and abhorrence. Some don’t even have words to express their disbelief, they just cast their eyes downward and shake their heads while walking away. It seems as if we have some type of disease that can be caught quickly and no one wants any part of it to spread to their lives.
It is Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s responsibility to bring the pride of Chicago back to the people. It is time to “Make Chicago Great Again,” time to put personal politics aside, and time to accept any help that is offered to wake us up from this nightmare.
— Suzette Sniegowski, Lemont
