Jul 4

Jul 4 Greatest Hits

Chicago, Demonstrations, Donald J. Trump, Parades, Performance, Protest, Public Declarations

On the eve of the Fourth of July, the President of the United States declared to an Iowa audience, “I really do. I hate [Democrats]. I cannot stand them, because I really believe they hate our country.” With that utterance, former Speaker of the House Thomas “Tip” O’Neil and President Ronald Reagan both did a spin in their respective graves. In describing the relationship between Reagan and O’Neil, Chris Matthews, the former host of Hardball and the author of Tip and the Gipper: When Politics Worked, wrote, “Reagan was fond of Tip and completely believed that Tip wanted to help the little people. He just disagreed about how to do it.”

Today, many of the people Donald J. Trump hates gathered in Chicago’s Federal Plaza for a rally and march. When I arrived shortly before 11:00 AM, the pavement was wet and the plaza was largely empty. In the distance, I could see people gathering under the cover of the John C. Kluczynski Federal Building. Eventually, they drifted to the plaza’s north end, where several television news crews were waiting with their cameras mounted on massive tripods.

I had assumed no one would show up for today’s rally. I forgot that there was a rally last July 4th—one of the many pro-Palestinian rallies that have been held since October 7, 2023—but I vividly recalled the rally in Federal Plaza two years ago. Rabbi Michael was the only speaker, pointing out that while the day may be Independence Day for many in the United States, it is not Independence Day for African-Americans, who still bear the burdens and scars resulting from America’s Original Sin. Six or seven people stood on the hot concrete listening to the rabbi as he echoed Frederick Douglass speech on a July 5, 1852 in Rochester, New York.

Given my expectations, I stuck to the promise I made to myself Thursday morning: This weekend I would limit myself to my two cameras that capture only monochromatic images. That meant no zoom lenses; just 28mm and 75mm primes. As often happens when I opt for a monochromatic outing, Apollo, the Greek god of light, sent bolts of color in my direction. The signage was particularly vibrant today. But remaining true to my vow, made the best of the situation. As the old adage goes, “The best camera is the one you have with you.”

When the plaza came within sight, I immediately noticed the maroon Dodge Ram truck. In its flatbed stood the two Palestinian organizers assembling the sound system that they have been using weekly since their first demonstration following Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack. Many Progressive groups have taken advantage of the that sound system, which has become a de facto public utility.

Whether people agree or disagree with the Palestinians, the folks behind the weekly pro-Palestinian demonstrations are some of the best organizers in the business. Just the fact that they show up virtually every week is an amazing feat and act of dedication.

Given Palestinians’ presence, today’s rally had a Palestinian flavor to it, but the rally was more anti-Trump than pro-Palestinian, with the usual cadre of Left-Wing and Progressive causes well represented. The signage addressed transgender rights, ICE and deportations, healthcare and Medicaid, the Big Beautiful Bill, corporation tax cuts, income and wealth inequality, Elon Musk and DOGE, police crimes, workers’ rights, the tragedy unfolding in Gaza, RFK Jr.’s false linkage between autism and vaccines, and the name change from the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf o America, among other issues.

The speakers were largely on autopilot, covering no new ground. The pro-Palestinian speakers led the crowd in the well-worn chants. Colby Guillory, with Freedom Road Socialist Organization, offered his usual litany of society’s aliments, followed by the refrain, “That Ain’t Right.” Others simply read their speeches while looking down at their iPhones. As usual, the program went on much too long—a stalling tactic designed to accommodate latecomers. Over 200 people took part in the rally and the march.

When the time to march finally arrived, everyone lined up behind the lead banners, and then headed south toward the Immigration Control and Enforcement field office located on the southwest corner of Clark and Ida B. Wells Drive. Today the marchers were not permitted to cross Ida B. Wells Drive, but they were within sight and sound of the offices.

As the demonstrators stood facing the ICE offices, one speaker began a rant about the Chicago Police Department. The overriding message: CPD is a criminal enterprise filled with murders. Not surprisingly, I was annoyed. Never mind that when the marchers reached each intersection, there were police officers and patrol cars blocking the roads feeding into the intersection. CPD officers were providing the marchers with protection against the madman who might smash his explosives-laden vehicle into the marchers. Those same officers were providing the protection on what for most is a day off. Shortly after the diatribe against CPD was complete, I saw one of the leaders yucking it up with a CPD official. Yep, that official is a murderer.

Today’s highlight was the guy with the Trump piñata hanging from a pole. Anyone who wanted could take a swing. Next time I need something built, I am calling that guy. Despite repeated swings from countless thrill seekers, the piñata held up much longer than anyone could have expected. Unfortunately, when some kid finally struck the fatal blow, no candy fell to the ground.

I also enjoyed the references to alligators, a not so subtle nod to Alligator Alcatraz, the concentration camp for migrants that Florida Governor Ron DeStantis had built in the Florida Everglades. Earlier this week, Donald J. Trump and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem attended opening day ceremonies at the former airstrip. Never underestimate the creativity of those attending demonstrations. Alligators have replaced Elon Musk.

The march quickly broke up when it reached the spot across the Chicago River from Trump Tower. I guess everyone was looking forward to grilling brats and hamburgers after their midday walk.

Just as people began to depart, one of the organizers announced that people had seen ICE agents in Federal Plaza. I certainly didn’t see anyone who projected ICE-agent aura, so maybe the announcement was more for theatrics. In any event, the speaker offered to arrange rides for anyone who felt insecure or threatened. She also urged people leave the scene in pairs.

[Click on an Image to Enlarge It. The Images Are Not Necessarily in Exact Chronological Order]