Sep 17

Sep 17 A Twofer

Demonstrations, Donald J. Trump, Performance, Public Declarations

“It’s three a.m., there’s too much noise
Don’t you people ever wanna go to bed?
’Cause you feel so good
Do you have to drive me out of my head?
I said, “Hey, hey, you, you, get off of my cloud
Hey, hey, you, you, get off of my cloud”

— Rolling Stones, Get Off My Cloud, from December's Children (1965)

The pro-Palestinian forces gathered outside the offices of McNally Capital at 5:00 PM today for a rally that was intended to highlight at least one of the firm’s investments. Only 75 demonstrators showed up—not surprising given the time of day—but they proved to be one of the most boisterous and spirited group of demonstrators that I have encountered.

Approaching McNally Capital’s offices shortly before the announced starting time, I did not see the infamous maroon Dodge RAM truck that has become the hallmark of pro-Palestinian demonstrations during the last two years. While some of the demonstrators appeared to be of Palestinian heritage, most were non-Palestinian of college age. The heritage Palestinians from Bridgeview (aka “Little Palestine”), apparently decided to sit this demonstration out, which would explain why I didn’t see the Dodge RAM, which is owned by one of the group’s leaders.

According to Reuters, McNally Capital is a private equity firm with an investment in Safe Reach Solutions (“SRS”). The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (“GHF”) has retained SRA to provide humanitarian relief to refugees in Gaza in need of food and other aid. GHF is a partnership between the the Trump Administration and the Israeli government designed to replace the U.N. as the primary relief provider. Since GHF has intervened in the distribution of aid, the Israeli government has refused grant United Nations Relief and Works Agency (“UNRWA”) employees visas to enter Gaza.

Since May 27, 2025, over 2,000 Palestinian civilians have been killed as they sought aid, with thousands more being wounded. On July 1, 2025, the Palestinian Health Ministry reported that 70% of those who have been killed were seeking aid at GHF distribution sites. The killings have been attributed to the Israel Defense Forces, armed gangs, and GHF contractors, alleged to include SRS, which explains why today the demonstrators took to the street outside McNally’s offices.

Four or five people gave passionate, but not particularly informative speeches. I left knowing that McNally had some sort of tangential economic interest in Gaza, but I subsequently had to undertake research to uncover the scope of that involvement.

Following what would turn out to be the last speech, I was momentarily distracted. When I looked up, most of the demonstrators had already crossed the street. The march had begun without any announcement—at least one that I heard. I had no idea where the group was headed.

The Chicago Police Department may have known the final destination, but unlike marches organized by the heritage Palestinians each week, I suspect that the today’s organizers did not provide CPD with information about the route. The CPD bicycle cops seemed to be calling audibles as the marchers weaved their way through the Loop. After a few zigs and zags, I figured out that the marchers were headed to the intersection of Clark and Ida B. Wells Drive, where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) has its Midwest Field Office. When the marchers arrived at the intersection, squad cars and bicycle cops lined were already in place, blocking further forward progress.

At that point, several people gave impassioned speeches, with the other demonstrators offering loud encouragement. Once again, I found myself annoyed with the chants comparing CPD to the KKK and the IDF. With a line of CPD officers immediately behind him, one speaker made a reference to “these motherfuckers.” I thought he was referring to the CPD officers—and maybe he did, too—but after a pause, he clarified the reference, adding something about the people in the ICE offices across the street.

The police show up at demonstrations for the two reasons. First, and foremost, to keep the demonstrators safe. Second, to minimize disruption to vehicular traffic while protecting the First Amendment rights of those demonstrating. Over the years, I’ve spoken with a few officers about what they think when the demonstrators make derogatory remarks about them. To a person, the officers have told me that it comes with the job. The insults are ignored. Most importantly, those who I have spoken with have told me that they are neutrals, treating all demonstrators alike regardless of the issue, or whether the officers agree or disagree with demonstrators.

Notably today, because of the narrow sidewalk in front of the McNally offices, many demonstrators spilled into the street, with rush hour traffic moving north. I don’t know whether CPD asked the demonstrators to relocate, but eventually, the bicycle cops formed a protective barrier between those standing in the street and the passing cars.

What was particularly notable about today’s rally was that it morphed from a demonstration decrying genocide in Gaza to one calling out Trump’s deportation policies, particularly as they apply to Hispanic migrants. For me, each is a distinct issue, but the those taking to the streets, the two issues are synonymous. For them, Donald J. Trump is the common denominator.

Following the speeches and chants, the group reversed course heading back to the starting point. I, however, decided to bail.

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