Can Chicago Walk Like an Egyptian?

Yesterday, people in Chicago marched in solidarity with protesters in Egypt and other countries that are part of the Arab Spring - including Syria, Yemen, Bahrain, and Palestine.

Tadamon/Solidarity -- January 25 -- Tahrir Square
Arab Spring
(Photo courtesy FJJ)

It was a day for sharing the message of solidarity with the Arab Spring with people up and down Michigan Avenue.

We stand in solidarity with
 * Egypt
*Syria
*Bahrain
*Yemen
*Palestine
(Photo courtesy FJJ)

It was a day for interrupting the flow of Miracle Mile shopping with a rally in front of the Egyptian Consulate.

Stop exporting TEAR GAS
(Photo courtesy FJJ)

It was a day for delivering a message to the representatives of the current government in Egypt.

Leading chants in front of the Egyptian consulate, Chicago
(Photo courtesy FJJ)

It was a day to hear the latest updates from Tahrir Square.
 

Call for solidarity with Palestine
(Photo courtesy FJJ)

It was a day to express respect.

Prayer
(Photo courtesy FJJ)

On the day that Chicago was standing in solidarity with Egypt, Egypt was once again standing up for its rights.

Egypt: Tahrir Square, December 2011
(Photo: dailycaller.com)

By coincidence, the day before had seen a press conference about threats to civil liberties in Chicago. Mayor Rahm Emanual has introduced changes in local law to sharply limit the rights of Chicagoans and others to express dissent.

In Chicago, we talk a good game. We talk as if we're not going to let anyone push us around. But when push comes to shove, will we insist on our right to free speech and free expression, or will we cower in our our homes and apartments?

SOLIDARITY
Walk like an Egyptian
(Photo courtesy FJJ)

Chicago can talk the talk. Now it's time to find out: can we walk the walk?


Related posts

When Chicagoans fully succeed in fully connecting the dots -- especially to the crimes being committed in their name with their tax dollars and the weapons produced by their favored corporate citizen, Boeing -- I think there will be some new and different phone calls taking place . . .

(See What's New in Chicago: Connecting the Dots - US Aid, Boeing Weapons, Gaza Massacre, Chicago Complicity )








Chicago was the site of major protests against U.S. detention practices in Guantanamo, as well as in Bagram, other prisons throughout Afghanistan, and elsewhere in the world, on and around January 11, 2012. We called for an end to indefinite detention, unfair trials, and torture.

(See Chicago Protests Guantanamo Detention) 







A major focus of the demonstration was an undeclared U.S. war: the killing of hundreds of Pakistanis in secret attacks, principally using drones. Yesterday, people from throughout Chicago -- and especially from the Pakistani-American community -- stood up to say the drone attacks must end, and we must hold those who are responsible accountable.

(See Making the Chicago-Pakistan Connection )