The editors of the Chicago Sun-Times react to the city council’s resolution condemning Hamas:
Anyone who cares about fostering peace and ending war should feel angry and horrified by the cycle of tragedy and chaos and suffering. Everyone should have enough empathy to grieve for every innocent life lost or at risk, regardless of religion or ethnicity or nationality.
And as Johnson said, this time it starts with condemning Hamas.
Ald. Nicole Lee, who co-sponsored the resolution submitted by Silverstein, the council’s only Jewish member, put it this way: “My support for this resolution does not mean I am not heartbroken about the humanitarian crisis that has unfolded since (Oct. 7) and is now affecting the people of Palestine.â€
Others, including several Jewish leaders, echoed that sentiment during public comment.
The alderpersons who opposed Silverstein’s resolution have the option to submit their own, and call on Chicago to support statehood for Palestine, an end to indiscriminate bombing of Gaza, or whatever goals they want to support.
Chicago has plenty of problems here at home. But taking a principled stand is always worth it.
With the exception of that last clause, note the resonance between what I have written and the editors’ reaction.
I would repeat that disrupting the ordinary business of the city council is undemocratic. Those who dislike the city council’s resolution shouldn’t prevent the city council from doing business. They should get someone to sponsor a resolution of their own.
