Colleen O’Connell and Luis Gutierrez’s op-ed regarding Chicago’s tolerance for the annual Mexican Independence Day celebration mistakes the reasoning behind the possible restrictions that might be placed on the celebration relating to access to the downtown area (“Chicago should embrace Mexican Independence Day celebrations,” Sept. 13).
The op-ed insinuates that the proposed restrictions may relate to negative sentiment toward the Mexican community in Chicago. I’ve lived in Chicago a very long time and do not think that is even close to the mark. Chicago has always celebrated and been proud of its diverse cultures, and the Mexican contingent is one that is rich in history and deeply embraced. I’m sure there are isolated incidents, and that is regrettable, but overall, Chicago is and has always been a welcoming city to Latinos.
The issue with the Mexican Independence Day celebration is that it has, like many other celebrations as well as protests, taken a turn toward car caravans that shut down major roads and thoroughfares. In the case of the celebration, this shutdown can last for hours. This does not take place, as the op-ed authors state, during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. There are no mass car caravans that shut down the entire downtown area.
The lack of access to the roadways the caravans cause may disrupt first responders, and it certainly disrupts those who live in the area or who are trying to access downtown (as is their right) for an evening out. This is the issue the proposed restrictions are focused on.
I dare say the city would probably be considering restricting car caravans that block access, for hours at a time, to downtown streets regardless of who was driving the cars and/or the reason for the caravans.
— Clare Connor, Chicago
Celebration of pride, identity
In response to the editorial on the Mexican Independence Day weekend in Chicago (“Chicago needs a new approach to Mexican Independence Day weekend,” Sept. 17), I feel compelled to offer a perspective that reflects not only the spirit of the celebration but also the cultural significance it holds for Chicago’s Mexican American community. The Tribune Editorial Board mention that “something needs to be done,” but the question is, on which side? Are we discussing the side of the hardworking individuals who contribute to the city’s economic and social fabric, or are we addressing the responsibility of decision-makers in creating spaces that dignify the cultural celebrations of nearly 30% of the city’s population?
Mexican Independence Day is not merely a parade of flags and car caravans. For many, it is a reaffirmation of identity and pride — a reminder of home and heritage, a moment to celebrate hard-earned freedoms. This celebration, like others, is a form of self-expression that is vital for immigrants. Identity is not just important; it is a human right.
This editorial suggests that a balance must be found between celebrations and civic order. However, we must recognize that celebrating cultural heritage should not be treated as an inconvenience. When we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, NASCAR or the Chicago Marathon, there is not the same level of discomfort or logistical friction. The Mexican community should be afforded the same respect and consideration. Our celebrations should be given space, security and understanding. The reference to suburban residents not being able to come downtown, on one weekend, and take advantage of this great city suggests that Mexican American residents are not equally allowed to enjoy the heart of the city.
As the board correctly points out, little if any criminal activity occurred. Does the board even know the economic infusion that came to restaurants and other establishments from the first-ever El Grito festival?
We ask that instead of focusing on inconveniences or disruptions, this newspaper not throw a wet blanket on a weekend filled with pride and community. As the editorial states, let’s work together to create an event that dignifies Mexican culture while ensuring the well-being of all Chicagoans.
Culture is not a disruption — it is our identity.
— Jaime di Paulo, CEO, Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Chicago
Lengthy mass disturbance
After reading the op-ed about the annual Mexican Independence Day celebration, I question whether the authors can comprehend the difference between a “celebration” and an hourslong mass disturbance fueled by motorists who intentionally clog arterial roadways. As depicted in the photo that accompanies the opinion piece, some people celebrating Mexican Independence Day last year sat on top or hung out the windows of vehicles, clearly a dangerous and illegal practice.
Finally, these types of unsanctioned motorcades cause unnecessary noise and air pollution and can impact the ability of first responders from responding to an emergency.
— Edward M. Bury, Chicago
A poor way to celebrate
Chicago has a rich history of celebrating its diverse cultures. Colleen Connell and Luis Gutierrez claim the Mexican Independence Day car caravans are no different. They’re wrong. Other city celebrations (St. Patrick’s Day, Pride, etc.) are permitted events. They are organized and planned and have clear parade routes. Traffic disruptions can be managed and police appropriately assigned.
The car caravans are anything but organized. They randomly disrupt traffic in the city, proceed through traffic stops and shut down thoroughfares, all while many occupants hang out of their cars and honk their horns. The caravans are disruptive and dangerous.
I have seen tourists, unfamiliar with the city, plead with police officers to let them through to their hotel when barriers have hastily been set up to divert traffic. I’ve seen the caravans shut down entire streets, including major thoroughfares such as DuSable Lake Shore Drive, preventing any traffic from getting around them.
Our police are left scrambling to manage the disruptions, or worse, they are outnumbered and stand by watching the caravans stream by them.
Further, celebrations such as St. Patrick’s Day and Pride bring business to the city, as revelers go to hotels, bars and restaurants. Car caravans driving around the city does not. In fact, the opposite occurs. We invited friends down to the city this weekend for dinner. When they realized it was Mexican Independence Day weekend, they canceled.
We just want to get home safely and not be up all night listening to car horns. What the op-ed authors call a “celebration” feels more like disrespect being shown to the rest of the city’s residents.
The Mexican American culture in Chicago is deep. It’s something to be proud of. It should be celebrated and honored. But the caravans, and Connell and Gutierrez’s apologist response to them, do neither.
— Frank Kern, Chicago
Police response to celebration
For three years now, we have lived in the River North area, and for three years running, we have experienced the oversize impact of car caravans, traffic jams, cranky Chicago police officers and travel-related chaos in our own neighborhood.
While the Mexican community deserves its holiday celebration, there has to be a better way to accommodate the caravans than a total lockdown of the city business district. It delivers collateral damage for residents who deserve to get home without harassment and business interests that experience disruption because you simply can’t get from point A to B. The restrictions imposed by police this year took on the mantle of overreach, forcing residents to argue at checkpoints for their right to go home. The absence of empathy and courtesy doesn’t help the police build a better reputation in the community.
When the dreaded salt trucks come out, we know what’s in store, and it won’t be good, for anyone.
Can we create a community task force to arrive at a more reasonable solution? I hope so. We don’t need to turn downtown Chicago into a fortress with a moat and raised drawbridge.
— Robert Wheatley, Chicago
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