Revised Version: Sanford or Chicago: Zero Tolerance for Violence

As a senior living in East Rogers Park in a "gated" condo complex, a few blocks from gang members and gun violence, I banded with other residents in the area who refused to give in to fear.  Instead, we attended meetings with local police chiefs and Alderman Joe Moore, devising a plan to break up street corner gangs.   Night after night, many of the residents came  out in full force - - black, white, Latino, peace-loving people  walking through gang-infested areas  determined to take back the streets.  Although this is still a work in progress, violence is much less a threat today.

Unlike Sanford, Florida, however,  no one carried concealed weapons.  No one drove around stalking anyone who looked suspicious.  No one played police roles but rather worked with local law enforcement to rid our streets of crime and protect our children from gun violence.

Finally, I picture myself visiting a friend living in a gated community in Sanford, Florida, where 20% of the residents are black.   Venturing out  on a rainy, February night, I zip up my black hoodie pulling the strings tight to ward off the rain and begin walking to the local 7-Eleven.   Suddenly aware of Vigilante George Zimmerman's presence seated in his SUV, I pick up the pace, fear pushing me faster.  Unable to tell if I am male or female, the hood of my sweatshirt hiding my face, Zimmerman follows me to the corner
where he exits the SUV and cuts me off.    Keeping one hand on the pepper spray in my pocket, I turn to him, the whiteness of my skin evident in the glow of the street light.   Abruptly he turns around and walks back to his SUV.  Unfortunately, Trayvon Martin could not rely on pepper spray or white skin to protect him that rainy February night.   Just a 16-year-old kid walking home in the rain, unaware of his fate.  Therein lies the tragedy.