We are our brother’s keeper

Latest

This famous painting depicts the impact of industrialization; the hardship of third class railway travelers in mid-19th century France.
PAINTING/HONORÉ DAUMIER, METMUSEUM.ORG

CHICAGO, IL — I often think about this image when riding the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). It’s not nightmarish, but a kind of comfortable place, having inspired contemplation and songs.
That being said, tonight was really horribly different.
I got on the bus at Kimball and Diversey. Everyone had their face covered. There was a bad rotten smell. “What the Hell is that? ” I asked. “It’s him!” a young woman coughed out from her covered face. I went as far back as I could. People were cussing and convulsing to the exits. There sat a hooded figure in a bright orange parka nearly motionless. “It’s gangrene,” one guy in the back said.
“Open sores all infected”
“Won’t go to the hospital.”
They knew him.
“That white guy?”
“Yeah—got one of those infections that don’t get better with antibiotics.”
“Need to amputate.”
“Flesh eating thing.”
“Hey-fuck that!”
I realized I was seeing a 30-year-old dying in front of me. People choking, continued to board.
I got off and urged the bus driver to clear the bus and call an emergency situation in.
I looked in at him. He was tranquil and impassive to the anger toward his being. A neat beard and mustache. A barely alive indictment. No more or less insane that the system that allows for its citizens to sink to this state.
We are our brother and sisters’ keeper after all. We intervene to save it all. All roads lead to revolution.

+ Articles by this author

The People’s Tribune opens its pages to voices of the movement for change. Our articles are written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Articles entitled “From the Editors” reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: peoplestribune.orgPlease donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement for change. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff. The People’s Tribune is a 501C4 organization.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

“No Kings” Protests Set to Sweep US Even as Trump Increases Attacks on Activists

Republicans are already smearing the protesters, but their intimidation tactics are out of touch with reality.

ICE Fears Put Pregnant Immigrants and Their Babies at Risk

Fear of deportation is deterring people without permanent legal status from critical care. Doctors are worried for the health of pregnant immigrants, and the health of their pregnancies. This story was originally reported by 19thnews.org.

Government Shutdown and the Blame Game

Using a bold-faced lie President Trump and Vice President Vance blamed immigrants, particularly the undocumented, for the government shutdown now in effect throughout the country. The Republican plan would increase Obamacare payments and make Medicaid cuts.

Emmy-Winning Journalist Deported After Reporting on Anti-Trump Protest

Emmy award-winning journalist Mario Guevara was deported to El Salvador – a country he fled over 20 years ago — in retaliation for filming law enforcement activities, says the Committee to Protect Journalists.

A Salute to Chicagoans Fighting ICE

A salute to Chicagoans fighting ICE and to the food delivery worker on a bicycle who outrode ICE agents after they tried to kidnap him on the streets of downtown Chicago.

More from the People's Tribune