God Help America

Michigan and Jackson, hardly a bad neighborhood even in 1973. You worked across from Grant Park outside the Loop. The central legal aid office was 53 E Jackson if memory serves me correctly and the Federal court was West of there at Dearborn and Jackson. Also close by was the Berghoff where me and my VISTA buddies spend some time in the stand up bar drinking beer but the best deal was a shot of Berghoff bourbon with a wash of beer. Loved the wiener Schnitzel with creamed spinach. Use waste anytime in the Berghoff?

 

We all have choices or did someone force you to work in that area.

 

I know The Berghoff , on State and Adams , and was a regular there in the 70s. One of my favorite places in the Loop.

 

That’s where I was assigned. VISTA was essentially the domestic Peace Corps. I knew what I was getting into as all assignments were in poor area be it city or rural. The experience both good and bad prepared me for what became my career which I enjoyed immensely.

 

Vaguely remember VISTA. You signed up knowing you would be working in questionable areas, yes? For very little money? Similar to serving our country in the military, with the exception that you could have opted out any time and had bulletproof glass. Added: I guess you missed my point. You chose that path knowing full well about the gang bangers on the South Side and Cabrini Green so you don't get to use the gun thing. Out Vietnam Vets didn't win the lottery. They wound up missing limbs, have PTSD or are dead.

 

“A veteran is someone who wrote a blank check made payable to the United States of America for an amount up to and including their life”.

 

thank you

 

Nope. Art Institute, Grant Park during taste of Chicago during the day. After work just wanted to get home to family. Cribbage on the train ride home from Union Station.

 

Yes I knew that I would be working in dodgy neighborhoods. I never knew the layout or security measures until I showed up. I could have resigned but I was committed to what I was doing. I would say I am not a quitter but you will find a news article concerning a resignation here. I will not discuss the circumstances as it involves a former Board member. Of course I would have had to resign the following year anyway which I will not discuss.

My work never involved Cabrini Green as every project I worked was south of downtown. From 1973-1995 I always lived on the north side until I got married.

Nice quote Tom, too bad it has been demeaned in my opinion by turned into a T shirt print. As Bob Marley said RESPECT.

 

It's only been demeaned by those Hippy types, but the words in that quote still have a profound meaning to those of us who actually served.

 

FYI, no argument here on that.

 

and those of us who lost friends and family. some things are etched in memories and the draft was one. coming home after was another.

 

Back then it didn't even matter if you served in-country. If you were in uniform you were spit-on and called a Baby Killer! Take it from me!

 

What hippy types! Please explain?

 

The same Vietnam era Hippy types that later became college professors and proceeded to brainwash our youth to hate America!

I'm not going to engage you in whatever it is you're attempting to argue!

And if you just look around, you'll see what I mean, no more prayer in school, no more statues of Confederates soldiers, no more Boy Scouts, and the list goes on an on!

I'm done!

 

After serving two tours in Vietnam, my husband returned to complete his education at Northwestern University. It was so different from his experience in the Army, he told me he didn't speak to anyone there for that year and a half except his landlady. Coming back from war can be a traumatic experience. I agree with Tom, veterans have earned our respect.

 

Tom, I was not trying to start an argument, just asked a question and you answered. I don’t necessarily agree with your answer, but as a senior underwriter once told me “ That’s what made this country great, f*&$ing freedom of choice.” End of story.

 

Gee....what a surprise!

 

Yes, freedom of choice. Most of the boys who went to Vietnam did not have "Freedom of Choice", however some won the lottery. Americans don't have Freedom of Choice about who comes into this country anymore. No legal process like my maternal and paternal grandparents had to abide by. Hell even in Sun City the only Freedom of Choice we have is whether to live here or not. The BOD makes up our minds for us on all other matters. The story will go on until God says it won't.