Guantanamo Shut Down as Pres. Obama's First Term Draws to the End.

Breaking news! Melrose Park, IL: Guantanamo has been finally shut down.  Some people in the neighborhood speculate that the timing of this event, less than two weeks before upcoming election, is not coincidental. Surprisingly, residents from both ends of the partisan spectrum are content with this development. Local Democrats plan to use closing of the Guantanamo to show that president Obama gets the job done, while Republicans want to use it as another example how president's policies get the jobs killed. (You can subscribe and receive notifications about other breaking and groundbreaking news by providing your e-mail in the space at the top of the page and clicking submit)

Voices, Images, and the Spirit of Chicago NATO Summit Protests 2012

Experience the voices, the sounds, the images, and the spirit of Chicago NATO Summit Protests 2012. "These people have their right to protest. However, their message is very unclear" pronounced a downtown resident. This sentiment was shared by many Chicago residents, tourists, and journalists alike; they were unsure about the goals and grievances presented by the marchers. "You know. We, we have a thing called consensus in Occupy.", said one protestor. "And that's supposed to be where's that happy median. And sometimes the Occupiers tend to think their way is the right way. And then this person gets walked over... That's not right. Consensus is... , OK, how can we both live with each other", she concluded.

Right to Protest, Unclear Message, & Jon Burge

Mai Martinez (CBS2 Chicago) interviews downtown resident about the protests during NATO summit.

"These people have their right to protest. However, their message is very unclear. And our police department, ... we should all be proud of them in the city of Chicago. We should be proud of every single one of them."

"Even Burger? I wouldn't be very proud of him" comments wittily one of the onlookers shrugging his shoulders. His reference to Jon Burge, former Chicago Police detective and commander, who was found guilty of lying about torture in Chicago Police Department, stroke a nerve.

Jon Burge: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_Burge

"My Kind of Town", play on the subject: http://www.timelinetheatre.com/my_kind_of_town/  playing through July 29, 2012

President left the town; echo of the protest

5/20/2012 Chicago NATO Summit Protest

6/17/2012 Chicago. Late Sunday afternoon. Heading north on Milwaukee Ave. "Marine One", escorted by two helicopters, lazily crosses the horizon. The President left the town. The Commander in Chief has just left the War Zone. Recalled the face of one disenchanted protestor. 

The sign: "Look at us, just look at us! Pasty face fools raised on spoon-fed corporate crap, our entire lives have been one long sales pitch. When faced with real trouble, we run to big government like frightened kittens in a thunderstorm"   

Riot police moves in on the protesters. Protesters are cornered from all sides. Some officers are spotted putting on gas masks.

Protesters fearing tear gas try to find safety. Police barricade goes down.There is a rumor that police will eventually use the sound cannon present at the site. Protesters call out to use ear plugs. Some are not prepared for the sound cannon and get anxious. It is clear that a lot of them want to get out but are unable to do so. Strangers share their extra ear plugs. Panic sets in. Seconds after this recording we encounter several bloodied protesters, onlookers, and a reporter. People are taking care of each other checking for wounds, washing off blood. There is no bystander effect here!

Chicago NATO Summit Protests

More videos, pictures, and sounds from the protests coming as soon as possible!

05/20/2012 4:58 PM. Shortly after the official part of the march ended few protest "leaders" asked to march West; away from the police barrier and the NATO convention. Some in the crowd encouraged to move east, towards the McCormick Center chanting: "Don't go West". Stalemate ensued. As the riot police inched towards the protesters multiple objects (mostly empty plastic bottles and trash) were thrown at them. Scuffle erupted. Medics tended to the wounded protestors. According to some reports few protestors suffered concussions. Tension intensified.

5/20/2012 4:55 PM Chicago. Protesters, most of whom marched from the Grant Park, gathered @ Michigan Ave. & Cermak Rd.Less than half a mile east 2012 NATO summit is under way @ McCormick Convention Center. The protest permit expired at 4.00 PM. Despite the seemingly peaceful atmosphere the riot police reinforcements are called in to the front of the protest. Some of the protesters react by chanting: "You're sexy, you're cute, take off your riot suit." But will the tension ease?

Welcome Home Dear President Obama

Highway Toll - $1.50 

Gallon of gas - $3.60 

Dinner with the President - $35,800 per couple 

Thousands of Chicagoans stuck on expressway in the name of 'democratic process' - $2 million collected for a campaign 

Hope and Change - priceless