Response from Chicago resident about Christina Eilman
I've talked at some length here about the appalling case of Christina Eilman. (Click here to get up to speed.) TTWS reader Ted sends in this comment, with a suggestion for how you can voice your outrage:
I live in Chicago. There aren't not words in our language to articulate the rage this story has produced in me. It has been woefully under-reported here. And unfortunately, it's not all that surprising. For many Chicagoans, the true feelings this story produces cannot be described outloud. This is the most horrific urban nightmare imagineable, come to life.A federal judge has just sealed - at the request of city attorneys - internal police interviews regarding this case in a lawsuit brought by the victim's family. This too is rather typical of this city. And also just as disgusting.
Please contact the Chicago mayor's office here. Let them know how you feel. Let them know how disgusted you are by the actions of this city's police force, and of its City Hall. Please. In no other city in America is the populace as impotent and without voice as they are in Chicago. The Machine is bigger than ever - it's just under the radar now. Help us!
Comments
I am a newcomer to this site and am deeply moved by your coverage of Christina Eilman. I have been too busy involved in my 22 year old son's care, and a career serving the mentally ill, to update myself on the details of Christina's case.
I was familiar with similar details, however. My then 21-year-old son suffered his first psychotic break during the Summer of 2005, and was arrested. I went to the new Cabrini Green police station and advised the officers of his newly diagnosed bipolar illness, and that I wanted to transport him to Northwestern Memorial Hospital upon his release. I was emphatically urged not to wait, in this sparkling new lobby designed without chairs to discourage family members and friends from waiting. I live about 4 blocks to the north, and I reluctantly went home. Fortunately, my son walked up my sidewalk about a 1/2 hour later and asked to go to the hospital.
I just used your link to share my story with City officials. My story does not have a happy ending, but does not come near the tragedy suffered by Christina's family and by countless others who need critical medical care in a life threatening situation. I implored the City to send more officers to the mental health training. I thanked the female officer who sensitively took the first call from the family. I trust this issue is being thoroughly considered given the lawsuit and media attention. Too bad it usually takes a tragedy to get any machine to respond to the needs of its citizens.
Posted by: Jean Mays | October 19, 2006 08:20 PM