Etgar 36: Summer 2008

By Ali Ziegler

Today we woke up in Chicago and went to sleep in Toledo. Our first meeting of the day was with Max Miller, an advocate for Environment Illinois. Their goal as an organization is to lobby at the state level for environmentally friendly legislation. The major issue we discussed was global warming and how to reduce carbon emissions. Right now they are trying to enact California’s policy on fuel efficient cars in Illinois as well as mandating that all new buildings be insulated and have fuel efficient furnaces. He also told us that contrary to popular belief, ethanol from corn isn’t actually better for the environment. The fertilizers and pesticides used to grow the corn and turn it into fuel are more detrimental to the environment than helpful. However, there are methods to create oil from plant waste, such as unused stems. Max knew his information very well and led an interesting discussion.

We had an early lunch at Potbelly Sandwiches and then walked to Grant Park where Billy spoke to us about the 1968 Democratic Convention. 1968 was a radical year in politics with the assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy along with the controversial Vietnam war. Protesters stormed Grant Park and the convention itself which caused violent retaliation that was broadcast to televisions nationwide. It was a beautiful day and we got time to play in the park and climb on the statue just like in the pictures of the 1968 convention.

Next, we went to Hyde Park and to the home of one of the most interesting characters we’ve met so far, Bill Ayers. After watching a documentary on Bill Ayers and his time in the radical group, the Weather Underground, we were all convinced that we were walking into the house of a terrorist. It was a pleasant surprise to see a friendly looking man answer the door. Sitting in his living room, he let us ask questions and then he started to talk about the topics we were interested in. First, he outlined the basic history of the Weather Underground. They were a radical student anti-war movement in the late 60s and the 1970s. Their terrorist reputation evolved from their radical methods of blowing up buildings in order to “make the war painful for the warmakers.” While most of us would probably not go so far as to use explosives, he made it seem as if it was necessary to get the government to listen. Mr. Ayers also spoke on some of the issues he is involved in today, such as the anti-death penalty and anti-prison movements, which was very eye opening. He also spoke about his recent publicity in the news as a “terrorist” who has given money to Barack Obama. Overall, we were enthralled with Bill Ayers’ stories and ideas.

Because Bill Ayers’ house is only a block away from Barack Obama’s house, we took a detour to go be extreme tourists. We sat in the lawn of a synagogue across the street from the Obama’s residence and had our wrap up there.

We left Chicago and watched “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” as we made our way to Toledo.

By Rachel Ehrlich

I woke to the sound of beating rain to confront the reality of the loss of ten great friends. The day started at 9:15 AM as the group headed to the Art Institute of Chicago. Personally, I do not consider myself an “art person” but after experiencing the museum, I walked away with a newfound appreciation for art. As I strolled through the elongated hallways of the museum I witnessed everything from contemporary paintings to abstract sculptures. I enjoyed a variety of cultural displays including Egyptian, Oriental, and Islamic jewelry, pottery and general artifacts.

After the Art Institute we fed our appetites by indulging in traditional Chicago deep dish pizza. The thickness of the pizza was like nothing I have ever experienced before. My stomach was satisfied after only one slice.

After lunch the group met with Sam Aranson from the Jewish Council of Urban Affairs and he led us in a discussion on the issue of poverty. As Sam spoke, I began to realize the magnitude of the situation. He split the group into two teams in preparation for what would turn out to be an intense debate. Each team had a packet of information in which to organize their arguments from. The topic of the debate dealt with pan handlers and whether we should make it illegal to ask for money. Zach and Blake, representing the two different sides, started the argument off strong with their powerful opening arguments. Alana and Hannah delivered their rebuttals with passion and confidence. Although each side had contrasting views on the solution to Chicago’s poverty problem, the debate was effective and educational.

In order to let off some steam from the debate, we made our way to Michigan Avenue. As we walked along the streets we got a taste of the city of Chicago and helped stimulate the local economy (shopping!).

Next was the lake. As we sat enjoying the scenery of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline, all the girls witnessed a glimpse of the boys’ football skills as they partook in an intense game. We then walked to dinner at Panera Bread where I experienced my first bread bowl.

After dinner we walked to a great Improv comedy club. I found the show hysterical and a great way to end the day. Before we got on the bus we walked around legendary Wrigley Field.