Inspiring Respect

The feds locked down a strip mall in Little Village. Sun Times front page story. The operation lasted less than an hour and a few were arrested on suspicion of identity theft. Remember the recent news of Chicago being a hub for that crime? Most residents probably went about their business, but some got busy, maybe called a few reporters, ready with a few over the top sound bites:

"Soldiers bombarded our neighborhood," said Baltazar Enriquez, 30, a lifelong Little Village resident. "It looked like they were marching into Iraq."

The operation lasted less than an hour, but the commotion brought residents into the streets and ignited a whirlwind of phone calls and text messages to mobilize community organizations and immigration law reform activists to protest.

We're supposed to feel outrage after this orchestrated event. But identity theft is not a victimless crime, and it can lead to other criminal activity. A more reasonable response would inspire more respect.

UPDATE: Trib story here.