Chicago: Fireworks, Fun, and... Fewer Folks Getting Shot (Thank Goodness)?
Ah, the glorious Fourth of July weekend in Chicago. A time for backyard barbecues, dazzling fireworks displays, and... well, not getting shot used to be a more tentative suggestion.
This year, however, things were a little different. While the city still managed to pack in enough illegal fireworks to rival a Michael Bay movie (seriously, folks, chill with the Roman candles aimed at apartment buildings!), there seems to have been a dip in the "lead confetti" kind of celebration.
Did Chicago Finally Achieve Zen Weekend Status?
Hold on to your horses, there, Mr. Rogers. It wasn't exactly a kumbaya campfire singalong. According to the news (those brave souls who venture out on Fourth of July in Chicago deserve a medal), there were still at least 57 shootings over the long weekend.
Now, before you clutch your pearls and cancel your summer trip to the Windy City, that number is actually down from previous years. We're talking a significant decrease from the good ol' days (said with the heaviest dose of sarcasm possible) of 80+ shootings and double-digit fatalities.
So, What's the Deal? Did Everyone Suddenly Become a Pacifist?
Probably not. Here's my totally-unofficial theory: maybe, just maybe, folks got tired of dodging bullets while trying to enjoy their hot dogs. Maybe the threat of rogue fireworks displays overshadowed the usual gang activity. Or perhaps, the city-wide competition for "Best Backyard BBQ Spread" became so fierce, everyone was too busy perfecting their pulled pork recipe to worry about anything else.
Whatever the reason, a decrease in shootings is a cause for celebration (with legal fireworks, of course). Here's to hoping this downward trend continues, and next year's headlines scream about Chicago's legendary deep dish pizza instead of the number of people needing medical attention.
Disclaimer: This is Not a Guarantee of Future Safety
Let's be real, this is Chicago. Unpredictability is practically its middle name. But hey, a little optimism never hurt anyone, right? Here's to a future where the Fourth of July in Chicago is known for its amazing food, stunning fireworks displays, and... well, maybe just regular confetti.
