Rahm is on it

I loved Mayor Richard M. Daley. I know there was corruption in his City Hall and I also know I should be more offended by it. But truth to tell, there has always been corruption in City Hall and I'm just used to it. I simply do not believe Mayor Richie made himself rich at the expense of tax payers. And as long as he wasn't personally benefiting, I'm willing to look the other way.

The thing of it is: I trusted him to keep us safe. And in this post-9/11 world, that was his job #1. So I was frightened when he retired and Rahm Emmanuel took over. I know Rahm can be an abrasive asshole, just as Mayor Daley could, but abrasiveness doesn't necessarily mean he has the smarts, passion and audacity to protect us.

Terrorism is something I worry about almost every day. After all, the building I work in is the sixth tallest in the country. At 83 stories, it has about 10 more floors than New York's Chrysler Building. Visible from Chicago's skyline, I fear it makes an attractive target.

Today terrorism was an even bigger deal because of Charlie Hebdo.

Apparently it was a bigger deal to Rahm Emmanuel, too. Because by lunchtime today, there was definitely a more visible police presence around town, especially near the public transportation hubs. Even though the mercury barely hit 1º and Chicago Public Schools and some businesses were closed, police were by the tracks and on the platforms, sometimes with bomb sniffing dogs.

I felt better. Just as it's the goal of a terrorist to rattle me, it's the Mayor's role to comfort me.

Today, Rahm is on it. I am so grateful.