This is the problem: it's about covering his ass, doing what's best for him rather than what's right. He should be prostrating himself in front of those families, accepting responsibility for playing a role in this atrocity, and taking whatever punishment comes.

I grew up and lived in Lake County for 57 years. (My parents moved from Mundelein to Riverwoods in the ’70s. Highland Park was a normal stop in my life. When I was younger I worked on the base at Fort Sheridan, and later, enjoyed stopping on my way home from Searle Pharmaceuticals.) It is such a lovely area; peaceful and friendly. I cannot imagine the pain and shattered sense of safety its citizens must be experiencing. How does one return to the square?

My heart hurts for them.

Thank you for such a well-written, considered piece. You have taken my disparate thoughts and put them in order. 💛