Commentary: The story of American freedom requires the same asterisk in 2023 that it did in 1962.
But why the asterisk? I learned the reason at the end of seventh grade.It was a summer evening in Evergreen Park, so I could stay out till dark, which didn’t fully descend till 10 p.m. A month shy of my 13th birthday in 1962, I had already tasted freedom. I could go where I wished, as far from home as I dared.
Grown-ups sat on the bleachers behind home plate. Kids clustered everywhere. Some stood on the benches behind their parents. Others around the food counter. Three “runners,” hands over their heads against the fence, waited to chase balls fouled off into the parking lot. Net, antsy to swing, wiggled the bat over his right shoulder. The first pitch skidded in the dirt in front of home plate. The left-handed pitcher aimed a strike with the next one, and Net swiveled his hips before stepping forward and smashing a deep line drive. The center fielder angled back to fetch it, and Net slid headfirst into second. Safe.
I could do it now, with no one else around. Should I? I had even brought money I’d been saving for a guitar. Loose change in my pocket, and a thin stack of bills sorted by ones, fives, and a 10 in my wallet. Money from painting my grandparents’ house and a raise in allowance for my last report card. I could buy anything she wanted.In school, Janice wore the uniform blue jumper and white blouse like the rest, but stood out for her sly smile and shining black hair. Tonight, though, I was stunned.
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