The killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo. and the resulting outrage over what perpetrated his death at the hands of a policeman must be discussed. While the death of this young man is tragic, the way people of different races and opposing political thought have reacted make me think we have not nearly solved the racial problems which have been so troubling for so long. As with so many things, I find myself seeing both points of view on this issue and seek further information in order to cast aspersions upon anyone, if such aspersions are warranted. My hope is that all will join me in waiting until impartial people can weigh all evidence so to see if a true conclusion can be reached. I do not believe that the police officer in question “executed” this young man and feel people repeating this line are only stirring a hate filled pot and helping to initiate violence that will serve no purpose whatsoever. At the same time, I find the militarization of local police, the actions not taken, allowing this man to lay in the street for nearly five hours and the botched release of information unconscionable and wrong in every way. While peaceful protest is a protected right in the USA, it is never right to convict a police officer or having him and his family live in fear as the proof of events have not been determined. The violence, looting, regrettable rhetoric and the hate based on assumptions, fears and stereotypes are wrong in every way and cannot be tolerated or accepted as a reasonable response. In a similar vein, people accepting the unequal administration of our laws, the targeting of young black males and the lack of equal representation among those who police our streets is a recipe for disaster. We have serious issues in our country and race relations can be solved if people honestly deal with the real issues that cause such problems. I believe that the local investigation is Missouri along with the parallel investigation by the federal government will ensure the facts can be determined and disseminated. I pray that the resulting findings will be accepted because people in a civilized world must first define and identify our problems if we are ever going to cure the ills of racial divide which is so hurtful to the promise of America.
Posted on: Tue, 26 Aug 2014 12:53:54 +0000
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