Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Where Do You Stand with Ferguson?

Ferguson is America and 

I Stand With Ferguson!

Somewhere between the killing of Micheal Brown and the failure of the prosecutor to charge Darrin Wilson, America lost the battle of equality, and many years worth of civil rights were momentarily wiped out. With a single event of such huge proportions, America was shown both sides of the story, but in the end what we know was that a unarmed black man was killed by a white police officer. 


What we should do as Americans.... 

Perhaps not ignore the death of Micheal Brown, or forget how he died. No matter what you think of his death, no matter what side of the battle you stood on, if we fail to recognize his death as a pinnacle point of needed change, we will fail as America.


Ferguson represents many predominantly black communities in America, where a huge racial divide exists between police and their people. 

Communities such as Ferguson are labeled by the police who patrol them as inhospitable, dangerous and problematic. The problem is that these labels are applied by a predominate white police force, who do not understand or comprehend the social and cultural lifestyles of a black community. Likewise, white police officers are less likely to be welcomed into a black community. 

Ever present is crime, no matter where you live, no matter what coloring of a community as a whole, crime is a part of everyday life in America. Some cities and towns, or communities have lesser crime, some much more prevalent, what is a steadfast fact in all aspects is that race plays a huge role in how these communities should be policed and patrolled.   

Change must take place, in many forms, to quell the possibility of future incidents from occurring. Unfortunately, Micheal Brown's death was not the last, and not the first. There has been dozens of killings of African Americans by police since Micheal was killed and unless changes take place, this will only continue.

"Burn This Mother-Fucker Down"   Micheal Brown's Stepfather Spoke When He Learned His Son's Killer Was Set Free. 

The outcome of the verdict in Ferguson spurred anger and as America watched, we witnessed the looting and rioting, the burning and destruction, and the shame of a community. 

Yes, the rioting was wrong, but there had to be an outlet for the anger and the frustration. I can accept rioting from any community when a huge injustice is handed out to them. It hurt to see it, but I saw it coming, who didn't?

I do not condone or agree to the violence that erupted from Ferguson, but I accept it, and view it as a quick recourse and response that should have been expected and controlled. Right or wrong, it was an action that was fueled by divide and injustice. 

Sadly, another injustice was passed along to Ferguson by the very people who took part in the riots and violence, it did nothing good for their community, and instilled an even greater divide. Yet, America must move forward.   

America must move ahead and start the process of asking questions and answering them with change. I wrote earlier in another post about accountability, and how we could embrace technology as a tool for holding police accountable for their actions. 

I've read articles about ideas for Ferguson, such as creating a much more racially diverse police force, which was one idea that I embraced wholeheartedly. Yet, we can't just throw a switch and make these changes happen. There is a long process, that must be overcome.

I listened to President Obama's speech 11/25/2014, and if he stands next to his word, the process of change might not be so foreboding and long. I found his words to offer hope and behind those words strength, strength in the idea that he will "Work with America", to provide change for communities like Ferguson.

I'm writing this post today for Ferguson's people, and for the community leaders of Ferguson. I doubt very much they will read this post, but perhaps they might. 

I just wish to say this, I stand with Ferguson.

I hope that the desired changes in how American police-forces handle themselves, comes to fruition. I pray for accountability, beyond giving a verbal explanation, but from technology. 

I pray that there will never be a police vehicle that is ever allowed to patrol any street in America, that doesn't have a operational dash mounted video camera.

I pray that racial divide across America will be bridged with hope and respect, for a brighter future, where we all can live in harmony.

I pray that Micheal Brown's death brings about change and that the loss of his life gives meaning to us all.

I pray that Darrin Wilson will the face charges of murder, and that the hammer of justice falls upon him with a punitive effect.

I pray that America will stand beside Ferguson, and not pass judgement against our own people, but step up to the plate of equality.

Mostly, I pray for healing. Healing for Micheal Brown's family, and for the community of Ferguson. I pray for the healing of America, and that the voice of reason is heard above the voices of racism.

May our Gods of our beliefs bless us all with wisdom and prosperity, and shine light upon face of justice for Micheal Brown. May his death have meaning and carry America into a brighter future.

Thank you for reading,
Jeffrey Allen Kaufman   

  

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