There’s been so much said already about what’s happening with police brutality and the slayings of young black men, that I almost didn’t want to say another word.
What can I say? Everything I think about the subject only serves to upset and sadden me more.
Then I read this article in Time magazine, written by David Von Drehle. It’s full of interesting information about Ferguson, a place where old hatred has now erupted into something bright, red and thorny, from a seed that was planted long ago and nurtured for years. It’s roots date back centuries, even to 1857. So today, those ugly roots are as deep as they are thick.
From reading the article, it would appear that Ferguson had this coming. If it were only Ferguson, however, our problems would be fewer. But it’s not only Ferguson. As David Von Drehle notes, this sort of scenario has occurred in many towns.
He would like to know “how often this happens?” Are “police resorting more quickly resorting to lethal means, and if so, against whom?” Good question, but if your skin is anywhere near the shade of mine, you probably know the answer already.
So, after reading this article, my question was, why can’t police be chosen more carefully. Lawyers use simple questioning to find witnesses who won’t be extremists.
Can’t we ask them about their prejudices and then require them to come up with something positive to say about every group represented in their community.
They are supposed to protect and serve the people in their communities, but I think that in some of these communities the police are just having a hard time seeing some people as “people.”
Praying for peace abroad and at home…
