August 24, 2014

Like many other Americans, over the past few weeks I have pondered the killing of Michael Brown, an 18-year-old unarmed man, by a Ferguson, Missouri police officer. Only the deceased teen and Darren Wilson-the officer who shot and killed Michael Brown- know what events led to the killing. However, in the wake of Brown’s death many Ferguson, MO leaders and other citizens have asked for an impartial investigation into the killing. To show support for such an investigation and to protest the gunning down of Brown, some Ferguson, MO residents organized peaceful protests.
Unfortunately, opportunistic criminals exploited the emotions of the grieving Ferguson residents and used the protests to perform their dastardly deeds of looting and stirring up trouble. The looters should be arrested, charged, and tried for their crimes against the people of Ferguson. Also, the looters should not be confused with the peaceful protestors.
As if the looters’ actions are not reprehensible enough, there are people protesting to support Darren Wilson’s right to kill unarmed people. This is ludicrous! It is almost inconceivable that law-abiding citizens are calling for police to have the right to kill unarmed citizens at will, or based solely upon a police officer’s personal lapse in judgment.
Officer Wilson is not charged with a crime in the shooting death of Michael Brown nor has he been fired from his job. Therefore, those protesting on Wilson’s behalf are making a frightening argument for him (and by implication for police officers everywhere) to have the right to kill at will unarmed and nonthreatening citizens. Moreover, the actions of Wilson’s protestors simply serve to deepen the divide and heighten the already tense relations that exists between the Ferguson PD and some Ferguson, Mo residents.
It is unbelievable that one group is protesting for a fair investigation into Michael Brown’s death while the other group is openly protesting for Officer Wilson’s actions not to be investigated by an impartial and independent source. One person-Michael Brown- is dead at the hands of Officer Darren Wilson. On the other hand, Officer Wilson has lost nothing, including his job. His actions are simply being investigated and for that his supporters are up in arms.
Perhaps Wilson’s supporters don’t want an investigation for fear the results will prove Darren Wilson overreacted and failed to exercise appropriate professional restraint and discretion. Perhaps they don’t want to admit that Wilson’s lack of self-control resulted in the unnecessary and tragic death of an unarmed and nonthreatening, to Darren Wilson, person.