Justifiably so, from nearly every segment of American society strong cries have risen for Ray Rice, formerly of the Baltimore Ravens NFL franchise, to receive stiffer punishment for the physical assault he committed several months ago against his then fiancée (the couple has since married). There are even some calling for NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to step down because critics think the punishment he initially rendered against Rice- suspending Rice for two games- was too lenient. Many of Goodell’s critics don’t believe his claim that up until a few days ago he [Goodell] did not have access to the video that depicts Rice committing the assault. They think Goodell purposely avoided viewing the video in order to allow Rice to keep playing professional football.

Whether Goodell intentionally avoided viewing the assault video is pure speculation, at least at this point. Calls for him to step down seem over the top. The commissioner took the action that he thought was beneficial to the Ravens’ organization and the NFL. Some people obviously disagree with that decision. On the other hand, there is no question that Ray Rice’s actions were absolutely reprehensible and that he should suffer the repercussions of his illegal, unethical and immoral behavior. So should Darren Wilson, the Ferguson, MO police officer who killed an unarmed and, by every objective witness, nonthreatening, surrendering to the police, 18-year-old.

Unlike Ray Rice, Wilson has not suffered any professional or legal consequences for his barbaric killing, which some describe as an assassination, of Michael Brown. As far as we know Wilson has not been suspended without pay. Nor has he lost his job or civil liberties. He has not even been charged with a crime.

It is hypocritical to call for Commissioner Goodell to step down and to call for Ray Rice to receive stiffer punishment but to not call for Darren Wilson, an officer sworn to uphold the law, to be charged and tried for gunning down an unarmed civilian who was trying to surrender. Violence, except in the case of authentic self-defense, is wrong. Perpetrators, including police officers, who commit unjustifiable acts of violence should be arrested, charged, and tried. Darren Wilson’s brutal killing of Michael Brown falls into that category. Therefore, Wilson should be arrested for and charged with the cold-blooded killing of Michael Brown, an 18-year-old, unarmed person, who was trying to surrender at the time of his killing.

Let there be justice for all!!