The Ferguson Frenzy

We all have seen and heard about the recent events that have taken place in Ferguson, MO. This city seems so far away from those who live in the suburbs, like myself, but they are actually much closer to us than one may think.

I find it interesting how those who have been rioting, looting, and destroying the city of Ferguson are also some of the people who are saying there needs to be an end to police brutality. It is hard for me to understand how those who committing such acts of violence can expect police to NOT step in. Breaking into stores, such as QT, and stealing their merchandise and setting the store on fire is a crime. Assaulting officers is a crime. Shooting innocent people is a crime. So tell me again, how is the police's involvement in Ferguson being viewed as "police brutality" to some? If people in Ferguson weren't acting out violently then there would be no reason for the police to even be involved. Do people really think police officers are wanting to face the protests and riots for their own pleasure? Do people really think the officers want to potentially risk their own lives to the hate and violence that is going on in Ferguson at night? The police are trying to END the violence and PROTECT the innocent.

With that being said, there are people who are protesting peacefully, and bravo to those people because that is a step towards the justice they may feel they deserve. Violence is not, and never will be, the answer to our problems. It saddens me to see the media showing pictures of Martin Luther King Jr. related to this event because his protests were not like this one has been. His had a purpose to help the people as a whole.

The protests in Ferguson are about one man: Michael Brown. Did the people protesting even know Mike? Do they really CARE about this man who died? Personally, I don't think a majority even knew him. I think they think that protesting about this one particular shooting will benefit themselves personally. I think they think they know the whole story when they don't. I think they need to calm down, stop the violence, let the investigations continue, and allow the facts arise.

What happens if the facts show that the officer really did kill Mike in cold blood? Will the violence continue in Ferguson? Will the chaos end once an officer is behind bars? What happens if the facts show that Mike Brown really was assaulting the officer who shot him? Will the protests and violence continue? Will it stop? Will people think they resorted to violence to defend a man who was guilty?

Everyone needs to take a few steps back for a minute and reevaluate the reasons why they are getting involved with this situation. They need to make sure they are being respectful members of society while protesting whatever they are protesting. They also need to know what they are protesting.

Stop the violence. Promote protest for peace.