What's Next For Ferguson?

As the world awaits the grand jury decision on whether or not officer Darren Wilson will be indicted for the murder of Michael Brown, I can't do anything but sit and wonder what is happening in this place we call America. This is supposed to be the home of the free and the brave; but, instead it has become the land of the angry and divided.

There are many who feel officer Wilson was justified in what he did. There equally if not more who believe he wasn't.  So much anger has been spewed on both sides of the coin. Some of the anger is about justice, some about race and some about people just wanting to be heard. I recently entered a conversation about this subject with quite the apprehensive voice.  My true feelings were heard and applauded by a few.  I simply said no matter what you believe to be right or wrong, whether it is about race or not the reality is someone lost a son and police officer had to do what is said to be one of the hardest parts of their job.  There are no winners here on either side but instead a significant number of losers. The family of Michael Brown lost a son, a loved one, a young man who could have contributed positively to the country at some point.  The police officer has lost his credibility, may lose his job and can't go anywhere without fear of being the target of someone's anger.  The city of Ferguson has lost many businesses in the riots as well as any sense of dignity they had as a town.

I can not nor do I want to imagine the pain the Brown family feels. I applaud their efforts asking people to be non-violent and even going to speak in front of the UN in Geneva about policing issues. If there is a voice to be heard, this was certainly a productive way to find an ear.

No one knows what the future holds for this country but  I do believe our police officers need better training. We as parents also can work with our children to understand the laws of this land and the role they play in being productive citizens. Even if we were doing a great job on both ends I'm sure there would still be someone, somewhere not holding up their end but all we can do it try. I hope that our efforts stop senseless killings whether they be at the hands of the people themselves or those in authority. I hope that our children learn to walk the road to success instead of the road to death. And lastly, I hope our legislators learn that we are in a full blown crisis with violence in this country and it is time for a major overhaul. We need healing for all no matter what race or gender.
#19DaysOfHealing #IntlMensDay2014  #aleasaword

Photo: Patrick Jones/Flickr

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What's Next for Ferguson?