TRUE MILITARIZATION IN FERGUSON Missouri Governor Jay Nixon is realizing that talk and “soft” actions won’t stop the violence in Ferguson --- so he is ordering the National Guard to take control. Yesterday, Nixon was all over network tv talk shows … criticizing Ferguson and St. Louis County police for their response a week ago today after stores were burned and looted the previous Sunday night. Yes, initially, there was a heavy police force with riot gear and armed vehicles, and yesterday, Governor Nixon complained of “militarization”. We can agree that maybe there was another way to go initially. Yes, police did fire smoke bombs and tear gas to break up crowds and clear the streets, and we can question if that was the right approach at that time, but the fact is: there was no burning nor looting while local police were on the line. And now, the Governor is “militarizing” the situation. Nixon’s previous decision to bring in the Missouri Highway Patrol and turn operations over to Captain Ron Johnson seemed to be a good idea to take a different approach; that did restore calm for the first night of change. I knew it wouldn’t be long before many would turn against Johnson despite his color and his history as a past resident of Ferguson. The initial euphoria of peace held until the thugs returned and started burning and looting; the initial response under command of the Missouri Highway Patrol: just stand back. That gave the criminals an open door. Ferguson residents and businesses started complaining about getting no protection. So, it made no difference what police were doing … they were going to be criticized. Now, Nixon realizes what I’ve been saying: Peaceful demonstrations held at night give cover to thugs who “hijack” the protests and use them as an opportunity to pillage and plunder … and commit violence. Again, I blame the demonstration leaders for not taking the lead to make sure that protests end before sundown. I blame Sharpton and Jackson for flying into town and speaking out of both sides of their mouths … asking for peace and non-violence when addressing reporters and yet, in public gatherings crying out that Michael Brown’s death will be “a defining moment” --- when they don’t have the facts of the case and know that such language can inflame. All they should be doing is urging peace and calm. Last night, another peaceful protest quickly deteriorated after many in the crowd disobeyed lawful police orders. That was followed by shootings with at least two injured, Molotov cocktails, looting, and vandalism. Captain Ron Johnson ordered smoke and tear gas fired … and said: Based on the conditions, I had no alternative but to elevate the level of response. Early this morning, Governor Nixon issued this statement: Tonight, a day of hope, prayers, and peaceful protests was marred by the violent criminal acts of an organized and growing number of individuals, many from outside the community and state, whose actions are putting the residents and businesses of Ferguson at risk. I am directing the highly capable men and women of the Missouri National Guard to assist ... in restoring peace and order to this community. This all started with the death of Michael Brown, and hopefully, it won’t lead to more deaths. We still don’t have all the facts of what happened. If Officer Darren Wilson is guilty of a crime, he should pay, but at this point, we are a long ways from a verdict. If Governor Nixon, Sharpton, Jackson and local “leaders” (and right now, based on their leadership, I use that term loosely) want to help: Quit Fanning the Flames! Quit talking about justice for Michael Brown … start talking about … justice --- period. Stop all demonstrations …or at least, end them well before nightfall. Many Ferguson residents have stood in front of looters trying to stop the violence; they have helped clean up the aftermath; they have asked businesses not to leave their community. They also want “justice” but in the meantime, they have been striving for peace. Nixon, big name outsiders and local “leaders” should watch the actions and words of those who are truly trying to resolve this conflict … and not trying to build their names and careers and bank accounts on this tragedy. (Starting at 9pm on Larry Conners USA, I will be focusing on these latest developments and those that happen during this day. You can listen at KTRS (550) and for relatives and friends beyond our borders, they can listen on the internet at KTRS … of via the free KTRS phone app. You can also follow me on LarryConnersUSA)
Posted on: Mon, 18 Aug 2014 11:08:04 +0000
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