There is a way out of the situation and culture in Ferguson, MO. First, everybody take a breath. Protesters, wait until you have something tangible to protest, unless you are demonstrating for non-violence from BOTH sides. Over the next 5 years, the police department could make a concentrated effort to begin and sustain positive relationships with all the people of Ferguson by one on one contact and getting to know the folks better. The folks of Ferguson, for their part, would have to welcome such an overture and welcome the police officers into their neighborhood, and dare I say even into their homes; stop tolerance for disrespect of those who protect and serve them, and also build friendly positive relationships with the officers. It is so much harder to hate the person you know. This is not a black vs white issue, its an issue of lack of respect. I know, Mayberry is a myth and this is a very naïve perspective that realistically will never happen. Why? Because there has been created an atmosphere of fear, of entitlement and of victimhood. What is lacking? A strong sense of responsibility and civility. I would give up hope for us if I didnt know that the ultimate outcome was in the hands of a power much greater than ourselves. In the meantime, I will pray for peace and healing, for honor and respect, and for unconditional love over hate. Shalom Aleichem indeed.
Posted on: Wed, 20 Aug 2014 22:01:42 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015