[three_fourth_last]This is a letter I received tonight from one of my relatives. I’m posting it in full here for our TMV readers. Thoughtful comments are welcome. Thank you. Dr. E. [icopyright one button toolbar]
I’m not a jouralist. I’m a police officer. I’m a black man.
These are just my current thoughts on the situation in Ferguson, Missouri. My thinking may change as more and more facts come in.
First of all, I must say as a black man and as a professional, I am at this juncture… utterly disgusted by the lawlessness taking place in the city of Ferguson. In any and every direction.
It is more than unfortunate that this young black man by the name of Michael Brown, has senselessly lost his life in what appear to be extenuating circumstances.
To be honest, I do not know what took place that Saturday afternoon between Officer Wilson and the deceased, Michael Brown, because I was not there. However, as a police officer, I can tell you from all directions, it is a most difficult situation in which to be involved.
Yet, I don’t see the sense in it escalating as it has over this last week. From any side. And too, this is America, we do not point machine guns at unarmed, innocent people. And by the same token, we do not use tragedy as a reason to loot and burn and endanger others.
I cant judge more precisely on all matters, for again, I was not there. And the verifiable facts are trickling in. I only know that a police department has to handle all events from beginning to end with a precise established protocol and in ways that are meant to firstly safeguard others, give aid however needed, honor legal rights, bring in other agencies if needed, including specialists in meeting with representatives of aggrieved parties, and also try to remain safe too.
Often a well trained and experienced Police Chief with strong leadership skills knows exactly how to de-escalate and handle fragile situations, and lets his or her men and women officers know the parameters clearly and supports them clearly in what to do and what not to do.
Yet, as a person, as a man, I can understand the hurt; the people of Ferguson’s anger; and their mistrust of Ferguson P.D.
I can also understand the push-back by many against those who have felt they have the right to loot, vandalize and jeopardize the safety of any citizen of Ferguson. I must reserve judgement until I have all the facts surrounding this — however, I have to say, it is not ok in the aftermath, for any who style themselves as ‘thugs’ to use what is already a tragic situation, to make it even more difficult for all concerned.
I’d like to mention for a moment, the phenomena of some “wanna-be ‘thugs,’ [this, a well known term used in black cultural layers]. In my police experience in dealing with riots and other crises, ‘wanna-be thugs’ are often not peaceful protesters. They do not follow Martin Luther King’s many examples of peaceful protest for instance. {Law enforcement’s duty to protect and defend, means PD has to intervene and do their due diligence to stop violence and escalation of violence. Due diligence means investigation so one can proceed with a certain standard of care.This is why a strong leader as Police Chief is essential.}
Back to wanna-bes: In my experience in law enforcement, I’d have to note that so-called ‘thugs’ who blatantly break laws while endangering others and sometimes themselves as well, are often young men with insecurities who feel they have to put up a front– hoping to look tough so others will be intimidated by them– no matter what their backgrounds, racial or otherwise. It’s often a matter of young adults choosing choices that are not good for them, not good for their futures, not good for their siblings, parents, children.
However, and this is just an aside that is a personal reflection, seeing all I’ve seen over the years: I think, as black parents, we have to do a better job raising our kids to first and foremost respect themselves and others. By better, I mean attentive. To not teach kids to shift blame because of our own past resentments. In fact, to not have unwarranted blames. Only strength to do what we can. Peacefully. Daily self-accountability. Moving forward in all strength and best insight.
That takes daily teaching and course correction by a parent. Daily. I think we have to daily educate our children on how to properly conduct themselves in a society that may or may not agree with them on all things. This is the meaning of teaching core values that most people from all backgrounds can agree on: work hard, do good, love faithfully, shelter the vulnerable, be wise, care for the sick, help to heal something or someone, do your best, use ALL your gifts to make this world a better place, don’t wait for it to fall apart before you start working to make it better. For everyone.
I cant put forth any guaranteed solutions for Ferguson. That will come from the good minds and hearts who live there. But I find it sad that so far, some of the people can’t comprehend that the solution is not to resort to violence, but rather to come together and have a voice.
A true voice. Isn’t that what we’ve fought for… for so long. To have say-so and parity. A voice.
I feel for Michael Brown’s family and I pray that they will get the justice they deserve. I also pray for the young officer whose life will forever be changed.
In all, I wish this tragedy could have been avoided entirely. As I know, many many others wish so too.
Ed: Thoughtful comments are welcome on this post. If you’ve not commented before, please read ‘the commenter’s rules’ atop the masthead before commenting. Another post by the same letter writer can be found here… a memory of Mandela who the writer was police body guard for on a visit to the Americas.
The image is from Ferguson Chamber of Commerce, 4th of July in Ferguson. You’ve noted no doubt that much of Ferguson is quiet, but that is not covered by msm. Rousing passion with photos is a whole other topic re MSM. In Ferguson, many are thoughtful, bewildered, grieving, as well as according to some of my church sources, meeting to see what can be done peacefully and justly.