Obama and Ferguson: Issue For America

Obama says that being angry with the grand jury's decision in Ferguson is an understandable reaction.

OBAMA: There are Americans who agree with it, and there are Americans who are deeply disappointed, even angry. It’s an understandable reaction. But I join Michael’s parents in asking anyone who protests this decision to do so peacefully.

Wow.

What a powerful statement! Protest peacefully. What a leader!

Instead of leading from behind, Obama should have clearly stated that gunshots and arson and looting are totally unacceptable and illegal responses to a grand jury decision. He should have said that anyone engaging in such thuggery will be arrested for their crimes.

Obama is spitting in the faces of the members of the grand jury. He's saying they arrived at the wrong decision. He's saying our judicial system failed. Obama is stoking the violence, not quelling it. Anger at the grand jury and the American system is understandable in this case. Yeah, that will help to keep the peace.

It's not surprising that Obama's suggestion that people behave was disregarded.

Rather than heeding his call, they're telling him to shut the f--- up.

Obama's call for police to behave was particularly offensive.

OBAMA: I also appeal to the law enforcement officials in Ferguson and the region to show care and restraint in managing peaceful protests that may occur. Understand, our police officers put their lives on the line for us every single day. They’ve got a tough job to do to maintain public safety and hold accountable those who break the law. As they do their jobs in the coming days, they need to work with the community, not against the community, to distinguish the handful of people who may use the grand jury’s decision as an excuse for violence -- distinguish them from the vast majority who just want their voices heard around legitimate issues in terms of how communities and law enforcement interact.

Do most police officers in America work "against the community"? Is it really necessary for Obama to tell police to behave?

Not good.

"This is not just an issue for #Ferguson. This is an issue for America." —President Obama: http://t.co/6bWKyIJFFD pic.twitter.com/JZ26fetEpb

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) November 25, 2014

I agree. It is an issue for America.

I guess the culture of victimhood and the promotion of dependence and helplessness doesn't work out so well, not in Ferguson and not in America.

Here's an idea: OBEY THE LAW. Act responsibly. Work WITH police to improve neighborhoods. Support and elect public officials interested in growing the economy and creating jobs rather than supporting politicians interested in creating dependence on government handouts.

Personal responsibility: What a concept!