Ask Paul B: Ferguson Violence Just Black and White?

Dear Paul B,

I am so confused about all the protests in Ferguson and St. Louis, Missouri. I abhor police violence, and I had hoped that there would be some closer examination of this topic, and also the RIGHT verdict. I am very unhappy with the conclusion, but I am glad that this officer has quit his job. What say you, Paul B. You have been awfully quiet about it. You confused too?

Pamela

Dear Pamela,

It is NOT just about black and white, but young, old, and inexperienced as well. First of all, lets examine, if you will, Mr. Brown. He was a very young lad, and unfortunately, he has a rap sheet. He is not a choirboy, but for that reason he did not deserve to die. He had JUST robbed a convenience store, before the shooting. For THAT, he did not deserve to die . Toxicology reports notwithstanding, indications that Brown was under the influence of a controlled substance, he did NOT deserve to die. Running into Officer Wilson appears to be one of those “wrong place, wrong time,” occurrences. Wilson is only 28. He had never fired his weapon in defense. He had never shot anyone, obviously. He worked in a dangerous part of town, and for all of the above, he should NOT have been patrolling in this area. Black policemen should patrol this area to avoid black/white confrontations. Wilson was in fear of his life. There is absolutely NO testimony that corroborates any truth to the “story” that Brown was walking away hands up. I do NOT believe that Wilson woke up looking to shoot a black man. He does not strike me as someone willing to risk his career to kill a perfect stranger, black OR white. The Grand Jury did NOT have evidence to convict him. I can (and must) live with that. Wilson will not be able to serve the public any longer as an officer of the law. I truly believe that his inexperience was a huge flaw in this tragic loss of life, not a moment of racial violence. If Brown had listened to Wilson, and had followed his commands, we would NOT be having this discussion, and Brown would be alive. We have to trust that policemen are in the right. When we are stand, sit, leave the car, or empty your pockets, please peeps, just DO IT!

— Paul B.

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