Peace in Ferguson
A month ago, I was in Ferguson, Missouri to depose the St. Louis County chief medical examiner in the place where Michael Brown's autopsy occurred. I was concerned about safety, which primarily stemmed from what information I was receiving through the media. During my trip, I had the opportunity to speak about these tragic events with a diverse number of interesting and kind individuals native to Ferguson, all of which had significantly different socio-economic backgrounds. Everyone with whom I spoke had their own perspective of current affairs based upon how they see the world, but they all shared a common wish for peace...now and going forward. They all had the common sense to know that violence is not the answer; and, they all shared concern about what was being done by our private and public leaders to solve the problem.
I do not purport to know what is happening in Ferguson; why it is happening; or, what is going to happen. But, I do think about it...a lot. When you think of Ferguson what comes to mind? Why does that come to mind? What is the source of your information that is making you think that way? How much time, money and effort have been spent to try to make you think that way? Are the resources (if I were betting I would think in the millions) being spent examining and correcting the root of the problem in Ferguson and other similarly situated parts of the country? If not, why not? Are these events running simultaneously with constitutionally questioned executive actions?
If I recall correctly, the hot topic for the 2008 and 2012 elections were jobs. What happened? Why is no one on either side of the partisan table talking about jobs, let alone quality jobs? Idle hands? The framers of our constitution handed us a republic...Ben Franklin queried, "Can we keep it?"
Aside from praying for peace in Ferguson and all over the world, three thoughts come to mind: 1. We the people of the United States...; 2. United we stand divided we fall; and, 3. The pen is mightier than the sword. When discussing these matters thoughtfully with your neighbor focus on peaceful means and ways, including proper leadership, be wary of divisional tactics, and examine everything.
Happy Holidays! May everyone's New Year be filled with peace and the warmth and love of family, friends and community.
A month ago, I was in Ferguson, Missouri to depose the St. Louis County chief medical examiner in the place where Michael Brown's autopsy occurred. I was concerned about safety, which primarily stemmed from what information I was receiving through the media. During my trip, I had the opportunity to speak about these tragic events with a diverse number of interesting and kind individuals native to Ferguson, all of which had significantly different socio-economic backgrounds. Everyone with whom I spoke had their own perspective of current affairs based upon how they see the world, but they all shared a common wish for peace...now and going forward. They all had the common sense to know that violence is not the answer; and, they all shared concern about what was being done by our private and public leaders to solve the problem.
