How do we heal after the Ferguson grand jury decision?

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 21:25:59 -0500

Whether you feel that the grand jury's decision to not prosecute the police officer was correct or not how do you think that that community and us as a nation can move forward and heal?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2014 9:32 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 21:32:14 -0500

As much as I'd like for the country to move forward, I know it won't. There are way too many people who see things through the prism of color, sex, or ethnicity to even let things go so that we can thrive. Hate will never end as long as people refuse to be accountable as well as hold others accountable.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 24 at 2014 9:46 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 21:46:40 -0500

I am on 24/7 Japanese tv. What did I miss? More riots, pandemonium, bedlam?

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Nov 24 at 2014 9:44 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 21:44:50 -0500

There were 2 people who know exactly what happened that day and tragically one of them is dead. All the rest of us can do is wait for the facts. Except for the media of course. They have the liberty of reporting what is available, whether or not it is correct, factual or proven .

Media "speculation" is the petri dish that breeds misinformed hysteria. You combine this with the folks SSG Private RallyPoint Member mentions and BA-BOOM! The media build up to this news release was over a week in the making - an agitator to the protestors. Too many people want to see and hear only what they want and the media is providing the blinders.

I believe they ought to let the public know how many people on the grand jury were of the same ethnic background as Michael Brown and voted to not prosecute Darren Wilson so the public can take the race card off the table.

***

I stand corrected as I just read MSN:

"A grand jury of nine whites and three blacks had been meeting weekly since Aug. 20 to consider evidence.
At least nine votes would have been required to indict Wilson."

Here we go again. The media has just lobbed up a grapefruit because IMHO I can see what the protestors could possibly get out of it - 9 white votes.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2014 10:33 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 22:33:45 -0500

As someone who formerly was law enforcement and currently am a member of security/safety team at work; I have always relied on facts to form opinion. Forensic evidence has been presented which clears the officer of indictable offenses. That however is little solace for the family, who still believe the officer was at fault.

The problem which has caused this issue, not only in Ferguson, but in cities and towns coast to coast is the lack of accountability which is fostered in communities where this happens. This young man did not deserve to be shot and killed. However, by his actions he set in motion a chain of events which led to his untimely demise.

It is unfortunate that police officers and other who enforce rules and laws are held accountable for the responses they are forced to enact because of the actions of others. And further still mob rule is the result in communities which fail to see that the problem is theirs and what they choose to celebrate and condemn.

I find it sad that our society allows for this to occur to ourselves and that we no longer police our own and instead blame others for responses to actions we refuse to take accountability for.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Nov 24 at 2014 11:17 PM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 23:17:30 -0500

Healing is a great term! Unfortunately, healing does not sell news papers and commercial spots. Healing also does not allow people to hold themselves accountable. Ferguson will heal as soon as the media leaves. I don't understand 'protesting' a 'crime' by committing crimes...

Response by SGT Richard H. made Nov 24 at 2014 11:27 PM

SGT Richard H. — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 23:27:21 -0500

I started to comment, but I think I'll abstain. I can't think of anything that isn't completely smart-ass, yet my good sense tells me it's way too soon.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2014 4:07 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 04:07:00 -0500

I honestly think this will be forgotten in 1-2 weeks. The media will spin something new and the majority of the country will remember this episode as a blip in their life. The media controls the masses and we'll move in when they are ready to move on.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Nov 25 at 2014 7:12 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 07:12:43 -0500

This is F--KING INSANE! These violent protests are getting us nowhere towards healing. Lets act like savage animals - burn cars and buildings and loot business that are completely irrelevant to this case - creating more victims.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Nov 25 at 2014 7:16 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 07:16:19 -0500

Media stirring the sh!t pot AGAIN. Savanah Guthrie - SHUT THE F--K UP! Its questions like, "Do you think the prosecutor just didn't try too hard to get an indictment?" that add fuel to the fire.

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Nov 25 at 2014 7:52 AM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 07:52:12 -0500

LTC Private RallyPoint Member Sir, first, we must accept the decision as legal and just. If the testimonial and physical evidence does not present a forensic image which establishes probable cause to believe Officer Wilson committed any of the five offenses presented to the Grand Jury, then we must accept that.

Second, the way forward must have open communication which is not filled with violence, damage, and or death. Encompassed in this is the desire to change the law enforcement entities in the community to be more open to the community. Contrary to many, I do not believe this requires a new police force, rather, a new image of the police force.

Third, actively engage the community leaders. Community leaders must be promulgated to get in front of this issue, by first accepting the ruling and then by showing the way forward by being a good steward of their community. This will include an opportunity for these leaders to address the ruling through saying, something similar to: " while we may not viscerally agree with the decision of the grand jury, our system of justice must be trusted as fair, unbiased, lawful, and whole. The facts have been examined, without prejudice, and a legal ruling has been made."

Fourth, the "professional" protesters, media minions, and others who seek fame while the city burns behind them need to be removed from the healing process by the National media outlets simply not presenting programming which includes them.

Finally, National politicians need to stay out of this. This is a local and state level issue which must be addressed by them. Federal intervention will only muddy the waters and have a cause and effect of delaying the healing process. If the United States Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation have determined that a violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 occurred then they should move forward. If the evidence does not support that, then they should conduct a press release and allow this to be added to the healing.

These are my thoughts.

Response by SGT Orazio Castellana made Nov 25 at 2014 9:19 AM

SGT Orazio Castellana — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 09:19:26 -0500

We have to start teaching our kids not to steal. Start with that. Committing a felony is only going to create an encounter with law enforcement. Attacking or being aggressive with a police officer is going to bring consequences.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2014 9:20 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 09:20:03 -0500

I deny that we've been injured.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2014 9:26 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 09:26:21 -0500

Heal what? A police officer was not charged for doing his job and everyone is mad. The people who are looting and setting things on fire were going to do it anyway, that was their agenda, they just needed the situation to get out of control to cover them.
Loss of life is tragic no matter where it happens or how it happens, the difference is how it is portrayed by the media which sadly is what people take as the gospel. When an unarmed white male (Dillon Taylor) was killed by a black officer in Utah a few months ago no one batted an eye because the colors didn't meet their agenda.
What's truly sad now is that the very same people that complain they are forced to live in ghetto conditions by the system are the same people that just turned as perfectly fine city into a ghetto.
They have disgraced the life and name of the fallen by acting like heathens.

Response by SSG Stephen Arnold made Nov 25 at 2014 2:00 PM

SSG Stephen Arnold — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 14:00:21 -0500

There can be no healing without recognizing the facts of what happened. There is a very basic cause and effect relationship that the protesters and the family refuse to acknowledge.

If Brown had behaved in a lawful manner, Officer Wilson would never have unholstered his weapon. Better still, he never would have met Wilson in the first place.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Nov 25 at 2014 8:41 PM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 20:41:04 -0500

Those rioting don't want to move forward as Americans. Their attacks on innocent people prove they are just angry and insecure. Their actions keep racism alive in this country.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Nov 25 at 2014 9:21 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 21:21:58 -0500

First, these radical, animalistic, indiscriminant, violent protests have to end now. You can't blame the system then destroy property and injure innocent bystanders simply to justify your feelings. What about the businesses and livelihoods these animals have destroyed for no reason? Do we let them go as "payback" for no indictment of Darren Wilson being handed down - commit true injustice because people don't like the decision of a grand jury?

Somebody posted on FB - The events in Ferguson are very reminiscent of all the violent protests that took place after the injustice of O. J. Simpson being acquitted for killing a white woman.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Nov 25 at 2014 9:47 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 21:47:01 -0500

A little 3 Dog Night maybe?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAlQjLse0BA

Three Dog Night - Black and White 1972

Three Dog Night - Black and White 1972 The ink is black, the page is white Together we learn to read and write A child is black, a child is white The whole w...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2014 12:16 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 00:16:43 -0500

Something to ponder. When all of these people decided to riot and loot last night, out of ALL of those stores that were looted was there NOT a single one that had belts? Think about it.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Nov 26 at 2014 12:07 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 12:07:36 -0500

There will be no healing until people stop wanting to be "victims".

Response by SSG Ralph Innes made Nov 26 at 2014 12:08 PM

SSG Ralph Innes — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 12:08:19 -0500

Not sure I should comment, but here it goes. I live in Missouri and practice law. I do see a disportionate number of blacks in the criminal system. Do they committ more crimes than whites or hispanics? I don't know. Do I believe our local law enforcement in my town treats blacks differently than whites? Yes.

Given what I see with my own two eyes, I am not sure how you heal from that. There is a very apparent distrust of law enforcement officers from the black community, and quite honestly, I believe it is well founded. If I had been in the situation rather than Officer Wilson, I could have gotten by with the shots fired from inside the car. However, when I exited the vehicle and then proceeded to shoot 10 more times, I am going to jail and would be there until trial.

I can admit, had it not been from my time in the Army, I wouldn't have been so open minded about this. My first serious interaction with non-whites was in the Army, and I am a better person for that. The civilian world tends to live in a segregated society to this day. Until both whites and blacks start trusting the other, we won't heal. I would have taken a bullet for any race of soldier that was shoulder to shoulder with me, and I know they would have done the same. The civilian world needs to figure out how to have that same attitude.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2014 12:37 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 12:37:08 -0500

We can raise our kids to turn out better than us. The collapse of the family unit and the driving away of a faith based society has turned everyone into hateful, self-serving animals who refuse order and civility unless it fits their personal agenda. More than likely, society will just continue to collapse until another revolution happens and humanity is restored. A rather bleak outlook, but probably pretty accurate.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2014 1:26 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 13:26:27 -0500

It appears to me that the community - aided, abetted, and motivated by outside self-serving interests has decided to self-medicate through arson, theft, and general mayhem.

I would advise authorities to do what I do with my two year old. Stand back a safe distance and let them destroy their own stuff. Once they realize that their looted and burned liquor stores, convenience stores, and groceries (as well as those jobs) won't be back soon, if ever, the tantrum will stop. The trouble makers are looking for a way to lash out at those who they think wronged them. Don't give them that chance.

Response by SSG John Erny made Nov 26 at 2014 1:32 PM

SSG John Erny — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 13:32:55 -0500

Did Brown rob a store: Yes
Did Wilson ask Brown to get off the street: Yes
Did Brown Punch Wilson: Yes
Did Wilson need to shoot Brown: Not sure
Did Wilson need to shoot Brown as many times as he did: I question that, but was not there.
Was there enough evidence to prove that Wilson intended to kill Brown rather than shoot to stop: NO
Was there enough evidence to prove Wilson was not afraid for his life: No
Do any of us know for certain what happened: Hell No!
Is it tragic for all involved, Brown family, Wilson Family, Ferguson, Missouri, and the USA: Yes!

What would I suggest

1 Two Cops per car, it is far too difficult for one officer to fight of a large male. If a second officer were there a tazer or pepper spray could have been used.
2 Wait for Back Up!

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2014 1:35 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 13:35:12 -0500

What is the will of the Ferguson's family?

Response by PO3 Shaun Taylor made Nov 26 at 2014 1:58 PM

PO3 Shaun Taylor — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 13:58:30 -0500

I believe "us" as a NATION for the most part have moved on. The news has already started to move on to other topics. As far as the Ferguson community it's going to take time because their community was directly involved so the impact for them is slightly greater.

Response by Sgt Mike Boland made Nov 26 at 2014 2:08 PM

Sgt Mike Boland — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 14:08:02 -0500

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Nov 26 at 2014 5:36 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 17:36:27 -0500

Time, patience and prayer. Nothing else can help to heal like these three things. Of course this would also require the citizens of Ferguson to stop acting the fool and put this behind them. But, what are the chances of that ever happening?

Response by SSG Leonard J W. made Nov 26 at 2014 6:56 PM

SSG Leonard J W. — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 18:56:44 -0500

CPT Maurelli,
That is a great question. I believe the nation will only heal when forgiveness of others is chosen, regardless of their actions, and when selflessness is more dominant in our culture than selfishness.

As far as the case: I personally believe that the jury made the best decision possible based upon the evidence produced.

Here is my opinion of the case as seen through my "combat lenses": Warfighters always have the right to defend themselves. The scenario was hand-to-hand combat, the officer was losing, and no battle buddies were nearby to assist. The solution: "do what is required to survive. There is no such thing as a fair fight in war." The officer, as a veteran, probably had this same mentality. Lethal force is the last resort, and I'm sure the officer understood that twice over as a veteran and law enforcement agent.

Response by PO2 Brad Fletcher made Nov 26 at 2014 7:01 PM

PO2 Brad Fletcher — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 19:01:59 -0500

It appears too many Americans grow up ignorant because of an educational system that fails to teach the basics.

Basics of the US legal system aside, I've talked with young people (HS grads) who didn't know which political party Abraham Lincoln belonged to. Why?

Is teaching basic bodies of knowledge / historical facts now taboo? Why?

Growing up ignorant because of poor quality education cannot lead to anything positive.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2014 8:45 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 20:45:17 -0500

PO3 Shaun Taylor, I'm truly curious by your latest comment on my response above. Why are you a part of the "black community"? Would it not be better to just be part of the community instead of segregating oneself immediately? I ask this because although I have certain characteristics (gender, skin color, ethnicity, language, spiritual beliefs) I'm not concerned with segregating myself from the rest of society nor do I see others in such a fashion. Personally, I could care less about the gender, skin color, ethnicity or spiritual beliefs of a person but I DO care about their values, morals and ethics, which encompass their character. I truly believe and know that until we stop deliberately and specifically identifying ourselves and others through the prism of color, or ethnicity, or gender, that we will continue to have a very divided and emotionally charged nation. Thoughts?

What do you think, LTC Private RallyPoint Member, Cpl Brett Wagner, SPC D W, SSG Daniel Deiler, SSG Justin McCoy, SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL, Capt Jeff S., SSG Private RallyPoint Member, SGT Private RallyPoint Member, SSG Maurice P., LTC Paul Labrador, MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca, SGT(P) Harry Clyde Jr., CW5 Private RallyPoint Member, SPC(P) Jay Heenan, SGT Richard H., Cpl Private RallyPoint Member, SFC Mark Merino, 1LT John Martin, SMSgt Minister Gerald A. Thomas.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2014 8:59 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 20:59:59 -0500

Well this definitely is not helping.....

http://www.aol.com/article/2014/11/25/burn-this-bitch-down-michael-browns-stepfather-shown-encouraging-ferguson-riots/20998980/

'Burn this bitch down!': Michael Brown's stepfather shown in footage encouraging Ferguson riots

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2014 9:11 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 21:11:03 -0500

Sir, Healing, Religion or Faith has nothing to do with the Ferguson Grand Jury Decision. SFC Grudzinski hit the nail with a sledge hammer. If anything (and this might open Pandora’s Box) is the up bringing of ones child to listen to and obey the Rules and Laws of this Nation. To include those being Given or Instructed to One WITH Authority over YOU. Sir, SFC Grudzinski, my wife and I sat here, watched and listened to the Grand Juries verdict being read she said “Yes”. But now the real fight begins for all LEO’s Nation wide. It doesn’t matter if we’re a Local PD, County SO, State Highway Patrol, Game Warden, Federal Agent, USBP or US Military MP. Watching each others backs will be the name of the game from the start of shift to the end and beyond. Through out my law enforcement career, both Civilian and Military, the race issue only just started to rear its “ugly” side toward the end of Military side LE. But still, I did not care what the color of your skin was, I treated you the same no matter what was said to me.
But here’s the question that was asked before, “What if the skin color of the officer were reversed and the suspect he shot were white?” (And that you had pointed out from the UTAH incident) LEO’s across this Nation put their lives on the line and crap like this happens when others go unnoticed. Officer Wilson did his job to the FULLEST of his abilities and Survived his Encounter! AND is now being tried not by 12 but by the Federal Government! Head Hunting Party?

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2014 9:38 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 21:38:37 -0500

You show up to work and do your job like a professional.

Response by TSgt Kristin Parsons made Nov 26 at 2014 9:46 PM

TSgt Kristin Parsons — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 21:46:17 -0500

I think people in the US are just looking for reasons to protest. No matter what the decision was, they were going to riot.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Nov 26 at 2014 10:15 PM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 22:15:33 -0500

"Don't shoot?" How about don't loot. Seriously, is burning down a building 5 miles away going to solve anything? Or 500 miles, the riots have spread.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2014 10:50 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 22:50:02 -0500

I don't have a one-solution solves all answer. The issues between the black and white communities in Ferguson, MO must be fixed. You cannot make me believe that having a minority white group with all the power, authority and money controlling and dictating how things are done in a majority black community will ever be done fairly or with an even hand.

However, with that said, destructiive protest solves very little. It certainly sells newspapers and puts a situation on the 24/7 news rotation - but it solves nothing.

Somewhere in the middle of all this are a few individuals, both black and white, that are seeking common ground and working towards a different future. They are staying away from the limelight and cameras .... and to truely be successful, they MUST stay out of the cameras eyes until conversations have developed enough to come to the forefront.

Heal? Only time will heal. But in the meantime, everyone involved must seek out answers to all the problems in that community - not just a few, but all the problems.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2014 11:19 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 23:19:53 -0500

This is something I posted, and is generally where I stand. As a nation I don't know how we will move forward. But I doubt it will be how we should.

Let me be clear, there is an epidemic problem with racism in law enforcement. Something that really needs to change. Many police forces have already started drastic change. However, many communities can't afford to take the necessary actions to do so. I read one police chief's problem where he had 10 openings on his force, all white applicants, the police force was already over 90% white, and the community was only 17% white. With the prejudices that exist in this country, that's a problem.
If the protest today and yesterday in Portland was bout fixing that problem, I wouldn't object, I might even join it. But it wasn't. People that argue that it was are kidding themselves. I walked through it, I read the signs and listened to the chants. It was about disagreeing with the Grand Jury's decision, and establishing that all police officers are evil. Which is stupid. The case went to the Justice department, which is more daylight then the vast majority of these cases see. The impartial grand jury sees more evidence then any of us, or the media. They chose not to prosecute. It wasn't a D.A. or a police investigator. It was an impartial jury of our peers. Anyone who disagrees with that process, and thinks someone should be prosecuted despite a grand jury decision, really needs to leave the U.S., your citizenship and rights are being wasted if you don't believe in them.
Again if this was about positive change I would support it. But it wasn't. It was about mongering hate for the police and the system. Which makes the people participating no better then those already hating. The people that effected great change in our society have done so through courage, love and compassion, not anger, fear and hate.
I hope everyone remembers that police officers are by and large good people. Some are bad, just as some in any profession are bad. Though they are sworn to protect us. They've taken an oath most would never take. If you want to change this epidemic that has gone on longer then we've been a nation, do so positively, with that in mind. Do that, and you have at least my support.

Response by CPL Rick Stasny made Nov 26 at 2014 11:19 PM

CPL Rick Stasny — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 23:19:43 -0500

The photo attached to this question shows a representation of a person attempting to surrender. The criminal was not surrendering, but engaged in a violent attack, forcing the officer to use deadly force. I believe these cases should not be tried by the media, but the judicial system that allows for substantial deference based on what was perceived at that time by the officer.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2014 12:34 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 00:34:26 -0500

I wonder if the thugs will even be pursued? Probably not! And the worst thing of all is that the law abiding citizens who did care about the community have to deal with the aftermath of losing their businesses.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2014 9:07 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 09:07:16 -0500

Great now the jihadists are trying to recruit....

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/11/27/global-jihadists-tweet-in-bid-to-recruit-ferguson-protesters/

Global jihadists tweet in bid to recruit Ferguson protesters

Islamic jihadists worldwide have launched a barrage of recruitment messages amid the latest unrest in Ferguson, Mo., using Twitter accounts to call on African-Americans and others in the United States to join their cause.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2014 9:11 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 09:11:18 -0500

With people plotting like this there will be no progress as any good positive protesting will be out-shadowed by this.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/11/27/men-allegedly-plotted-to-bomb-gateway-arch-kill-ferguson-officials-report-says/

Response by SGT Richard H. made Nov 27 at 2014 10:38 AM

SGT Richard H. — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 10:38:25 -0500

I can't help but wonder how the whole Ferguson story would have played in the media if the situation had been reversed 180 degrees.

Just for a moment, imagine that the police officer would have responded just as he did, but instead of him shooting the kid, let's say the kid shot the officer. What would the news story have been? Would it have gotten national media or presidential attention at all?

Think about it. How many of us can name even one police officer that was shot and killed in the line of duty?

Moreover, assuming that it even did make the national news, would we have heard any more about it by the time of the arraignment? Or would it have been a dead issue by then? I tend to think that nobody beyond the borders of Missouri would have even seen the story the first time around, let alone the second.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Nov 27 at 2014 12:43 PM

1SG Michael Blount — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 12:43:11 -0500

I wouldn't want to be part of the MOARNG that was activated by the Governor. Talk about having to defend a stinky grand jury decision. The Soldier's ultimate moral dilemma

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2014 1:24 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 13:24:55 -0500

I am currently attending the FBI National Academy with a ton of Law Enforcement Executives. We have discussed this topic in length.

A few items I will throw out there.

1. Foremost we live in a nation of laws that citizens are expected to follow.
2. Community relations with Law Enforcement must be strengthened
3. Leaders from the national level to the local level must be involved
4. ALL criminals need to be held accountable
5. The public should be educated as to the role of Law Enforcement and how they can legally respond to different types of incidents. (this ties into #2)

Since the initial incident in Ferguson, over 41 police officers have been killed in the line of duty across this great nation.

Response by LCpl Steve Wininger made Nov 27 at 2014 2:47 PM

LCpl Steve Wininger — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 14:47:37 -0500

As long as it is about race and not justice, we won't heal as a nation. I am saddened about this tragedy for those on all sides. This same scenario plays out daily.

The POTUS and the media could have diffused this situation, instead they chose it to increase the division in America. In a time of tragedy we need unity, not division. As long as there are those from the president down making this about race, we will not heal.

Forgiveness is the only way.

Response by SPC Tom Maddox made Nov 27 at 2014 4:40 PM

SPC Tom Maddox — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 16:40:31 -0500

I don't think we will move forward or heal. events like Ferguson happen way more often than people want to believe. The media chooses which stories to target, causing communities to feel the need to react. I will never understand the need to protest by committing crimes and destroying your community.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Nov 27 at 2014 6:38 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 18:38:53 -0500

Parents need to teach their children morals and how to be an overall good productive citizen. That is one way we can move on. Another way we can move on is to accept the truth about Michael Brown. He was a criminal, and before he failed to follow instructions from Officer Darrel Wilson and then attacking him, he committed a strong armed robbery and assault. His actions cost him his life which is unfortunate.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2014 9:55 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 21:55:26 -0500

So my two cents on this issue people fail to understand and speak out of ignorance. Fact of the matter is this issue is racial various people from that town stated that there is a lot of racial tension from the police department. It would be hard for many of you to fathom this because you have never been or never will be in those shoes, so you cannot say that it isn't racial, for the fact is that racial profiling does occur when it comes to black and white cops. We only want to see one side and say the officer right simply because he is a cop, but the fact of the matter he is a liar and he did have some part in the escalation of the event and his account of the event does not make sense. So let's say that Mike Brown did steal cigarettes from the store it didn't mean he deserved to die. Why are the killers of sandy hook, the movie theater in Colorado allowed to be taken into custody with nearly not a hair on their head harmed, and they are clearly dangerous, but when it comes to African Americans we are always gunned down like animals. That officer was wrong and I know for a fact that he could have de-escalate the situation somehow, and I will not believe for one second that that he was not an aggressor in the situation as well, so people should stop saying racism isn't an issue and it doesn't exist I have experienced firsthand, and even experienced profiling in the military when an officer asked what my parents’ names were because he was surprised I didn't have an ethnic (ghetto) name simply because I'm black. We all need to address the elephant in the room and stop thinking that a small area rug is shielding it. Racism exist but it so easy for those who have not experienced it to say something g Iant racial. This racism needs to be a thing of the past and everyone should receive equal justice within our justice system...

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2014 6:33 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 06:33:14 -0500

Education of events of this nature and the desire to move forward. If we sit here and play the blame game, we are either stuck in neutral or moving backwards. As a military member, I believe that rising above the talk is the best we can do. This subject isn't one that can be explained away by platitudes and we shouldn't pretend that we have the answers. Move forward the best way we can and if you are able to help someone else in the process through education, then grab that opportunity.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2014 8:57 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 08:57:35 -0500

Our nation heal???? I wouldn't say out nation is broken because if this.

Response by Cpl Victor B Johnson made Nov 28 at 2014 10:02 AM

Cpl Victor B Johnson — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 10:02:58 -0500

The situation in Ferguson is tragic. I have a lot of family and friends in the area, From what I have heard directly from the streets, the majority of the protests are peaceful. However that's not what we are seeing in the news. SPC(P) Jay Heenan said it best, "...healing does not sell newspapers and commercial spots." Which is a HUGE reason why I don't really watch the news and rather get my information from the source. The sad part is that social media is just as bad about broadcasting the riots, too. So, no one is without blame to the negative depiction.

How do we heal??
WE ALL need to communicate with each other. Try to put yourself in the other person's shoes and understand their point of view. The one thing I tried to never do while I was enlisted was bring my race into work. We talked about cultural differences and tried to gain an understanding of each other's background. Both of my parents served in the Army. My father is a retired 1SG and my mother was honorably discharged after 6 years of service. Both were born in Alabama and Mississippi. Racial discrimination has been embedded in my memory since I was a kid. However, I do not use it to validate my actions or others' perception of me.

I had a huge discussion with 2 friends that I served with (both white). One was discharged last summer & the other is still on active duty. They wondered why I felt the way that I did and I told them about my personal experiences about being profiled. My motivation for protesting is slightly different than most people. Some people want Darren Wilson's head on a platter. I want accountability for our law enforcement officials and have the judicial system work the way it's supposed to. I do not think that was done here; that's just my opinion though.

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Nov 28 at 2014 10:46 AM

SGT Michael Glenn — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 10:46:45 -0500

MY thoughts....hmmm... well we know that this young black male robbed a store, attacked the officer while the officer was still (it seems the black male was going for the officers firearm) in his car, then ran and then was shot to death. My father and some friends have worked in law enforcement and I do know that its always a 50/50 chance things go bad when trying to apprehend a criminal, all deciding on what the criminal has his/her mind set on when confronted.Through out my life I have seen blacks kill whites while either robbing them, drugs deals gone bad or other reasons, the end result... not rioting by whites, but rioting by blacks because mamma's baby is a good baby and the whites have lied.I have had some pretty impressive friends that were black and were treated like family so no one can play the racist card when I say I am sick of certain classes of blacks always throwing the racist card in the air when one of theirs is killed for being a criminal. What most dont realize is that around 95 % of black fatalities are from other blacks, and they are ok with that??? I think this is stupid and that the people of Ferguson are only looking for a reason to loot and pillage as they usually always do, and this is being copied around the states as well.Racism will never end here as long as it offers blacks the chance to get free stuff and take stabs at other races (not only Caucasians).

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Nov 28 at 2014 11:12 AM

SGT Michael Glenn — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 11:12:11 -0500

I dont think this will ever end per say, even though blacks are no longer minorities they still want the laws to help them get through life as minorities. As long as sides are taken people will always hate. I personally think its time to let it go from both sides, stop being so damn stupid, stop forming Armies and mobs and live together at peace with each other but blind stupid pride from both sides will not it happen.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2014 2:00 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 14:00:02 -0500

I am heavily conflicted with the grand jury's ruling. I'm at a point of no trust from any party involved with this case. I can't trust the justice system, can't trust the media, can't trust the public, and this is all for legitimate reasons. The racial tensions are reaching all time highs and our society prefers to ignore these issues. The image that we are giving other countries and even enemies is detrimental to our success as a world power as well. Witnessing the level of citizens whom are enraged by ferguson and the constant deaths by the hands of our police officers can be overwhelming. This can lead to bigger issues in the near future and it is like a boiling point type of issue. In regards to what we as citizens see daily on all forms of media, it's like the tip of the iceberg with what is being showed to us. We as people need to make legitimate observations and maintain a sense of neutrality without letting emotions control us. The ferguson issue is a result of what's been festering and growing at an uncontrollable rate and we all as citizens have a responsibility to seek resolve. That resolve is contingent upon maintaining peace and upholding a standard of unison. There is no immediate solution to the aforementioned issues, rather small steps toward progression. I can safely say we need to target economic and equality issues along with meticulous observations of crime. Poverty is a huge factor to our problems but they are many more. Another day for that discussion I suppose.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2014 3:03 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 15:03:09 -0500

http://madamenoire.com/492360/darren-wilson-grand-jury-transcripts-reveal-misconduct/
I will just leave this here for anyone's reading pleasures

Response by Cpl Brett Wagner made Nov 28 at 2014 8:06 PM

Cpl Brett Wagner — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 20:06:24 -0500

CPT Brian Maurelli - Boy did you ever stir the pot this time.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2014 8:24 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 20:24:22 -0500

To paraphrase Kevin Hart: The first thing that MUST happen is for everyone to realize that not all cops are bad. Not all black people are thugs. And not all white people are racist. We must quit labeling everything in such absolutes. Without doing this, we cannot heal.

Response by Cpl Brett Wagner made Nov 28 at 2014 11:54 PM

Cpl Brett Wagner — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 23:54:10 -0500

Here is an interesting head line:

Unarmed white teen gunned down by black police officer.

http://woundedamericanwarrior.com/unarmed-white-teen-gunned-black-cop-wheres-outrage/

Why does the news media feel the need to identify people and put them into groups? Couldn't they have just as easily said "Unarmed teen gunned down by police officer."? Sure but that would not pit us against each other to create more news for the knuckleheads. If you read this story you will find the kid was streaking so he was naked therefore probably not armed but the cop shot him anyway. Maybe the kid went for the cops gun, maybe the cop was in fear for his life. Those are the questions that should be asked and answered. IMHO the did deserve a night in a cold jail cell.

Unarmed White Teen Gunned Down by Black Cop… Where’s the Outrage? - Freedom Daily

Recently an 18-year-old University of South Alabama student, Gil Collar, was shot and killed by a campus police officer.

Response by SGT Steven Ransbottom made Nov 29 at 2014 1:27 AM

SGT Steven Ransbottom — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 01:27:09 -0500

It is hard for a country to heal and move forward when you have an administration that has done nothing to calm the country down. Instead they have they have done more to divide this country. Until we remove this administration, put God back in our schools and country, and sticking to our constitutional law, we will NEVER reverse the damage that has been done. WE can though, I really believe we can, however, we have to get the leaches off the hind tit and that is everyone, white, black, asian, Hispanic.... it does not matter, if they can work, they should work.... when you are working, when you are succeeding, when you have accomplished something, it makes you feel worthy.... sorry, I digress.... God, Help us save this country from self-destruction....

Response by SFC Peter Cyprian made Nov 29 at 2014 2:03 AM

SFC Peter Cyprian — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 02:03:54 -0500

Your question seems like you don't agree with the jury decision. Cops have killed more civilians than insurgents have killed troops since the beginning of the war in Iraq. The only "healing" that I see that needs to happen is the butt hurt people that did not get their Kangaroo Court need some salve on their 4th point of contact. This situation was tragic, no doubt. There are no "winners" here. The reason it blew up is because the rabble rousers (Jackson, Sharpton, and the liberal media) made it into the situation it became. It sucks that this kid is dead before he ever really experienced life. It sucks that Officer Wilson had to take the life of a teenager. It sucks that we have such racist people that stirred this into something that it was not. The Grand Jury was privy to ALL the evidence. They heard from ALL the experts. They were given the full interpretation of the applicable laws. In the end, after hearing all the witnesses, seeing all the evidence, and being informed of what the law says- they chose not to indict Officer Wilson. The system worked the way it was supposed to work. Hell, it actually worked better- most officers involved with the shooting death of a civilian are not put through this- they get the department "internal investigation" (cops investigating cops...gee, like lawyers investigating lawyers....wonder how that normally turns out?). These investigations nearly always comeback with "no wrong doing on the part of the officer". The "healing" that needs to happen is from self inflicted wounds. Why did Michael Brown get such special treatment? THAT needs to be looked at and fixed. All the looting and burning in Ferguson right now is just because these people are showing that they didn't really care about Michael Brown- they just did it because it is the type of people that they are. (to be fair, from everything I have read, most of the looters and people burning buildings and cars are NOT from Ferguson).

Response by MSG John Wirts made Nov 29 at 2014 2:10 AM

MSG John Wirts — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 02:10:10 -0500

Until the Black community takes responsibility for its own actions, there can be no healing. One black thug is killed and the black community demands vigilante lynch mob justice. When this does not happen they RIOT, VANDALIZE, and LOOT businesses in the area, including black businesses. This is not PROTEST or CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE, it is war! 1 black boy died, since then 591 black children were murdered by their mother in aborting their unborn babies. Where is the outcry for these MURDERED BABIES???

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2014 2:27 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 02:27:46 -0500

More of this...

http://www.oregonlive.com/multimedia/index.ssf/2014/11/photo_police_officer_and_citiz.html

Photo: Police officer and young demonstrator share hug during Ferguson rally in Portland

A powerful image, shot by freelance photographer Johnny Nguyen, shows Sgt. Bret Barnum (left) hugging Devonte Hart during the Ferguson demonstration in Portland on Nov. 25, 2014.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2014 10:09 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 10:09:12 -0500

Personally, I'm disgusted. Not over the Grand Jury decision, I fully agree with the decision. I've been disgusted with the behavior of the rioters and looters since August. What sense does it make to burn down your own town because you don't agree with the grand jury decision? Martin Luther King Jr made so much progress in the 60's on the premise of nonviolent protest. Sit ins and marches paved the way for civil rights and burning businesses, homes, and cars and looting businesses does no good.

I try and empathize if you don't agree with the decision of Officer Wilson or the Grand Jury. Not agree, but try and see your side. But protest responsibly, not riot and loot irresponsibly.

We need to get to the root of the problem which started with this male adult who thought it was okay to commit strong armed robbery and then fight with a police officer. It starts with the upbringing. It starts when they are young. Parents need not teach their children to be afraid of cops but that cops are there to help. 98% of cops aren't out on the streets looking to arrest young black men on the premise that they are young black men. You should rear your child to respect themselves and others around them. The current culture doesn't not do this. Look at the popular music of today and its glorification of drugs, abuse of women, fighting, gang activities, shootings, and racism against other races (yes, racism goes both ways). That needs to change.

Teach children to dress properly. Who really thinks it is okay to walk around with your pants around your knees? You will never get a career level job like that! College should be encouraged even if you have to take out student loans. The military is a great option as well as we all know. But the military needs to do a better job of teaching discipline as well.

You should have pride in yourself and your community. If you don't like your situation, change it! Pick yourself up by your bootstraps and do something about it! Learn the value of hard work. Is it fun, no but will it be rewarding, yes. Don't let yourself or your children be a victim of circumstance. Many millionaires today started out with nothing. I know a gentleman whom 5 years ago didn't have 10 dollars to his name. Now in the past year he has been able to spend almost a million dollars just on vehicles (3 trucks, 2 Challengers, a Viper and a Maserati) and he did this with hard work! He could have looked at his life and said, well my parents were poor and didn't have anything so I won't have anything. No body in my neighborhood has money so I won't have money. The kids down the street don't have good jobs and are in gangs so that's what I'll do. No, he changed his situation through hard work.

Also we need to end the glorification of the welfare state. There are too many people out there that think that the government owes them something. Too many people who think that welfare is a career decision. Welfare and unemployment were designed to assist you in a time of need and for a short period.

Bottom line, healing comes from change. Change the mentality overall. And it comes from all sides.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Nov 29 at 2014 1:22 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 13:22:15 -0500

Nudging into a few of these highway blocking a-hole "poser" protestors with my bumper might help me feel better. I say "poser protestors" because what do these folks in other states outside MO think they are going to "win" by pulling these dangerous stunts?

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 29 at 2014 2:58 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 14:58:31 -0500

Hopefully, without having "healing riots."

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2014 3:37 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 15:37:47 -0500

In lieu of the decision and race baiting the media plays into, I'm not sure we can heal. Until the next big issue comes to the forefront. Over 70 major cities protested. Not sure why, when there was compelling evidence that a line was crossed. We cannot pacify wrong behavior, likewise we cannot condone wrongful use of deadly force. Where did this go wrong? I'm not sure it went wrong anywhere, because I wasn't there and didn't witness the interaction between Brown and Wilson. I am forever disappointed that we let it go on for so long. 60 days tops...this should of been wrapped up tight. Understand there needs to be autopsies and pathology reports, but two of them? This case raised so much awareness regarding the racial tension. We have across the nation. I most of time feel the only time the race card gets pulled is on white people. Mexicans can't be racists? Blacks can't be racists? Asians can't be racists? It boggles my mind all the black on white crimes there are, but the only ones that makes the news are the white on black. Our country is afraid to stand up to the two sided bigotry that exists in today's society. A hate crime is a hate crime no mater what color your are...Ie, Mexicans killing a gay Mexican. We need to police our own, if we rely on the police to fix everything, there will only be more killing.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2014 5:22 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 17:22:27 -0500

It will take quite a bit to get past this. There are those out there who want there to be a confrontation and they want to cause trouble, and they will be the reason our country will have a difficult time healing. Without people taking accountability for their actions, they will always blame the police, other people, or society in general for their shortcomings. Will we move forward, possibly. How will we move forward? That is to be determined.

Response by Cpl Dennis F. made Nov 29 at 2014 5:30 PM

Cpl Dennis F. — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 17:30:12 -0500

The only healing that now needs to be done is for CID to collect and review the tons of video documenting looting, destruction of property, assault, arson, and innumerable other violations of the law. Then sit down with the prosecutors office and Sheriff and bring charges and bring to trial all of the dirt bags that they possibly can. This will go a long way toward cleaning some of the trash out of that community and making it a better one for all involved. I refuse to comment on the many other "ideas" presented as they are just fueling public stupidity.

Response by CW3 John Wescott made Nov 29 at 2014 6:05 PM

CW3 John Wescott — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 18:05:40 -0500

My friends always told me never talk about religion or politics in public because you will piss some one off. First off I am not black so I have never experienced life as a man of color but I would like to make some points. One I had a really crappy father - you know what that taught me ? When i grew up and had kids of my own I was going to do everything in my power to not be like him and raise my kids in a loving, normal, non-violent household. Another point what about Jews, Italians, Irish and the Chinese? What about the Japanese who were interred in camps during WW II? The Chinese built some of the greatest neighborhoods around the country - people fly to San Francisco and DC to see Chinatown and the amazing food food and people. They stopped feeling sorry for themselves and worked their asses off. Slavery was abolished over 150 years ago, Civil Rights have been written into law over 40 years ago - when is enough enough? when do you realize that it is not the "systems" fault? The system did not make you have five kids by five different people, the system is what you make it. Stop blaming others and get back to work. McDonald's does not care who they sell franchises to, if you work hard and put in the effort you will get ahead. You break the law and disrespect police officers you get put in jail or worse. You know what I do when I get pulled over by the police? First I put my hands on the wheel so they can see them, I call them sir or ma'am, I tell them I am going to get my papers from the glovebox... I dont swear at them, I don't lie to them and at the end of the day I get my ticket and I pay it. You know how many times the police have kicked in my door ? None, I did all the dumb shit kids do when they are young - I drank beer underage, I got in fist fights, I skipped school but I did not blame that on anyone.
Maybe it is just me but I am tired of people blaming others - blame the government, blame the police, blame white people. At the end of the day we are Americans not African, not Chinese, not Iraqi just plain old Americans. Welcome to the Internet Age - stereotypes are meant to be broken - stop living in the past and live for tomorrow, live to make this country what it use to be.
Again just my two cents .....

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2014 6:43 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 18:43:16 -0500

I will have to agree with others in this discussion, there is too much hate in this country by people of all races. I know I am personally tired of hearing people of the news who think that this country holds them back because of the color of their skin, when in reality the truth is that they are the ones that hold themselves back. The government is to blame in the fact that generation after generation the welfare entitlement has grown and grown to the point that if you were to scale back it would collapse. If you want other people to take you seriously in life than it is no one else but yourself that can make it happen. I would like to say that things will get better, but in my opinion this is only the beginning of a larger fracture of our society.

Response by MSG Greg Kelly made Nov 29 at 2014 7:43 PM

MSG Greg Kelly — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 19:43:52 -0500

We will never heal as a country no matter what happened to Brown. I have not kept up with the Brown story I did at first but when the people there started that rioting shit I lost interest. As soon as that started I knew we would never hear the truth from the media, cops or the people. And when you start beating up innocent people and burning down places of business I have no respect for you. And you sure don't get on TV and bitch about a job when your burning all those business. When you act like that you don't want justice you want war and that is the Sharpton's and Jacksons talking not people of justice. And lastly when the parents get on TV they better be crying and in my eyes they should be more upset that they lost a son not on the street inciting violence against whites. People that speak about racism every time you see them on TV and they are the biggest offenders of racism do not get any sympathy from me if they want that they can look in the dictionary between shit and syphilis. Because what has been lost in all this is a young man is dead and a young man killed him, color don't mean shit. The young man that is alive has to live with the fact that he ended another humans life and if he has a conscience at all this will be with him for ever and a day will not go by that he will not see that young mans face that is punishment trust me.

Response by A1C Kenneth Crocker made Nov 29 at 2014 7:50 PM

A1C Kenneth Crocker — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 19:50:21 -0500

realize the media racebaited this into a frenzy in order to justify police militarization the cop was in the right this time but they caused such a frenzy amongst the public that justice was forgotten by most and all that matters now is that the white man and his cops are still trying to hold a brother down of course in reallity racism is mostly dead and we got to get away from blameing this on race and realize the police have to many new toys and too little real training they get armored equipment and a federaly sponsored pep talk and think there delta force hunting alqeda or isis and they very often are not held accountable for there actions

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Nov 29 at 2014 9:07 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 21:07:57 -0500

Now if we could get ISIS and the Taliban to hold up the, "Hands up, don't shoot" signs... :-)

Response by SGT Mark Sullivan made Nov 29 at 2014 10:12 PM

SGT Mark Sullivan — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 22:12:08 -0500

I think many people have gotten a very skewed perception of this entire event. I feel the media, social media included, played a huge role in how the nation has perceived this entire thing, and played a significant role in making this a race issue. Yes, I do feel that we need to provide enough money and equipment into law enforcement to effectively and safely do a thankless job. Personal mounted camera's, tasers, etc... But, that being said, we need to look at the processes involved in a Grand Jury, and what a Grand Jury does. A Grand Jury is NOT, a Trial Jury, that's not what they are there for, by our 5th Amendment right, anyone accused of a Capital Crime gets a Grand Jury investigation. Evidence is presented before Grand Jury. A Grand Jury looks at ALL of the evidence, not just the evidence presented by a Prosecutor, or Defender. We have to understand, the Police are going to be given certain leeway when it comes to Deadly Force, if we didn't, then every Soldier that has been in Combat could be charged with murder as well. Another side to this, is personal accountability, what happened to holding our children accountable for their actions, yes, in this case, a youngster lost his life, but, how many people are going to try and grab a Policeman's weapon? Of course the parents are going to state, "he was a good kid, washed behind his ears, said yes and no ma'am or sir, but what was he like away from home? Yes, I said it, many of our nations youth live a double life, they're great at home around family and relatives. But, how are they around friends, around people that family would not approve of? How are they when they are on the street?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2014 1:23 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 01:23:11 -0500

We have to appreciate the situation from the other man's/woman's perspective and then we have to ask ourselves, "who am I going to be in response to this."

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2014 2:17 AM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 02:17:02 -0500

Nothing to heal if nothing's hurt or broken....

Response by PO1 Rick Serviss made Nov 30 at 2014 3:18 AM

PO1 Rick Serviss — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 03:18:53 -0500

We shouldn't have to heal. The grand jury found the cop not guilty. It had African Americans on it. The evidence was examined and the guy was found not guilty.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2014 9:11 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 09:11:04 -0500

THEY ARE LOOTING, SHOOTING, and RIOTING!!! This isn't honorable protests. This isn't a way to honor the memory of anyone. Nevermind my politics. Nevermind what I believe. This is absolute bull. These rioters need to be made an example of. Especially those that stopped freeway traffic.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Nov 30 at 2014 9:22 AM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 09:22:30 -0500

I do not know that we will ever be as healed as the majority of people in this nation would like us to be, there are so many different issues facing us as a nation that unless we learn, allow ourselves to really understand our differences and develop real leaders that want to tackle issues instead of flaming them up for their own personal gain/glory. We seem to have, by all accounts and portrayals, an entire generation of individuals who feel, rightly or wrongly, disenfranchised with our society/nation and those in positions of authority. Then you have others who, rightly or wrongly, view a lot of this younger generation as the "Entitled" generation, who believe that everything should be handed to them without having to put in the work/effort that previous generations did. Somewhere in the middle of this is the reality of our nation today. Noone should face any type of prejudice at all at any time in their life, it is simply wrong; however until we take responsibility for any and all of our own actions as individuals throughout this nation, we will never be able to fully heal.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2014 12:53 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 12:53:08 -0500

I think that a conversation should be held and air out the issues in America. I can speak from a black prospective that alot of people in my community have the wrong mindset and its hard for them to loss that train of thought. At the same time I know that their our people who side with their race in most cases. So to move foward I would say education of the masses on what it takes to make it in the world. Changing the culture threw music and movies and to lead by example.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2014 12:55 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 12:55:43 -0500

My thoughts on this Ferguson issue. There is still racism in our society. To say there is not is ignorance. Is the racism as prominent as it was as in the 50’s and 60’s? To say yes is as ignorant as my previous statement.

I can even admit that I have experienced some kind of racism. I don’t know if I would call it racism, but I have seen favoritism. Nobody ever discriminated against me for race, but I have seen senior leaders of other race “hook up” their like race with things I feel were not deserving to them. Unfortunately, I have seen this more with African Americans than whites; on the other hand, I have seen “sleeper” White Supremacists soldiers. I feel they were raised that way and may not feel that way anymore, but the hate can easily be triggered. With the Hispanics, I remember seeing the “Latino Pride” crap when I was stationed in Korea. This was an obvious race gang hiding under the element of Latino Pride. I remember them giving me crap because I was Cuban and I did not really know what being latino was all about. But I digress…

The real issue about this Ferguson case is not just about race. It is about the criminal mentality. I currently work in a Federal Prison, and I can attest that this does exist. I give you an example I myself experienced.
I was working in a housing unit doing my 30 minutes rounds. While walking, I observed two inmates in an altercation in a cell. I requested for assistance, then I grabbed the closest inmate to me and pulled him out of the cell. He was resisting and attempting to go back in the cell. Responding staff arrived while I took the inmate to the ground and handcuffed him. Why am I telling you this story??? Well this inmate filed a grievance on me saying I was racist and I utilized excessive use of force. He said I punched and kicked him. This inmate even got other inmates to write supporting memorandums to support his grievance. The inmates were also being helped on how to write his grievance by the jail house lawyers. When I was pulled in by the investigating Lieutenant and I read all the statements. I thought my job and career was over. I thought I was going to jail. I had over 1000 pounds on my shoulders. Then the Lieutenant showed me the video from the unit. The video had everything from pulling the guy out to taking him down.

I am not a very religious person, but I yelled LORD JESUS THANK YOU!

Ironically, all races in prison play this same card.

Now, the point I am getting too. We are talking about the poor kid. But I am like, what if the officer was actually right. What if he was innocent? What about his feelings and his plight. Things to think about as a reasonable person.

Response by CPO Greg Frazho made Nov 30 at 2014 1:07 PM

CPO Greg Frazho — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 13:07:09 -0500

Firstly, we as a nation, as Americans, need to stop practicing the politics of self-destruction. By that I mean stop looking for an excuse to make the landscape erupt and then cheer as it burns. That's bottled anarchy and it's not healthy.

Secondly, we have to get our stories straight and not prejudge the path to justice. Let the system BREATHE and while it's breathing, take the time to do vigorous research.

Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, we need to take anything and everything we observe from the media, particularly the abomination known as "social media", with several grains of salt. It's reliability and validity has been proven to be bogus on many occasions.

Lastly, we need to be cognizant of those with a vested interest in making certain that their story is conveyed, and by implication received, in a certain way by certain groups of people. They will do anything and everything to make certain that message is conveyed and damn the consequences. In that way, you could call it biased narrowcasting.

Usually, the first casualty of this self-destructive behavior is the truth.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2014 1:18 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 13:18:28 -0500

This entire situation to me are symptoms to a greater problem. This tells us that the country does not trust our police officers. Every day this country spends a lot of money (i don't have the figure because it truly doesn't matter, just know that it is expensive) and time to train, retrain and refresh our police officers. Every county you ask will tell you that they want more cops on the street, to cover more ground, keep people (including cops) honest, and to keep casualties down.

We give these officers the responsibility to act and intervene to uphold the law and protect their community, no matter how big or small the action. So few volunteer for this, and we are not willing to trust them to the point to a grand jury decision.

Sir, you ask how we can move on and heal, I ask that you expand on this: how do we heal from the death of Micheal Brown, or from the damage to the community in reaction to his death? To the former I think the best course of action is to allow Michael Brown's family to mourn and put their son to rest, the trial is over and to further put them in the spotlight and drag on the death of their son is a disservice to them and an indignity to their son. To the latter the people who committed crimes in the so called "peaceful demonstrations" should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law for their destruction of their own community. Those not warranting jail time should be held responsible for the reconstruction of their town and the compensation of those whose livelihoods they destroyed in the name of "justice"

Response by PV2 Abbott Shaull made Nov 30 at 2014 1:40 PM

PV2 Abbott Shaull — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 13:40:06 -0500

I am shock and horrified that here it is 2014 and still we have people like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton still have the power over a certain section of people that they have been able to rally since back in the 1950's and 1960's. Yes, slavery was wrong, them not having equal rights was wrong, but the reverse racist laws that were passed then to level the playing field to give all minorities supposedly open the door. Yet, it wasn't it enough for Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, NAACP, ACLU, and other. They continued right on say, these people were owed this and that, and didn't need to go out to improve their station in life, and picked up by the Democratic Party, which the Republican Party has fought. Sorry can't discuss this issue without politics in it.

I have watch a generation of people fall in the same hazards that previous generation had fell into. Even when they had road paved for them succeed. Many that went before them rose above the Hate, and took responsibility for themselves. Of course, to few of them publicly challenge them to continue to rise above the hate and succeed. For many the message they have given back to the community has always been, "The man is at fault we need to rally to change!" Of course the rest of message that every one seen by the action of the Media and certain people has been "So we can loot, and riot, let out our frustration to get our point across!", of course that remain unspoken, but the message has always been sent clearly to those who would, and to those who were smart enough to get out of the way. Then the media tries to make it look as segment of unruly thugs, who aren't responsible and outrage by what has happen in their community. Why doesn't the Media take full responsibility for feeding the fucking frenzy to being with as well the Governor, and the President, and others.

Fast forward to the '70s, the Nation was still in culture shock, and still the message out for segment of the population was that 'The man' is keeping you down, put out by main stream Media in movies, publications, the news, and above already mention organization and people. Even then people realize we needed to reform Social Security and Welfare, neither system was intended to life support system that they have become. The problem is people were told they entitled to it, then people started point out to other systems of governments, and other cultures and societies, and points in history. Yes, we should help those with disabilities who can't work for whatever reason. Weather it mental or physical condition. Let's start holding people accountable for themselves and their families for change. Yes, to a point Society on a whole owes you nothing, you need to go out look for the job, it is your responsibility to keep said job, and if you don't like, find another one. Same if you have off-springs, take care of them, don't expect the tax payers to take them. They are your responsibility, not ours. What the government should be responsible for is helping those who can't work due to illness, or disabilities, and help retires. At the same time, it our responsibility as individuals and Companies that their are jobs that are paying livable wages that are secure enough to keep people employed legally full time. None of this hiring illegals, paying under the table, to avoid paying taxes. Or selling stuff online or what not to avoid paying taxes. It is shame that people are looking for me, but forget there is I in the word TEAM. If we can't accept our responsibilities now, someone else in the future will have bigger load in the future and bigger load of shit to clean up. It time we start holding everyone accountable, starting with POTUS down to the newest illegal immigrate who cross our border today.

Now what we need to get those who can physically and mental work a 'Full-time' job. I am talking 40 hour a week job, that pays a livable wage, that after they pay their taxes, they bring home enough money to pay rent, utilities, provide food for their family, car, affordable health insurance (not this crap they got out now), and still have some money they can spend. With enough to save some for emergency and retirement. Next everyone needs to pay their fair share of taxes, cut out all the damn loopholes that allow the rich not to pay them. If it means having on tax rate for everyone, I am for that as long as all loopholes are closed, every individual, company, and corporation pay their taxes, and it brings more money into the IRS to pay for the bills. No way the rich and corporation should be taxed higher rate, and pay so much less, than someone who earns less than them in the end, because they can afford a tax attorney. We all have to accept responsibility to the Government.

We need to quit having laws past where there so much gray area. Either you are breaking the damn law, or not. It is that simple, why don't many police officers don't even know the said laws they are suppose to enforce, is because they keep being change, and lot of time, they are so riddle with loop holes, it better to ignore them. Yes, I said it is best for their own mental health to ignore them. Much like many of use of Cell Phone while driving law, and texting laws, they don't enforce them due to their jobs now they do that themselves with the technology they have to do their job. We need to quit second guessing every Police Officer in America doing their job. The only thing worse, is second guessing a Theater Commander who calls a halt due to supply issue, during sand storm, and then see the Mr. Rumsfeld basically throw him under the bus, we wonder why General Franks retires weeks after the 'Victory'. For it is our responsibility to know the law, but even when lawmakers vote on laws they have fully read themselves, or police don't understand or read the law, how are we suppose to be held responsible for know the law, or worse, when we try to tell Officers and Court Officers the Law they get upset and throw the book at you.

Next, quit bring up it written in the Bible or any other religious book, that is a believe, they are nice to have, but at the end of the day, until you get enough people to agree with you to have passed in law it only a believe. Yeah others may have used it is law, but it not law now, it is ideal, and for everything you bring up, there is another passage that can be usually brought up to counter your view point. We need to stop being so closed minded in America. We are suppose to be melting pot. Again we all have to take responsibility for what we think and how we act due to how we think and to our believes.

There is lot room to talk on level inside the Federal Government and all levels of Government. All sides have very serious issues that need to be address at all levels. It going to take some critical think on everyone part to resolve some serious issues. People n

Response by 1SG Thomas Packer made Nov 30 at 2014 3:41 PM

1SG Thomas Packer — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 15:41:15 -0500

you know what, this is the stupidest crap I have seen since the 60's, black on black crime is by far the one thing that is destroying our nation. Come on people why burn up a car lot full of cars and buissneses that all of you have gone too at least once to buy something. You forget that a well known black man killed two white people a few years back, and got away with it, you did not see the white community go out and act stupid. If you are too young to remember, I am talking about OJ. Wake up people, it's not all about what happens to blacks, it about what's happens to different people that choose to live above the law, and be a flipping thug, and steal from people that work hard to get what they have. Most of what ya all think happened didn't , and ya all are reacting to some other stupid persons version of it. Get a flipping life and a clue and become a responsible part of the society not someone that destroys it.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2014 4:16 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 16:16:09 -0500

Team we can discuss the healing of the situation, and it sounds good but we are a long way from that! I don't support looting or the violence, but just something to think about. The grand jury was 80% white is that a jury of peers? There is a reverse situation where a black cop shot a white student. I guarantee that the jury won't be 80% black. When you have situations like this people of color will always question the fairness of the legal system. Again I am not say the officer should be or not charged.

Response by SGT Frank Leonardo made Nov 30 at 2014 4:31 PM

SGT Frank Leonardo — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 16:31:13 -0500

I haven't posted anything until this comment. I think no matter how the out come came out there was going to be rioting and personally I have already forgot about the case.

Response by Maj Walter Kilar made Nov 30 at 2014 4:51 PM

Maj Walter Kilar — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 16:51:00 -0500

I think the nation could move forward and heal by not misrepresenting the events that transpired. Yes, a man was shot and killed. Beyond that, we have lots of speculation as to what was right or wrong. No matter what, the parties involved followed the process and a jury decided not to prosecute. The community, as well as under-informed enablers on social media, will milk the situation for their personal reasons and prohibit us as a nation from moving forward and healing.

On a related note, I just heard that somewhere a cop was killed after hesitating to fire when his life was in danger. I hope this Ferguson case does not force well-intentioned law enforcement officers into pausing when pause is not necessary. Not every shooting is going to be the same as the Ferguson incident, unless we let the social media mob dictate to us what is right and wrong.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2014 5:04 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 17:04:16 -0500

The problem is that Ferguson seemed to act like a magnet to attract every fringe element in the country. People have a riot to protest, demonstrate, and to air their perceived grievances in a peaceful manner. Rioting, looting, destruction of property, and violence only overshadows and drowns out whatever message they are trying to get out.

People are also not checking their facts and reacting to what certain "leaders" are preaching. There was also a quick rush to judgment on the part of many to include the President, Attorney General, and the Governor of Missouri before the grand jury even began its work.

Any death is tragic if it can be prevented and black lives do matter as do all lives as do the lives of sworn law enforcement officers.

The community can heal and the nation as well with open dialogue and less hostility. The tone for this needs to be set by our national leaders - until they do that then we will still be a standstill.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2014 6:26 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 18:26:51 -0500

One thing we can do is stop using the media’s inappropriate terms like “the grand jury's decision to not prosecute the police officer” the Grand Jury had no such decision to make and when it is stated in those words it implies impropriety. A prosecutor can decide not to prosecute a case, but the Grand Jury can only find whether or not there is enough evidence to find probable cause that a crime has been committed. If probable cause is found the Grand Jury returns a “True Bill” if not they return “No True Bill”. In this case the Grand Jury was given instructions on several different types of homicide crimes. They then had to decide if the evidence presented to them equaled probable cause in any of the crimes. So the Grand Jury found the evidence presented to them did not meet the probable cause standard, they did not decide not to prosecute. Falling for the biased media terminology is a cause for miscommunication and division among us.

Response by SSgt David OGrady made Nov 30 at 2014 9:09 PM

SSgt David OGrady — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 21:09:03 -0500

I look at it this way, their is racism all over the US. Whether you are white, black or any other race. It happens. The people in Ferguson say that there is racial tentions between white cops and black people in the community. If we have cops questioning on whether to shot or not will cause criminals to have the upper hand. I have friends who are police officers and they say if you question yourself, you could be killed. The same can be said about our troops in Iraq and Afghanastan. Do we want that to be a problem for our troops. I am not sure if this is fact but they said that Mike Brown had gun powder on his hands. He fought with a police officer. If I was an officer and had a fight with someone in my car, I might have done the same thing no matter what color he/she was. You would not know until you are in that situation. To heal the US, i dont think we need to heal. It is life. Crime happens all the time. We seems like we are giving criminals more rights than the police. Time will heal the community. How will the officer heal would be the bigger question.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2014 10:04 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 22:04:23 -0500

Someday the only race that will be considered is Human. Then, perhaps, some form of peace will be achievable. Until then...

Response by Sgt Jay Jones made Nov 30 at 2014 11:08 PM

Sgt Jay Jones — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 23:08:40 -0500

The only way healing will start depends entirely on the Feeguson Police Department. It is my perception that the FPD, does not respect the African American community in Ferguson. If anything they fear that community. I say they have the responsibility, because they are the ones with the power and authority. They need to learn the community they are entrusted to protect and to serve. This involves getting to know the people and letting the people know you. It means getting out of your patrol car and going into the barbershops and hair salons and talking to the people. These are people and not animals. They have feelings, dreams, aspirations and hope. Some have despair, anger, and hopelessness. The Ferguson PD. Is the key to this success. On the National scope. The same formula will work. Stop driving buy business in minority communities. Get to know the people. You may be surprised to learn you have more in common than you do differences.

Response by SSG William Sutter made Dec 1 at 2014 12:08 AM

SSG William Sutter — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 00:08:33 -0500

First let me say that nationwide protests are not the answer. Furthermore violence is the farthest from the answer to other violence. We can start healing if everyone stops thinking that when a white officer shoots a black person it is racism. Let the legal system work like it has for decades before. The media is another problem. When someone gets killed- tell the whole story. Don't make them out to be a model citizen when they aren't.

Let it go and if you want to morn the loss of another individual then do so, otherwise go about your biz.

Response by PO1 Walter Duncan made Dec 1 at 2014 1:44 AM

PO1 Walter Duncan — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 01:44:05 -0500

There really is not a lot for me to heal. I base everything on facts and logic. But, having a life where you have constant prejudices by the popo, I can see some animosity built over time dealing with these issues. I have been pulled over more than once for stupid stuff, guns drawn on both side of my vehicle,. Once , I looked at the officer parked, I was in dark shades and he was sure I was a vehicle in an earlier incident. It barely had same color shading much less a color description.

Response by PO1 Walter Duncan made Dec 1 at 2014 3:06 PM

PO1 Walter Duncan — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 15:06:52 -0500

I heal fine. But, people in this country let "REAL important items" just go by their side.
For instance: the VA Shameful and disgraceful regard for our veterans. Worse is the current response from the people and Congress. Throw 17 Billion at it to "hire more doctors? give them raises? Build better facilities?" Meanwhile veterans are still in the cold , not getting care, waiting for services and getting crappy benefits. It may seam like it is good in places , but in others it is not so good. If the % of good care was 75% for your business, you would have to close your doors. These are peoples lives and we as veterans normally don't like to complain because we feel like, " Hey, we are being taken care of eventually ". But, the problem is , eventually it gets worse and worse and then you have more serious problems because of a small thing they could have fixed or, sent you to an outside clinic. Come on, they have given them 17 B-B-Billion dollars. The VA cannot afford outside consults, the Congress cannot afford a decent pay raise for the veterans. Remember, most of them , this is a fixed income. They have given and earned this from the country they love. Why should people who do nothing come before people who have earned , fought and given sometimes everything for their country. Just so people can be as stupid as they want to be. Apparently when it comes to the basic job of taking care of our countries Veterans that is why you see so many tax free organizations stepping up, because they know the government is failing to do so. If this is the case, they should be applying more pressure on the government for you and I. Active , Reserve and Veterans for we give all for our country and it is it's responsibility to see to our care and our families. We should not have to face destitution as a Veteran, ever. Yet, our biggest concern today is the legal findings of a court and the early shopping of criminals nationwide, meanwhile the VA continues unabated, unwearied and unconcerned.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2014 6:37 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 18:37:43 -0500

This nation won't heal as long as the poison in Ferguson continues to use Brown as a rallying point to further their own twisted agendas. Whether or not Officer Wilson was just in what he did, a grand jury acquitted him. He has already been vetted by our nation's legal process. These "protestors" were not satisfied with the results and continue to destroy businesses in their own town.

Not going to please them. We ought to shut them down before this cancer permeates through our society and there is unrest everywhere. I wasn't in the grand jury but if you follow the interviews and look through the evidence that was presented Brown was the aggressor and I rather have a law-enforcing citizen on this earth than a weed-smoking morally corrupt teenager any day, ESPECIALLY if the police officer's life was at risk and it was a case of self-defense. Unless the evidence presents otherwise, I won't change my stance.

If it was the other way around and Officer Wilson was found shot to death by his own handgun, how do you think the public would react? Probably just, "Aw, too bad. Line of duty, thanks for your service, etc." Nope, too many opportunists out there with no sense of purpose that they have to rally behind this "cause." Look at the sexual predators that emerged from the Occupy Wall Street movement. What started out as a good cause ended up becoming a poison until it was stomped out. No difference here except it's people of color and not the 99%.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2014 6:47 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 18:47:32 -0500

We begin to heal when everyone realizes racism exists. It exists in every spectrum of color. It will continue to exist as long as the races are labeled by the media and politicians who pretend that hyphenated-America is not the separation that causes divisional animosity. Brown broke the law, he attacked a cop and he is dead. To those that are making excuses for brown, get over it and stop enabling bad behavior.

Charles Barkley recently said, "The true story came out from the grand jury testimony, key forensic evidence, and several black witnesses that supported Officer Darren Wilson’s story… I can’t believe anything I hear on television anymore. And, that’s why I don’t like talking about race issues with the media anymore, because they (the media) love this stuff, and lead people to jump to conclusions. The media shouldn’t do that. They never do that when black people kill each other."

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2014 7:27 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 19:27:09 -0500

The real question is can we heal? As a nation, we need to question really why there was a grand jury before a trial, and why did Eric Holder and the President get on national television and say this was a misuse of power 2 days after the incident along with that governor. Race batting is coming right from the Whitehouse and to top it off with Sharpton and Winfrey getting on board this will not get fixed in Obama's reign. Top that off, how do you think police officers feel now. Are they going to have the same type of ROE's as we have with ISAF that have maimed and got so many killed?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2014 11:03 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 23:03:20 -0500

I have read many posts talking about healing. As regretably as it is....there is not going to be healing. Why, racism unfortunately! The USA has come a helluva long way in overcoming racism. However, will we overcome it....not in our life time.

As long as we have the Sharptons, Jacksons, Ayrian Nations, KKK, and other White Suprememist groups and gangs from other minority communities, as a nation we will not heal. Ferguson is another example of why. Until people accept the fact that it's time to MOVE ON and not allow themselves to be motivated by the rants and ravings of the race baiters.

Over the last 40-50 years the White Supremist groups have lost more and more of their influence, they still exist, but less than 1 tenth of 1% pay them any attention...why, people moved on, they learned to accept reality and the fact that as a nation we are all equal (whether they liked it or not)....your personal opinion does not trump the law of the land and the rights granted to all of us. The law is designed for ALL of us! No race is special any more.

Will Furgeson heal? NO! But it will have to "MOVE ON". But that is not going to happen as long as people react and respond to the racial instigators, because they do not like the verdict. They are not the law, they are a bunch of talking heads creating more racial tension and destruction of minority owned businesses in the community. What will the instigators do to help re-build the community they incited to riot....not a damn thing...they will be on the next plane (1st class) heading off to do more damage somewhere else.

Why aren't these instigators preaching, don't steal, don't break the law; if a cop tells you to stop....damnit stop! Why are they not preaching for better schools, teachers, programs for children; safer streets, etc. in these inner city communities where murder, shootings and robbing occurs every single day/night?

Why is it these instigators have not been to Chicago where inner city killings happen every day? If they can cause all the damage they have in ferguson, just think of what they could do in the inner city of Chicago if they could get those neighborhoods to to stand up and riot against the gangs and thugs and lawlessness that occurs there everyday. The people who live there no who they are! Why aren't the instigators ranting in those communities.

Why not do this in Detroit, LA, and other communities where these issues dominate the lives of so many every single day.. Why, because it's easier to claim racism and get people aggitated then it is to preach, it's time to clean up our own mess! It's easier to incite and aggitate when blame can be pointed at the White man instead of let's clean up our own mess. It's our neighborhood.

Who is going to clean up Ferguson, MO...not Sharpton, Jackson, Instigating Media Heads, Holder nor the President!

HEALING! We are not going to heal from this or any event like it......Stop allowing yourself to be victimized by those who do not have your best interest at heart....MOVE ON!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2014 1:37 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 01:37:30 -0500

I feel there is nothing to heal from. Any division created was not directly due to the shooting, but rather people's PERCEIVED notions of racism. Interesting side note: the people who jumped on Officer Wilson as being racist probably assumed this because he's white. Isn't that also textbook racism? Food for thought.

Response by LTC Joseph Gross made Dec 2 at 2014 7:24 AM

LTC Joseph Gross — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 07:24:26 -0500

You quit judging people based on their skin color and act like Americans. And you quit acting a certain way because of your skin color and act like Americans.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2014 7:55 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 07:55:10 -0500

How long until this fades from the public?

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/12/02/protests-sparse-after-pack-hammer-wielding-teens-beats-man-to-death-in-shadow/

Pack of teens beats man to death near Ferguson, but protests sparse

St. Louis police are hunting for two juveniles who were a part of a pack of teens that brutally beat a man to death early Sunday morning outside his car, leaving him to die in an intersection after repeated hammer blows.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2014 7:56 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 07:56:28 -0500

More political tip-toeing around the issues at hand.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/12/02/st-louis-rams-police-squabble-over-apology/

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2014 8:30 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 08:30:23 -0500

We admit to ourselves that there are instances that occur that, even when the perpetrator is white and the victim is black, ARE NOT RACIALLY FUELLED! I know, crazy concept, right?

Response by SFC Pete Meyer made Dec 2 at 2014 10:17 AM

SFC Pete Meyer — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 10:17:35 -0500

Heal??? I would think the question is more like how did we as a nation be some so lawless? Because the facts show the police officer acted correctly...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2014 10:39 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 10:39:46 -0500

First. The nation cannot move forward, or "heal" until people stop rioting and looting. I don't like the word "heal". I think improve is a better choice of words. How can we as Americans learn from this incident and improve our nation? I certainly don't have the answers. I wish I did.

Response by SSG Brian Fernandez made Dec 2 at 2014 12:20 PM

SSG Brian Fernandez — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 12:20:58 -0500

Stop the media from showing only half the story. I for one feel the media will ALWAYS be a burden to moving forward in America on stories that center around racial issues.

Response by SPC Matthew Farnsworth made Dec 2 at 2014 12:47 PM

SPC Matthew Farnsworth — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 12:47:46 -0500

That community should not have had to heal; If he was indicted and then acquitted there would have only been a pause in the violence. This nation as a whole needs to move forward and not focus on small town thugs who through his own actions caused the end of his life and focus on the nation as a whole.
While this man loosing his life is tragic he brought it on himself. Any situation can be done differently when looking at it in hindsight but when a person is there and in the moment snap decisions are all you have. For this community to loot and destroy business's shows ignorance. They asked for justice and that is what they received; it may not have been the justice they wanted but it was justice. Quit showing pictures of this man when he was 12 and show him as the 17 year old who was man enough to rob a store and attack a police officer.

Response by Sgt Mike Boland made Dec 2 at 2014 2:16 PM

Sgt Mike Boland — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 14:16:58 -0500

fortunately, there will be no healing because the Jesse Jackson's , Louis Farrakhan's, Al Sharpton's, of the world make millions off the pain and suffering of others. Farrakhan was just advocating violence but do you think he would be down there casting stones next to the people he leads? Hell no he wouldn't. He will be sitting in his mansion, watching it on his big screen TV, while enjoying a fine meal. Why can't people see how phony people are?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2014 3:00 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 15:00:34 -0500

already healed.

Response by SFC Tom Mallon made Dec 2 at 2014 4:48 PM

SFC Tom Mallon — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 16:48:56 -0500

No need. Not injured. The only people who are affected by this are those who are too ignorant to realize that their poster boy for racial inequality was a thug and a bully. If they want to be taken seriously they need to up their game and pick a different mascot. Until then no one is going to take them seriously. There are numerous members of the black community who are just as appalled by the actions of the criminals and race baiters as the rest of society is. so let's stop buying into the victim mentality and get on with building and reinforcing our communities.

Response by SSG Nick Tramontano made Dec 2 at 2014 5:19 PM

SSG Nick Tramontano — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 17:19:37 -0500

We need to heal by parents doing their job and teaching kids right from wrong. I am glad the Grand Jury didn't indict the officer. Burning down the neighborhood and looting and doing damage to property will not create healing. ...The bottom line was the individual was a felony suspect and escalated his encounter with the police officer.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2014 7:00 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 19:00:53 -0500

CPT Maurelli, I've said before that the more we concentrate on our differences the more we fail to capitalize on our similarities. The Ferguson Fiasco is a prime example. There are legitimate issues on all sides. However, the main issue isn't about equality, it's about fairness for all. It is about the arrogance of assumptions on both sides of the issue, including arrogance fed by certain media. And it is of course, respect for the rule of law and the democratic process to change it. I am reminded of being a soldier on guard duty without any ammo lest I shoot someone. Doesn't make much sense, does it? We need good police whom are truly representative of the communities they protect. People who make a career out of rioting in the streets serve no constructive purpose, especially when such acts destroy people and property. That is just another example of unfairness. We may never know the true facts of the case, but we do know the Grand Jury Decision. Reasonable rational people accept it. Unreasonable, irrational people choose to use it as more justification for their retaliatory acts.
Simply stated, two wrongs do not make one right. If Ferguson is to move forward, if the country is to move forward, we must focus on Fairness for all, not just people we agree with, but for people with whom we disagree. That is the essence of a great nation, not a tribal country.

Response by PO1 John Y. made Dec 2 at 2014 7:11 PM

PO1 John Y. — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 19:11:11 -0500

Honestly, I don't think racial differences, racial profiling, race cards, racial stereotypes, etc. will ever come to an end or heal, until we as a country/society stop placing emphasis on race either negatively or positively. With President Obama, I get it, the first black American president (even though there was a bit of the population for a minute said he was too light of a black man...whatever that means). But we still make a big deal anytime a person who isn't Caucasian takes on a new position: the first African-American, Asian-American, Latino, and so on. Don't get me wrong, I can appreciate progress but until we can just celebrate the individual for their accomplishment and stop annotating their race or skin color the negative side of the race will also perpetuate.

Now, I know, I will get some negative comments or even thumbs-down votes but here goes... This would include different organizations that promote minority groups such as...NAACP, UNCF, and the like. I am not saying they are a bad thing, but so long as there are organizations differentiating the population and favoring one race or skin color over another there will never be a state of equality.

And can I say one more thing, the media, as usual, doesn't help with any of this. Hope I can still participate in RP discussions after this. And I am not racist or white supremacist or anything of that sort...

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made Dec 2 at 2014 11:20 PM

MSgt Keith Hebert — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 23:20:50 -0500

I have stayed away from this subject for several reasons, but here it goes.
When people stop putting their own agendas ahead of the truth and justice then and only then will we be able to get past this and any other incident like this.

Response by SSG Maurice P. made Dec 3 at 2014 8:37 AM

SSG Maurice P. — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 08:37:30 -0500

why dont you ask that question to the people in ferguson that are still rioting and looting ask that bitch homosexual al sharpton when he will shut his mouth and tell his people to start healing process this is NOT the white mans BURDEN...its theirs the kid was in the wrong and got killed for it end of story.................................

Response by SSG Stephanie Hall made Dec 3 at 2014 1:37 PM

SSG Stephanie Hall — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 13:37:35 -0500

Well said Cpl Hicks!

Response by Cpl Dennis F. made Dec 3 at 2014 8:21 PM

Cpl Dennis F. — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 20:21:02 -0500

As long as this exists, we never will!

Response by PO1 Tracy Dreyer made Dec 4 at 2014 7:18 PM

PO1 Tracy Dreyer — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 19:18:23 -0500

Nothing to "heal"

How about people start taking responsibility for their actions.

If some punk ass wannabe thug wants to throw punches at a cop and try to take his gun, then maybe someone should have taught him that probably wouldn't be a good idea... That if you do, you may just get dropped!

Response by SSG Stephanie Hall made Dec 8 at 2014 1:23 PM

SSG Stephanie Hall — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 13:23:11 -0500

I think that things can change if everyone could truly be accountable in everything they do. The face on this issue is Ferguson, but that is not what African Americans are fighting. You can't deny that, depending upon who raised you (parents, community, church, media, friends, family), your opinion about others are formed for you. People of color are feared by a lot of white people. Their opinion of black people comes from others.

It's no picnic for white people either. Many of my white friends feel guilty because of what was done generations ago. They live under a stigma just as African Americans do. Whites don't want to be considered as brutal, demeaning people and vice versa.

To say we have to let go of the past and create our future's together, is an understatement. You can forgive yourself right now and be a new person. Accepting others becomes possible by truly accepting yourself first.

I thank goodness that I grew up in New York City. I had friends of every color. I love soul, rock, reggae...etc. I love eating foods from different cultures. If a friend welcomed me to their church, I felt honored to come. It wasn't about the religion. It was about someone wanting to share their life with me. I love being welcomed into a home and experiencing how they live, laugh and love. I embrace the differences in us all. I think that's what life is all about.

Response by MSgt Rob Weston made Jan 1 at 2015 10:19 AM

MSgt Rob Weston — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 10:19:48 -0500

There are many ways to heal and repair the damage caused by this and many other incidents where race was the perceived issue. I say precieved not in the traditional aspect of what a person interprets with interaction, but how the main stream media wants the information to be interpreted. In my opinion the media has perpetrated the riots by using headlines that incite and expanded a racial divide under false pretenses. The news should state information in an unbiased manner unless there is hard evidence to prove otherwise.
Secondly, the president should never express any personal opinion in any matter, when the president state his personal opinion it ties the hands of one side (in this case the police) from being able to enact Due Process. Additionally the DOJ should never been involved in a local affair unless requested. Third, outside agitators who perpetuated unrest should be held accountable for their actions. All these people do is use a local event to further their own agenda and coffers, they don't really care about the actual community involved. Lastly, stop the claims of any specific racial privilege, it is a false accusation used to make one feel they are a victim of some precieved injustice. Furthermore we need to stop labeling ourselves along any racial lines, we are Americans plain and simple.

Response by PVT Raymond Lopez made Jun 7 at 2017 1:22 AM

PVT Raymond Lopez — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 01:22:15 -0400

I served with the Air Cavalry Division in Vietnam so I come with what we call the “standard issue Cavalry smart mouth”. My family comes from Spain and my first langue is Spanish although I was born in the United States. My father was a Cavalryman and my grandfather was also a Cavalryman so the “standard issue Cavalry smart mouth” is genetic as well as professional. Do you ever wonder why retired law enforcement officers are precluded from serving on juries? Because we old cops know how cut through bullshit very fast and neither the prosecution nor the defense want people on juries who will bring their bullshit to a screeching halt. Once I was a witness in a robbery case and the defense attorney very gravely demand that I describe her client and the short and not so sweet answer I gave her was “He looks like Sideshow Bob from the Simpsons!” When the Deputies brought in her client the whole courtroom broke into gales of laughter and the defense attorney was utterly embarrassed. He did look like Sideshow Bob from the Simpsons!! I want you all to understand one thing although I am a retired law enforcement officer, I hold no bias for or against either the prosecution or the defense in any case because I have seen my share lies and misconduct from both sides.