How does vandalism and looting accomplish anything???

[Geoff_M]

The ideal of keeping the public informed sometimes demands asserting rights even when it isn't smart to do so, as does advocating for social change.

The exchange in question had nothing to do with keeping the public informed. That was going to happen regardless of whether or not the reporter decided to utter the comeback.

 

[CPT Tripss]

Supposedly Governor Nixon is relieving the Ferguson police force of command and the FBI will run the whole show.

http://rt.com/usa/180360-police-louis-policing-ferguson/
“The gov. just called me and he’s on his way to St. Louis now to announce he’s taking St. Louis County police out of the situation,” Rep. Clay told Derek Wallbank, a reporter for Bloomberg, early Wednesday.

According to a local news station, the Federal Bureau of Investigation would take control of the situation.

"The FBI will oversee all operations, protests and other activities in Ferguson," NewsChannel 5 reported. "Local police agencies, including St. Louis County police will now operate under the direction of the FBI."

The FBI has previously acknowledged that it is investigating Saturday’s shooting death, and Rep. Clay issued a statement on Monday with other members of Congress urging federal agents to expand their probe.

“In light of the foregoing developments, we ask the Department of Justice to investigate the shooting of Michael Brown, looking at both the facts of the specific incident as well as the potential for any pattern or practice of police misconduct by the Ferguson Police Department," reads a portion of the statement, signed by Reps. Clay, John Conyers (D-Michigan) and Marsha Fudge (D-Ohio

Sounds like an FBI investigation of the shooting that started the whole debacle. The local la enforcement agencies with their military equipment are still in charge of dealing with the protests and riots.

It boggles my mind that police need to employ such force, weapons and tactics in this situation. I am pleased that police injuries have been minor and limited in number. But the use of deadly weapons, chemical agents and arrests of press and others who were not violent is simply no way to defuse and calm what is happening there.

 

[Jedana]

Please be aware that police officers are human (although they are not allowed to be) and can be pushed too far. Yes, they are trained to use restraint, but look at both sides. Some just push them to the limit, and expect them to take it.

This a thousand times

 

[Disneychick75]

Sounds like an FBI investigation of the shooting that started the whole debacle. The local la enforcement agencies with their military equipment are still in charge of dealing with the protests and riots.

It boggles my mind that police need to employ such force, weapons and tactics in this situation. I am pleased that police injuries have been minor and limited in number. But the use of deadly weapons, chemical agents and arrests of press and others who were not violent is simply no way to defuse and calm what is happening there.

FERGUSON, Mo. – NewsChannel 5 has learned the FBI will now take over a large part of the investigation into the shooting death of 18-year-old Michael Brown.

The FBI will oversee all operations, protests and other activities in Ferguson.

Local police agencies, including St. Louis County police will now operate under the direction of the FBI.

We've also learned the department of justice will send special prosecutors to Ferguson to help with the investigation.

 

[sunshinehighway]

Sounds like an FBI investigation of the shooting that started the whole debacle. The local la enforcement agencies with their military equipment are still in charge of dealing with the protests and riots.

It boggles my mind that police need to employ such force, weapons and tactics in this situation. I am pleased that police injuries have been minor and limited in number. But the use of deadly weapons, chemical agents and arrests of press and others who were not violent is simply no way to defuse and calm what is happening there.

It boggles my mind too. When you have people who are already hurt, angry, and frustrated by the treatment (whether real or perceived) they receive from the police, how does such a show of force do anything but make the situation worse?

There is clearly no trust on either side and hasn't been since the beginning. Another party does need to step in. At this point its a high stakes whizzing contest complete with tear gas

This article touches on a few points about how the police are handling this wrong. Its just a brief article.

http://www.businessinsider.com/how-the-cops-made-things-worse-in-ferguson-2014-8

 

[pat fan]

Why are their protests at night? Just curious as the night activities seem to be what causes the issues. I have been to a few "protests" and they were all peaceful and held in the daylight. If the folks there limited their protests to the daytime, I am wondering if it would be much calmer. Is there some reason why they are doing this at night?

 

[robinb]

Why are their protests at night? Just curious as the night activities seem to be what causes the issues. I have been to a few "protests" and they were all peaceful and held in the daylight. If the folks there limited their protests to the daytime, I am wondering if it would be much calmer. Is there some reason why they are doing this at night?

Because working people can't protest at night?

 

[bimshire]

Trust in the police is very low and it has been that way for many years. Added to that, they are doing everything to keep the media from doing its job. That only spells one thing: Cover-up. I just hope the FBI can get the truth. But that police department had a head start mucking up the evidence.

 

[JillianMarie]

Why are their protests at night? Just curious as the night activities seem to be what causes the issues. I have been to a few "protests" and they were all peaceful and held in the daylight. If the folks there limited their protests to the daytime, I am wondering if it would be much calmer. Is there some reason why they are doing this at night?

They aren't. There have been plenty of gatherings during the day as well. Personally I don't feel like anyone's right to assemble should be limited to time of day, but that's just me.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Because working people can't protest at night?

Nighttime is when the yahoos come out.

We have 3+ hours of daylight between "working hours" and "dark".

 

[pat fan]

Personally I don't feel like anyone's right to assemble should be limited to time of day, but that's just me.

I didn't say it HAD to be, just that once the sun goes down it seems bad things happen, so if your purpose of protesting is to protest and not throw bottles/loot/burn then go home when it gets dark. Even if it's only for one or two nights to let things calm down. Keep going out during the day by all means, just let things cool down.

Nighttime is when the yahoos come out.

This is what I'm trying to say, and it's not limited to this incident at all.
John 3:19..' and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. ' Been that way since way back.

 

[Viva Las Disney]

They are driving armored tanks with guns on tripods with what looks like zero appropriate training. It is ridiculous.

I agree the response is over the top but the police are in a lose/lose situation.

If they under respond they risk the situation escalating out of control. If they over respond (like they are) they are accused of intimidation.

The LA riots are the worst riots of my lifetime, the police weren't prepared, they evacuated, and essentially left the city to burn. I'm not a fan of the police using military tactics but it is infinitely better than under responding and opening the door for the other possibility.

I'm glad the FBI is taking over, there is to much emotion on both sides and hopefully this is the catalyst needed to return some peace to the area.

 

[rickybobby]

Trust in the police is very low and it has been that way for many years. Added to that, they are doing everything to keep the media from doing its job. That only spells one thing: Cover-up. I just hope the FBI can get the truth. But that police department had a head start mucking up the evidence.

Go back earlier in this thread, and you will see where some posters admit they teach their kids early to not trust the police (as a whole). Teaching your kids to disrespect law enforcement leads to things like you see happening now.
Sure, in the past there was mistreatment, but it is better now, whether folks admit it or not.

 

[JillianMarie]

I didn't say it HAD to be, just that once the sun goes down it seems bad things happen, so if your purpose of protesting is to protest and not throw bottles/loot/burn then go home when it gets dark. Even if it's only for one or two nights to let things calm down. Keep going out during the day by all means, just let things cool down.


This is what I'm trying to say, and it's not limited to this incident at all.
John 3:19..' and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. ' Been that way since way back.

I just have a hard time telling people who have every right to be there that they should go home to 'let things cool down'. I don't believe the burden of de-escalation should be on the group of people whose protests about unprovoked police brutality have been met with more police brutality.

 

[rickybobby]

I say again, why do the protests continue?

 

[RadioNate]

Go back earlier in this thread, and you will see where some posters admit they teach their kids early to not trust the police (as a whole). Teaching your kids to disrespect law enforcement leads to things like you see happening now.
Sure, in the past there was mistreatment, but it is better now, whether folks admit it or not.

But they are only human and not should not be held to a higher standard when they are pushed to the limit so why would anyone trust them?

 

[TLSnell1981]

of course there have been riots in Europe. Every protest does not lead to a riot (both here and in Euqrope). You don't have to look to hard to find examples of riots and lawlessness in Europe.

I think, the media coverage...or lack of....played a big part in the protester's behavior (particularly when the murder occurred). We (American's) have wall to wall coverage. Now, add the "experts", who throw fuel on the fire. Whether, it's to further an agenda or drive ratings...it definitely escalates the situation.

 

[TLSnell1981]

But they are only human and not should not be held to a higher standard when they are pushed to the limit so why would anyone trust them?

They don't necessarily need to be pushed to their limit. It's being taught as a normal reaction...not to trust.

 

[rickybobby]

But they are only human and not should not be held to a higher standard when they are pushed to the limit so why would anyone trust them?

Twisting of the words.
Let me ask you a question. What would propose to make the police and citizens get along better? Please don't say dialogue or I will throw up on my keyboard.

 

[rickybobby]

I think, the media coverage...or lack of....played a big part in the protester's behavior (particularly when the murder occurred). We (American's) have wall to wall coverage. Now, add the "experts", who throw fuel on the fire. Whether, it's to further an agenda or drive ratings...it definitely escalates the situation.

What murder?