Here are a few excerpts from Obama's comments with a few notes of insight IMHO.
I also appeal to the law enforcement officials in Ferguson and the region to show care and restraint in managing peaceful protests that may occur. Understand, our police officers put their lives on the line for us every single day. They’ve got a tough job to do to maintain public safety and hold accountable those who break the law. As they do their jobs in the coming days, they need to work with the community, not against the community, to distinguish the handful of people who may use the grand jury’s decision as an excuse for violence -- distinguish them from the vast majority who just want their voices heard around legitimate issues in terms of how communities and law enforcement interact.
-insinuates law enforcement are not working with the community.
Finally, we need to recognize that the situation in Ferguson speaks to broader challenges that we still face as a nation. The fact is, in too many parts of this country, a deep distrust exists between law enforcement and communities of color. Some of this is the result of the legacy of racial discrimination in this country. And this is tragic, because nobody needs good policing more than poor communities with higher crime rates. The good news is we know there are things we can do to help. And I’ve instructed Attorney General Holder to work with cities across the country to help build better relations between communities and law enforcement.
-racial differentiation and insisting discrimination is rampant
-- but also who are interested in working with this administration and local and state officials to start tackling much-needed criminal justice reform.
-insinuating that this was a case of injustice.
**lynch mob justice is not justice. For more details, see recent posts.
But what is also true is that there are still problems and communities of color aren't just making these problems up. Separating that from this particular decision, there are issues in which the law too often feels as if it is being applied in discriminatory fashion. I don't think that's the norm. I don't think that's true for the majority of communities or the vast majority of law enforcement officials.
-Finally, Obama admits that with problems in some places in the country, that does not mean it is the case here. (however, the damage is already done in first remarks)
Those of you who are watching tonight understand that there’s never an excuse for violence, particularly when there are a lot of people in goodwill out there who are willing to work on these issues.
-I find it difficult to give Obama the benefit of the doubt that he is not inciting violence with his double talk. Especially in light of his track record.
then we can make progress not just in Ferguson, but in a lot of other cities and communities around the country.
-another insinuation that this case was a case of injustice (I strongly disagree)
**Let me add that the very first I heard of this story led me to believe that Wilson did commit a crime. Law enforcement who commit illegal acts must be held accountable. Wilson faced the gauntlet and was found to be exonerated. Guess what folks, this happens with cases around the country every day. Someone is only indicted when the evidence points to them actually committing a crime. You do not take a case to court if there is no case. You can even learn that from watching Perry Mason.
I also appeal to the law enforcement officials in Ferguson and the region to show care and restraint in managing peaceful protests that may occur. Understand, our police officers put their lives on the line for us every single day. They’ve got a tough job to do to maintain public safety and hold accountable those who break the law. As they do their jobs in the coming days, they need to work with the community, not against the community, to distinguish the handful of people who may use the grand jury’s decision as an excuse for violence -- distinguish them from the vast majority who just want their voices heard around legitimate issues in terms of how communities and law enforcement interact.
-insinuates law enforcement are not working with the community.
Finally, we need to recognize that the situation in Ferguson speaks to broader challenges that we still face as a nation. The fact is, in too many parts of this country, a deep distrust exists between law enforcement and communities of color. Some of this is the result of the legacy of racial discrimination in this country. And this is tragic, because nobody needs good policing more than poor communities with higher crime rates. The good news is we know there are things we can do to help. And I’ve instructed Attorney General Holder to work with cities across the country to help build better relations between communities and law enforcement.
-racial differentiation and insisting discrimination is rampant
-- but also who are interested in working with this administration and local and state officials to start tackling much-needed criminal justice reform.
-insinuating that this was a case of injustice.
**lynch mob justice is not justice. For more details, see recent posts.
But what is also true is that there are still problems and communities of color aren't just making these problems up. Separating that from this particular decision, there are issues in which the law too often feels as if it is being applied in discriminatory fashion. I don't think that's the norm. I don't think that's true for the majority of communities or the vast majority of law enforcement officials.
-Finally, Obama admits that with problems in some places in the country, that does not mean it is the case here. (however, the damage is already done in first remarks)
Those of you who are watching tonight understand that there’s never an excuse for violence, particularly when there are a lot of people in goodwill out there who are willing to work on these issues.
-I find it difficult to give Obama the benefit of the doubt that he is not inciting violence with his double talk. Especially in light of his track record.
then we can make progress not just in Ferguson, but in a lot of other cities and communities around the country.
-another insinuation that this case was a case of injustice (I strongly disagree)
**Let me add that the very first I heard of this story led me to believe that Wilson did commit a crime. Law enforcement who commit illegal acts must be held accountable. Wilson faced the gauntlet and was found to be exonerated. Guess what folks, this happens with cases around the country every day. Someone is only indicted when the evidence points to them actually committing a crime. You do not take a case to court if there is no case. You can even learn that from watching Perry Mason.
Here's a quick update... I just read these comments on the same topic & thought I would add them as a followup to mine.
http://www.city-journal.org/2014/eon1125hm.html
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