OPINION:
Ferguson, Mo., is another example of violence, looting, destruction of property and injury to the economy undertaken by so-called “activists” inciting protests. A white Ferguson police officer fatally shot a black teenager, and the immediate reaction by the mobs was to make this a racial issue before the facts were determined. The violence has continued.
Cities, states and the federal government are well aware of what’s been going on in Ferguson. We need leaders to step up and prevent or reduce these acts of violence. Instead, President Obama and Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. have made things worse by not allowing the normal investigation process to take place before intervening with their inappropriate comments. The activists whose rhetoric incites and results in criminal actions should be the ones confronted.
The police are there to protect residents, yet they are criticized for doing their job. The entry of militarized police is another example of individuals who serve being put at risk. Like the border agents, police in many cities face criminals who have superior firepower. The police and other such service members deserve the ability to protect themselves and those they have been hired to defend.
Unfortunately, Mr. Obama, Mr. Holder and the mobs in Ferguson will use any incident to promote the racial divide, and that’s the problem.
MARVIN L. HOOVIS
Centerville, Mass.
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