Commenting on Ferguson

I have these random thoughts about the situation in Ferguson, Missouri.

First, I understand the frustration of discrimination and the distrust it foments. That frustration is real. If you are a woman in America, a teen, and elder, a gay, transgendered, immigrant, Hispanic or a member of any group that is ‘different’ then you know in some manner how it feels to be treated differently from others. Mostly that treatment is negative in tone and intent.

This comes from being human – both the feeling of differentness and being treated differently, as well as the person who treats others as different. At some time or other we have all felt the pain of discrimination. And at other times we have delivered the discrimination. Few are innocent of this.

Second, public policy is difficult to create, write and implement. Everyone has an opinion on the policy. Too many oversimplify the issues involved. Public policy, however, is central to how organizations and government treat people and deliver fair and just service. Public policy also shapes how society follows through on its moral statements. It is easy to find fault. It is easy even to complain and not suggest reasonable, workable solutions.

Common sense is not always a reliable justifier.

Third, police departments are servants of the public for public service, safety and good. Most departments ascribe to these words as a public face to their organizations. But do they understand how quickly the public views a stance, swagger, smirk or action as one of power over the citizen?  Probably not.

For years I wondered about fairness and justice within the ranks of police forces. Coming out of the civil rights and anti-war eras of American history, my worry over police power was understandable. Maintaining public peace is one thing; being the unit of force for political manipulators is a totally different thing. And that’s where trust enters the picture.

The police are people and fellow citizens. They should mirror the make up of the population they serve. They need to maintain constant interaction with those same people to earn trust and reliability. When the chips are down the police will be in a better position of trust.

We must constantly ask, “Are our police working for trust and fairness in the eyes of the public? Or are they assuming it exists?” I believe police are in the position automatically of distrust and must work to be otherwise. In the eyes of the policed citizen, this is a necessity of our public servants.

Fourth, having served on public bodies I have learned to appreciate the efforts and challenges of public servants. They too are human beings. They too have feelings and wish to serve and protect. I have more trust in them today than I did when I was much younger.  Yet I still realize that public servants must continually work on their public image to be well received as a partner in the community they serve. This task is never done.

Fifth, Ferguson is a community with a population of poor black Americans. They will automatically distrust the police and other public power centers. It is up to the police and public power holders to prove they are working in the best interests of their citizens. They have to work to earn trust and respect within the community.

It is obvious there is much to do in this regard in Ferguson. Much to do.

Sixth, when public distrust is present it is easy for it to grow out of control and attract other trouble makers from outside to join in the chaos. Riots are the result. Property damage is bad enough, but the damage to people is enormous and lasts for generations. Public safety, calm and justice come from within each of us. And it ought never be taken for granted. It takes work to get it and maintain it.

Seventh, those people outside the sphere of Ferguson, Missouri ought to keep their minds open and their mouths shut. They cannot possibly understand all the details of the situation. Let the locals do the hard work of healing and building a better tomorrow. Let power centers work to give Ferguson the room and time as well as the tools to allow this to happen.

Eighth, let the rest of us step back and let the good work happen. Then we can observe how well it works, how well the task is completed, and the results can be trumpeted.

We are the beneficiaries of Ferguson’s struggle. May we learn from their work and success what we must do in our own communities.

Meanwhile I hope and pray that the people of Ferguson gain understanding and hope from their current travails. And peace.

November 26, 2014