Monday, August 18, 2014

Objectivity in Ferguson

Highway Patrol Captain Ron Johnson's speech at the Ferguson, Missouri church memorial for Michael Brown as been called moving, riveting, heartfelt, and amazing.

I can agree with all of those descriptions. He is a very impressive person and comes across very well. That said, given the fact that an investigation is still in process, were his remarks appropriate?

Before answering, consider how those remarks would have appeared if the incident involved a black cop shooting a white teenager and a white highway patrol captain had made similar remarks (adjusting for race, of course) and referred to his white son in front of a predominantly white audience.

Also consider either scenario and put yourself in the position of the accused police officer, the officer's attorney or the officer's co-workers.

I really have no idea as to what happened in this case. It could be that the shooting was completely unjustified. It could be it was. I don't believe anyone at this time, aside perhaps from the parties involved and one is dead, has a clear handle on what took place but a thorough and fair investigation should bring out the truth.

It is an understatement to note that Captain Johnson is in a difficult position. He is attempting to be both empathetic and objective while operating in an emotionally-charged atmosphere; one which has been shaped in part by events which go far beyond the recent shooting.

Our best wishes and prayers should go out to him and the citizens of Ferguson.

1 comment:

John said...

Thanks for this link.