I am sorry and saddened at the recent news articles regarding Ferguson, Missouri. It is tragic that a young man died. It is tragic that the citizens of the city are destroying the shops and businesses out of anger and resentment that the verdict of the Grand Jury did not go their way.
I am disgusted to watch the police of Ferguson standing by helpless on Monday evening while their vehicles were torched, and area businesses looted. I understand that the National Guard were deployed, but did not have any orders to help. This apparently changed yesterday, as they appeared to be in full force during last night’s riots.
The police and the National Guard are commissioned to keep the population safe. They must be allowed to show force and determination in order to protect the citizens and the businesses from disaster. I own a small business. I have insurance, as I am sure the businessmen of Ferguson do. While the out-of-pocket expenses should be minimal, the business might not recover. The loss of customer service while the structure is being rebuilt and inventory being re-stocked, might well cause customers to look elsewhere for their products.
I have not talked to anyone personally concerned with this situation. As a taxpayer, we depend on the public servants to uphold the rule of law, and to protect our homes and our businesses. For them to be reticent because they do not want to be seen as heavy-handed in light of recent criminal accusations is just wrong. We have policemen and national guard to stop criminals committing criminal acts. This is why we have a safe society. If the policemen and others are bullied and prohibited from upholding the law, then the population will suffer. As a businesswoman, if there is a riot on Main Street, (or anywhere for that matter), then I want the policemen arresting those who are throwing rocks and burning cars, not just giving them cool down time. Violence increases where there is no restraint.
Habakkkuk 1:1-4 says it best: (The Message Version) How many times do I have to yell, “Help! Murder! Police!” before you come to the rescue? Why do you force me to look at evil, stare trouble in the face day after day? Anarchy and violence break out, quarrels and fights all over the place. Law and order fall to pieces. Justice is a joke. The wicked have the righteous hamstrung and stand justice on its head.
Until next time,
Dr. Polly
A very fair and direct analogy. I’m with 100% on this.