(ThyBlackMan.com) Ladies and gentlemen, something very strange is happening right now in Ferguson, MO. The Constitutional rights of American citizens are being violated. Journalists are deliberately being herded like cattle away from certain people and certain places in Ferguson. Police officers fully dressed in riot gear and shields are openly hostile to the residents they are sworn to protect and serve. Last Saturday – in this small town located in St. Louis County – an18-year old, unarmed black teenager named Michael Brown was gunned down by a lone Ferguson police officer. Michael was walking home.
Several witnesses have publicly stated that his arms were raised in a desperate attempt to show the police that he was not a threat. Believe it or not, the social climate in Ferguson, MO is so dangerous currently, the Federal Aviation Administration has put into place a no-fly zone there. That no-fly zone applies to commercial jets, private planes, and news helicopters. Someone wants to put out the eye in the sky.
The population there is 65% black. The Ferguson Police Department has 55 police officers –only 3 of whom are black. 2 other officers are non-white, and 3 officers are women. The rest of the police force is comprised of white men. You see the lack of diversity? 
Michael Brown was not a criminal, drug dealer, or troublemaker. He was a recent high school graduate who was preparing to go off to begin his freshman year at college. He had two loving parents. Michael had a bright future ahead of himself.
Initially, many Ferguson residents protested Michael’s death by way of peaceful marches, signs, impromptu memorials, and other expressions of mourning. Sunday night, some residentsvoiced their displeasure by looting and inciting a riot. Stealing retail merchandise and damaging public property is always wrong – and never a justification for protest. That looting led directly to further escalation by the police. By Monday night, Ferguson police officers were firing rubber bullets and tear gas canisters at any crowd which didn’t immediately disperse upon their demand.Even in their own yards.
So now, in St. Louis County – where racial profiling has been known to have been administered against the citizenry for the last 2 decades – polarization reigns.
Michael Brown was shot several times, but police won’t confirm how many wounds he suffered. Witness accounts claim he was shot in the back. Media reports have confirmed that Michael’s lifeless body was left in the middle of the street for several hours. That’s not going to fly.
Police officials in Ferguson refuse to identify the police officer who shot Mr. Brown. Diligent reporters have managed to discover that the shooteris a white male officer and a 6-year veteran of the force. He’s on paid administrative leave. This officer is on desk duty while that young man is on a gurney at the morgue. No fly.
Bulletproof MRAP vehicles designed to absorb explosions from IEDs in Iraq and Afghanistan are patrolling Ferguson’s streets. Are there improvised explosive devices planted therein? Law enforcement personnel is wearing camouflage fatigues in a St. Louis suburb. Where is the jungle? Not going to fly.
“Bring it, bring it… you (expletive) animals!” That quote was recorded by a CNN camera crew being screamed from a Ferguson police officer towards protestors. Here’s President Obama quote: “The death of Michael Brown is heartbreaking, and Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to his family and his community at this very difficult time. As Attorney General Holder has indicated, the Department of Justice is investigating the situation along with local officials, and they will continue to direct resources to the case as needed.
I know the events of the past few days have prompted strong passions, but as details unfold, I urge everyone in Ferguson, Missouri, and across the country, to remember this young man through reflection and understanding. We should comfort each other and talk with one another in a way that heals, not in a way that wounds. Along with our prayers, that’s what Michael and his family, and our broader American community, deserve.” Quite a difference.
Incredibly, Ferguson P.D. has yet to interview Dorian Johnson, Michael Brown’s friend who was with him prior to – and during – the shooting.
There is a huge discrepancy between the police’s version of Saturday’s events and the witnesses’ version.
Michael Brown’s shooting comes just three weeks after NYPD officers killed an Eric Garner with an illegal chokehold. Another instance of an unarmed black man dead under dubious circumstances.
How much credence can be given to the Ferguson Police Department’s investigation of Michael Brown’s shooting? There is already so much secrecy in their practices. The Justice Department has boots on the ground in Ferguson. The FBI is watching. Meanwhile, the world waits for answers from the no-fly zone there.
Staff Writer; Arthur L. Jones, III
This talented brother is a local Minister, weekly featured Democratic Op-Ed columnist, non-profit advisor, and sees the Braves winning it all this fall. Rev. Jones welcomes your comments! Please email him directly at: tcdppress@gmail.com.
