WEIGHING IN ON FERGUSON

Jesus well known commendation, "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you..." is an ideal we should all strive for.  Matthew 5:44

But, and it's a big but, God also gave us minds to use [He even promises to give us wisdom] and limbs to get us to the polling station.

That the African American community is [still] in an uproar over the Michael Brown affair, would infer that there is still a lingering sense of injustice.  But I ask the question: why has the African American community done nothing to change their lot?  Obviously there were problems long before the death of Michael Brown.  It COSTS NOTHING to vote.

The following demographics are taken from Wikipedia:

As of the 2010 census, there were 21,203 people, 8,192 households, and 5,500 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,425.4 inhabitants per square mile (1,322.6/km2). There were 9,105 housing units at an average density of 1,470.9 per square mile (567.9/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 67.4% African American, 29.3% White, 0.5% Asian, 0.4% Native American, 0.4% from other races, and 2.0% from two or more races. Hispanic and Latino of any race were 1.2% of the population.

The Mayor of Ferguson is directly elected for a three-year term.  Voter turnout in the most recent mayoral election was approximately 12%. The Mayor ran unopposed. The Ferguson city council is composed of six members.

Why, I ask, have not the offended lot exercised their constitutional rights, to run for elected office** and to vote for those you wish to see serve/rule over them?  With a two-thirds majority the African American community are [statistically] without excuse.  They complain but choose, yes choose, not to do anything about it.  Looting and burning is an exercise in criminality - not of civic responsibility.  Using rope whips and overturning tables is OK though when, and only when, obvious wrongdoing is in process.

The old adage, as you sow [indifference] so shall you reap [oppression] seem most appropriate under the circumstances.

In the same way, I find it truly hypocritical of President Obama today to accuse the leadership/police of Ferguson City of being "oppressive and abusive" towards blacks when he does nothing to hold these oppressed and abused citizens to account for not exercising their civic duty.  And, yes, it is a duty.

It will be interesting to see if anything changes in the next municipal election.  Unfortunately, I am not too optimistic.

**While the Mayor may not have direct control over the Police Chief and his hires, he/she will certainly have sway over the City Manager who does.