What do you think happened when Michael Brown met Officer Darren Wilson of the Ferguson Police Department?
While you are welcome to your personal opinions, our justice system is very different. The founders of our country knew very well that most crimes occur outside of any eyewitness view, and so the stories of victims and perpetrators would always be irreconcilable. The victim would say, “He did it!” and the suspect would respond, “No I didn’t!” What can be done about that?
The founders humbly acknowledged it was impossible to know the actual truth about whether a suspect committed a crime or not. But they also remembered the injustices of European kings who casually threw people in jail for the flimsiest of reasons. The last thing our founders wanted was to do the same and take away people’s freedom by sentencing them to jail on opinions or conjecture. They decided instead that people are innocent until proven guilty before a law and demanded that the state provide solid evidence for a crime according to very strict rules of evidence. They actually got that idea from the Gospels.
Events like Ferguson reveal two kinds of people. There are those who, like our nation’s founders, wait for solid evidence of a crime, and there are those who will use these events to further their own social justice agenda independent of the facts of the case. While there are certainly legitimate racial social justice concerns in our country today, the Ferguson case may not help that cause.
Both groups are in Ferguson, just as they were at the trial of Our Lord in Jerusalem. One group, led by Nicodemus, asked that the case against Our Lord follow the rules of evidence outlined in Jewish scriptures. The others, including King Herod and Pilate, argued a more political case which is that Jesus must die whether He was guilty of a crime or not. Similarly, there are those in Ferguson that had decided on violence no matter what was the decision. Pilate and the others won that night as Jesus was quickly condemned to death. However, Pilate soon died as well, and Christians fairly quickly converted the most of the Roman Empire to Christianity. Despite those rioters in Ferguson, the Christian system of morality and justice that our founders adopted proved to be more successful!
What happened in Ferguson was the violent death of a young man by an officer, which therefore demands our deep respect for the system our founders devised precisely for this kind of event. It calls for a careful, deliberate, and honest examination of the facts under the law. It does not matter what we would like to believe, but only what can be demonstrated by solid evidence authentically collected and presented.
After all, if you were suspected and arrested for a crime, is this not the fair and just system that you would hope for yourself?
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Fr. Dave,
I always enjoy reading all of your postings and the one about the Ferguson case is no different. You have such a succinct way with words that allows me to understand various issues with much more clarity.
Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving!
Elaine
Thank you!
Thank you, for making a clear, concise statement regarding the Ferguson case. I too, believe we are a nation of laws and must wait for all the evidence and in this case for the Grand Jury to make the decision. It was very interesting the way you spoke of Jesus and how unjust the Roman Empire was at the time, so Our Lord was put to death even though he was innocent. I always enjoy reading your commentaries. Thank you and God Bless.
Have a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!
Yolanda
Thank you for your comments! Stay tuned for more articles to come. I am glad you find them helpful!
You are blessed with the ability to take a complex situation and express it in an easy to understand manner!. Keep up your writings.
Thank you! Stay tuned for more to come.
My question is, “When are the majority of people in our country going to see what is really going on, who are the players, and what is their agenda?” At least the news media has made a circus out of the Ferguson issue for many days. Shame on them. They should find some real news to announce while waiting for the judgement of the grand jury. Persons such as Al Sharpton have tried to promote their political agenda with disregard for possible incitement of otherwise peaceful people to violence. And the really diabolic persons such as those in the Black Panther organization have gone from their homes in Chicago or Oakland to destroy and pillage in Ferguson to get publicity for themselves.
But I believe that things are looking up. I hear more and more about the revelation that much of the trouble between black Americans and police is due to social issues in the black communities. Leaders in black communities need to focus more on solving the family and social issues in black communities and less on how oppressed black people have been in the past. And I see this idea coming forth from many commentators including black commentators .
Well said. Black leaders can decide to discuss the real issues affected black families and fathers who abandon their children, or they can continue to exploit crises for their own self-aggrandizement. I am hopeful!
Thanks for your thoughtful commentary Fr Dave. I totally agree with you. It is a very sad situation which is being exploited by those with their own agenda.
Sadly no comments speaking to the justice of this decision are tolerated in Social media. The facts have been all-but ignored in the public outcry.
When something is repeated often enough people start believing it even when it is a falsehood.
We must pray that hearts and minds will be changed and that all people may be treated fairly no matter their skin color, national origin or beliefs
Fortunately, a number of eye witnesses came forward and courageously testified with evidence that supported the officer. However, there are just too many who are trying to exploit the issue for their own agenda.
Well said, Father Dave. In a situation like this, no one really wins. The young man, guilty or innocent, will not be coming back to our world. The Police Officer, doing an already tough job and not having any evidence of deliberately acting with malicious intent or being blatantly biased, during his career, will always be marked by this tragedy, both by his own conscience and by the world. These situations are, many times, not black and white (no pun intended).
I agree with many others comments, who posted here, regarding the social ills and the (often) misdirection and self-promoting black leadership, which doesn’t help the situation. Individuals in Ferguson, who felt it appropriate to loot and vandalize innocent businesses in their own community, because the decision was not what they wanted, only serve to promote a stereotype of the black community, which continues to divide us all.
Well said. I hope that the Black leadership will soon turn their attention to the plight of black families, and the rate of black fathers abandoning their families.
Fr Dave – thanks for another insightful commentary!
Sadly, black on black violence is the leading cause of death amoung young black men. That won’t likely change until a black leader lives in a way that demonstrates a better way. Fortunately that has and is happening. The life of Ben Carson is the inspiration that’s needed for all struggling Americans. I believe he’ll be running for President soon! To see a portrayal of how he went from laughable stupidity in grade school to the worlds top brain surgeon just tune into Netflix and watch “Gifted Hands” – very inspiring leader that can make real change in America!!
I am a big fan of Ben Carson! Ironically, besides his remarkable career as a brain surgeon, he first gained national attention while speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast with President Obama seated next to him. Carson went on to criticize the effects of the welfare state on families to a chagrined President. I do not think he can win the presidency, but he should be in any future cabinet, certainly as Secretary of Health and Human Resources.
Hi Father, I am in complete agreement with you about this case. Officer Wilson was telling George Stenopolis of Ch. 7 that the victim was 6’6″ and weighted over 280 lbs. He felt he was fighting Incredible Hulk. How threated he must have felt. I am so ashamed of those who use the race card to get away with murder – literally and figuratively speaking. And the President and Eric Holder speaking up only incited the situation. Very sad. We miss you! Jeanie
Once Michael Brown reached for the Officer’s gun, and then would not follow directions, and even charged at the officer, the situation could only turn out badly for him.
Thank you for this concise overview of the situation in Missouri. Living in China, I am frequently asked about our system of justice. Your article helps me order my own thoughts.
Voices of dissent will always clamor for a swift verdict of guilty in emotional circumstances: ready, fire, aim.
We can discuss forever the way authorities handled this case. In the end we are all damaged by ineptitude.
Interestingly – literally daily – newspapers in China these days feature front page stories of criminals exonerated after years of imprisonment, or even execution. Has an American court ever taken up the case of a victim wrongfully executed?
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2014-11/27/content_18984249.htm
Ventura County just released a man wrongfully imprisoned for 36 years. If the prosecution, the defense and the court had thoughtfully, virtuously and vigorously performed in the first place, would that have happened? What if he’d been executed? Do we need more reminders of the hazard of a rush to “justice”?
I’m struck by the way the leadership in China (of all places) is bravely and judiciously moving toward the rule of law, at a time when too many Americans clamor for quick fix “justice,” rejecting our precious heritage, forgetting that conformity to the Founders’ principles is all that protects us.
On this Thanksgiving Day I give thanks for the wisdom of our inspired Founders who incorporated Scriptural principles into our Constitution. We are blessed with their inspired legacy.
Thank you, Fr. Dave, for reminding me.
Hello! That is interesting that the Chinese leadership is moving towards the rule of law. Perhaps they have seen too often what happens to a country where it is missing, such as most of the Middle East and Africa. They are heavily involved in those areas commercially, and so have first hand evidence of the chaos that ensues with the rule of law. Perhaps, of all things, they see what good it has done in our country as well.
Hi Father Dave,
Yes we are a nation of laws. I think Michael Browns death was very sad, however he broke the law.
He actually reached into the police car to try to get Officer Wilson’s gun. He got his finger shot and ran away.
For some reason he turned back to go after Officer Wilson again. I think he must have been on some kind of drug for no one in their right mind would charge someone with bullets flying. Its to bad he wasn’t tasered instead of being shot. Maybe there should be more black Officers in black neighborhoods. Build a youth center
to keep kids busy in a good way. You could even have the teens build it they’d be learning something…
We are all Gods children…
Well said. Once you reach for an officer’s gun, and do not follow his commands, there is an almost certainty of tragic results. I understand that he might have been under the influence, which would have led to his impaired judgment. Rushing the officer was recipe for disaster.
FR.DAVE: I DO APPRECIATE YOUR SENDING TO ME YOUR REGULAR REFLECTIONS OF THE GOSPEL. AS RELATES THE FERGUSON ISSUE AND YOUR ARTICLE, I AGREE WITH WHAT YOU WROTE. WHAT A PITY [SO MUCH LIKE THE WATTS RIOTS ] MY TAKE ON THE MATTER IS THAT THOSE RIOTERS MAY HAVE REAL CONCERNS [A NUMBER ? ]BUT SO MANY HAD NOTHING ELSE TO DO AND THE CASE GAVE THEM AN OPPORTUNITY TO ROB, STEAL, AND VANDALIZE PROPERTY TO WHAT END? NOTHING WILL BE EFFECTED REGARDLESS OF THE OUTCOME OF THE GRAND JURY’S DECISION SAD TIMES FOR THE CITY OF FURGESON IT WILL TAKE YEARS FOR THE BLIGHT TO GO AWAY, AS IT HAS WITH WATTS NOW THEN, WHEN DOES THE PUNISHMENT FIT THE CRIME? HERE IN THOUSAND OAKS AND IN THE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY WHERE I LIVE A LONG TIME EMPLOYEE WHOSE JOB WAS TO OFFER ASISTANCE AND SECURITY TO THE 500 ELDERLY WHO LIVE HERE WAS CAUGHT, ENDITED AND PLEAD GUILTY TO 4 FELONIES, AND ONE MISDEMEANOR, INCLUDING RESIDENTIAL BURGERLY, ELDER ABUSE, AND GRAND THEFT OF FIREARMS. THE PROPOSED SENTANCE TO BE ASSESSED MID DECEMBER: ONE YEAR IN THE COUNTY JAIL [MOST LIKELY TO BE RELEASED AFTER ONE YEAR,,,SAD !!!!!
Yes, I know that there are always those waiting to exploit chaos across the country. The vast majority of demonstrators in Ferguson were from other states and cities. The people of Ferguson were victimized by them. That is truly a sad event for them. I am sorry to hear about the employee at your retirement home. Temptations can sometimes get the best of anyone.
We are supposed to follow a policeman’s orders whether we are guilty of a crime (I got stopped for speeding) or not. If this young man had done that, he would probably be alive. People were looking for an excuse to riot and would use this cause or another to do so.
Well said. If a person has just reached for an officer’s gun, and that officer then commands you to stop, with his gun drawn and aiming at you, I think that would be a good time for that person to actually stop! Any other action would certainly lead to unfortunate results, as happened in Ferguson..
I do believe that our society as a whole is in much better shape than decades ago. We are all part of the fabric that holds our country together and while some individuals still resist to be part of this fabric they should try join it and stop living in the past recognizing that this is a country of laws and we must accept and respect them or try to change them via our elected representatives.
Stronger family values at home might help us avoid situations like this one.
Well said. I agree that it is in strong families that a good character develops. I am hopeful that slowly more and more people will come around to accept that too.
Until the black community understands the basic reasons for violence and accepts the responsibility for the results of anti social behavior, it will continue to happen. We must train our children from infancy to behave with dignity and respect. Bring God into our homes. If black fathers would accept the responsibility of fatherhood and the need to be present in the home and to help to form the character of children, then we would see a change. But until then we can expect to reap what we sow. We must work to change our own families, and neighborhoods. There is enough blame to go around for the actions in Ferguson, Oakland, New York, L.A., San Francisco. Take a look at the ignorant behavior of the mobs and ask WHY? What good does it do?. It’s just an excuse to grab and run with no respect for anyone .This will not help the black community to gain one iota of good out of this youngs mans death. . Amen
Well said. The lack of responsibility of young black fathers is a national disgrace. Over 75% of black children born today are from unwed mothers and with no father in the home. The break down of the black family today is an emergency situation as you indicate. I agree.
Well said, Fr. Dave. Former US Attorney and NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani has said that those who lied to the Grand Jury should be prosecuted for perjury. All should be equal before the bar of justice – as it will be on Judgement Day.
I am a big fan of former Mayor of New York, Rudi Giuliani. We are fortunate that at least five or six witnesses came forward and spoke the truth about what they saw, and according to reporters who have read the entire Grand Jury transcript, all witnesses corroborated the officers own testimony. It is amazing to me that the demonstrators have chosen this case to showcase, the worse one possible for their side.
Thank you Father Dave for another very real understanding of our system and our world. I’m a retired police officer who was forced to retire after 17 years do to an on the job injury. When tragic events such as this one occurs I go back to if I was in a similar situation. Of course I wasn’t there and I can’t say what happened for sure, however I have lost police officer friends who have had their guns taken away and killed with them. Gun retention is a basic part of police academy training. I have personally had to fight to keep my gun by a person bigger and stronger than myself. I’m not always happy about court decisions. Our system is only as good as those involved in it so we must respect it.
Thanks so much for your compelling response. I cannot imagine what it must be like to fight over a gun with an assailant. Thank God you made it through. Thank you for your service!
Father Dave,
I realize these remarks are very late in the making, but that’s because I just happened to read your article for the first time today. I make them because here I am at 85 being startled by a different view of what I have always thought was settled truth.
I absolutely agree with your main points. But what got my attention was your reference to Pilate.
In this last University Series I attended both “The Jewish Trial of Jesus” and “The Roman Trial of Jesus.” I am not a biblical student by a long shot, but I was amazed to hear that in some Christian circles both Pilate and his wife are considered near Saints because “he tried to save Jesus” and his wife told Pilate not to have anything to do with the process of condemning Jesus.
That he finally acquiesced to the Jewish Sanhedrin (group?) and “washed his hands” of the matter⎯permitting the crucifixion “trade-off”⎯of course, at least for me, pins the responsibility squarely on him. I think he could have easily saved him. Herod, on the other hand was bad all the way through.
Yes, I agree with your views about Pilate as well. I know there are those favorable comments about Pilate’s wife, but I would not go so far as to call her a saint! Romans were a very superstitious people, and greatly affected by omens, like the flights of birds, entrails of animals, and good luck charms. I tend to place her views more in that grain, than a recognition that Jesus was the Messiah. I think she was concerned for Pilate’s safety in that his position in Rome had been compromised by the death of his patron, the Vice-Emperor Sejanus. She knew a riot in Jerusalem over the death of Jesus would not be received well in Rome, where Pilate no longer had a an Imperial court protector.
In any event, the testimony of the early Church squarely places the blame on Pilate. thanks for your comments!