Ferguson can’t answer nat’l concerns

While we've known for some time we'd ultimately weigh in on the outcome and unrest in Ferguson, Mo., we did not expect the timing to directly impact our Thanksgiving page. And, as much as we'd like to soften the tone by searching for glimmers of hope amid now charred remains, to do so would be a disservice to all involved.

Regardless of individual perspective, Ferguson runs deep and ugly, thrusting years of distrust and unrest in a few city blocks where it can't be contained, adequately heard or resolved.

While the specific instance is limited to a portion of the St. Louis metro area, the messages and outrage surrounding it are not as defined.

As we've seen in the investigation into the shooting by officer Darren Wilson that ended the life of Michael Brown, there is a collective desire for this case and decision to serve as either an indictment or exoneration of our country's long history regarding race, class, crime and community.

Even within the sphere of our Editorial Board, emotions churn, threatening to boil over if not properly monitored.

We do not appreciate, nor can we condone people being judged by and on the actions of others.

We will not stoop to willingly blind ourselves with false beliefs that all people within a certain demographic behave, believe and grieve the same. Each person serving our communities or nation deserves the dignity of being recognized as an individual.

Those who riot and loot are responsible for their own actions, and that behavior should not be attached to others. Those who serve in order to laud authority over others must not become stereotypes for all. Those who cannot see beyond skin color, who choose to spread the hate bred of their own shortsightedness, represent only themselves.

A young person lost his life in Ferguson as part of an incident that may never be fully known. Continued lack of local, regional and state leadership in the wake of his death has resulted in a pressure cooker of disbelief and distrust.

We share in the call for accountability and pray there are yet answers to soothe painful, open wounds.

At this time, Ferguson holds no answers, in full or in part, to the national concerns on display. No outcome from the grand jury investigation could have satisfied all constituents. No resolution to ongoing national tensions exists there.

l Comments: (319) 398-8262; editorial@thegazette.com