Fix police, use clergy to heal Ferguson: #tellusatoday
We asked our readers what they thought should be done to heal Ferguson. Comments edited for clarity and grammar. For more of the conversation follow @USATOpinion or #tellusatoday on Twitter:
The black and white clergy, acting in the spirit of godly love, should initiate ongoing dialogue between all factions.
—@PaulWhiteleySr
Just what would you expect the people of Ferguson do to? History speaks for itself. People must maintain decorum.
—@jkroe1
Stop treating citizens of the country like enemy combatants.
—@usersname
To begin healing, the people should stop assaulting first responders.
—@SundevilSal
The Ferguson community will not heal as long as elements like Anonymous and Al Sharpton are pushing their own agenda.
—@ChrisPV66
They must disband the police force and turn law enforcement over to the state or county sheriff.
—@HuntingBigfoot
People should do exactly what the Brown family is doing: volunteering and helping the community come together as one, handing out turkeys to the needy.
—@TheJonathanNg
Facebook comments edited for clarity and grammar:
The protests in Ferguson, Mo., don't have to be violent. I've lived nearby for decades, and even through the worst of St. Louis years, when we were the murder capital of the USA, it was 99% peaceful and neighborly. That 1% sure can make an impact.
—Scott Hardy
Closing down schools ahead of the verdict is further proof that the town is out of control. The message: If you don't like the verdict, loot and pillage your own town like a bunch of lawless pirates!
—Camille Olive
Having been in high school during the 1980 riots in Miami, I think closing down the schools was a good idea.
—Fernando Galvez
Judging by other videos out there, it would seem that officer Darren Wilson has issues with abusing his authority.
—Patrick Cunningham
It looks like Wilson might be leaving the police department. Too bad Michael Brown doesn't have a second chance at life.
—Tiffy Love
Letter edited for clarity and grammar
Apparently there was a lesson ignored by the American people after the tragic incident in Ferguson, Mo.
Post midterm-election estimates show that only about 36% of registered Americans voted. Election news from Missouri revealed that more people registered to vote in Ferguson after the Michael Brown shooting, but not a significant number.
Is it a foregone conclusion that the people of Ferguson won't vote in their elections, thereby licensing the white minority to govern the majority of that town? Is this a lesson we are all ignoring?
James D. Cook; Schaumburg, Ill.