By Paul Gable
As riots go, even in this country, the one in Ferguson, Missouri is a pretty small deal.
But, it does demonstrate that this supposed nation of opportunity, at least equal opportunity, is still more myth than reality.
Riots generally result from frustration and at least perceived injustice and inequality whether it be Lexington and Concord in 1775, Paris in 1789, western Europe in 1848, Russia in 1917 or Ferguson today.
And I believe America is moving more toward this type of confrontation with the increased militarization of police forces throughout the country.
Why is it that police forces in this country seem to feel the need to increasingly dress and equip themselves as if they are ready to storm the beaches on D-Day?
It strikes me that such a presentation invites violent confrontation rather than seeking to avoid it.
This is middle America, not Baghdad, Gaza or the West Bank, but it’s hard to tell the difference from the pictures.
Gore Vidal once said, “The smartest men in the country came together to form a government and we haven’t seen them since.”
Sadly, that is very true. We are generally governed by mediocrity at best and incompetence at worst.
I believe the events in Ferguson, Missouri demonstrate exactly that.
Speak Up…