KJHS Students Speak Out: Ferguson, MO, Riots

BACKGROUND:  Robert P. McCulloch, Prosecuting Attorney for St. Louis County, MO, announced on November 24, 2014, that the Grand Jury had decided not to indict police officer Darren Wilson for the shooting of Michael Brown, 18.  McCulloch stated that eyewitness accounts did not match the physical evidence.  Riots broke out on the streets of Ferguson, MO, where the shooting had occurred on August 9.  People who had been protesting nightly began destroying, looting, and burning down local businesses.

 

“The riots are scary and just go to show how people wait for the opportunity to turn their emotions into violence.  People have turned this incident into much more than a shooting.  The ‘peace’ made 200 years ago has not changed the way Americans think now.  We still need to learn to look past our differences.” – America Cruz, 8th

 

“I see that the protestors are trying to make a point, but they are burning down black people’s places, too.  It’s a little too much!” – Mari Sumbler, 9th

 

“The looting should stop.  I understand that the people are protesting to stop the crime and get some real justice.  The way that officer walked away with no punishment is crazy.  The protestors are ready to take things into their own hands.” – Ashley Hart, 9th

 

“The protests, riots, and looting in Ferguson have gone too far.  The people say the cop’s actions were not justified, but neither are the rioters’ actions.  People should take a more peaceful approach.”  — Gabby Clark, 9th

 

“The protestors should stop!  It is not right to keep on destroying your own city.”

— Chaz Thompson, 9th

 

“I understand that Michael Brown’s case was unfair and cruel, but what I don’t understand is why people started rioting and looting.  That only causes more problems and puts others in danger.  We should be trying to STOP the violence and bring each other up, not cause more violence and bring each other down.”  — Raeven Drake, 9th