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In the wake of the tumultuous, violent reaction on the part of a small faction of Ferguson protestors to the St. Louis County grand jury’s decision not to indict the officer who shot and killed Michael Brown, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi urged people to work together in the spirit of love to correct injustice.
“However disappointed we may be in the decision by the grand jury in St. Louis County, we must hold the family of Michael Brown in our hearts, and reject the acts of violence and destruction that detract from the efforts of those who continue to peacefully protest this tragedy.
“As our thoughts and prayers continue for the Brown family, we stand ready to support the efforts of Congressman Lacy Clay and Congressman Emanuel Cleaver as they work to repair the communities in their state that have been so deeply torn and divided.
“As the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote, ‘Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.’ In the coming days and months, we must all work together in the spirit of light and love, and answer our shared responsibility to heal suffering, correct injustice, and foster hope.”
Violence is not a viable solution. Rioting is not the same as protesting. A peaceful protest can bring about change whereas violence only is capable of destruction. The peaceful voices who are working for change outnumber those who are responsible for the violence, but as the old saying goes violence sales. This is especially true in the era of corporate owned sensationalized 24-hour cable news networks.
Rep. Pelosi was correct. Real change will come from the peaceful struggle. The path towards correcting an injustice is long. There are no shortcuts. The few tempted by violence are capable of derailing an entire movement for change.
Ferguson should not go down in history another violent reaction to an unjust death. Peaceful protest is the path to change. Everyone interested in justice should stand united for the same goal
Sarah has been credentialed to cover President Barack Obama, then VP Joe Biden, 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, and exclusively interviewed Speaker Nancy Pelosi multiple times and exclusively covered her first home appearance after the first impeachment of then President Donald Trump.
Sarah is two-time Telly award winning video producer and a member of the Society of Professional Journalists.
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