On August 9, 2014 Michael Brown, an unarmed 18 year old young black man was shot and killed by a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri. The shooting was followed by protests; some peaceful, some violent, which in turn generated interest from the media. News teams and camera crews representing major networks were dispatched to Ferguson.

I was saddened but not shocked to learn of the shooting and death of Mr. Brown. What I found frightening was White America’s response. It was frightening because it was predictable. I was watching Bambi looking into the headlights of an oncoming speeding truck. How could anyone not see what was coming? How many times have these events played out in our history?

It isn’t a new story; it is the same story repeated month after month, year after year, city after city. The names change but the endings are always the same. I don’t know which is worse: Watching the Klan or the folks intoxicated by their own liberalism.

Note: A two-term African American President is not an end in itself. It looks more convincing when the African American President‘s Party supports him and his opponents oppose in a manner that shows respect to the man and his office.

Each time a black man is shot and killed by a white police officer, I wonder how many bullets were used. Why were so many bullets shot into a limp body? Was the intent to destroy the man? Or his soul? Heroes receive ten gun salutes, how then do we translate the overkill?

On August 9, 2014, an unarmed 18 year old young black man was shot and killed by a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri. Sadly you know it will happen again. History repeats itself with help of the all too willing gatekeepers. It just keeps happening and the same people say the same things. Bambi syndrome sets in, followed by fear, hate, ignorance, politics and money. No crystal ball required. You know it will happen again.

My deepest condolences to the Brown Family and I wish healing to Ferguson’s residents and all who live in this place we call home, USA.

 

Janet Cormier is a painter, writes prose and poetry, and performs comedy. JC prefers different and original over pretty. She loves collecting stuff, but cleaning not so much. Janet also talks to strangers… a lot. Her column appears weekly in Oddball Magazine.