'What if?': Ferguson violence and looting prompt local thoughts

We would like to think that it could never happen here -- the unrest, violence and looting that has taken over the streets in Ferguson, Missouri.

We would like to think that there would not be a police shooting like this to question in the first place -- and that the community, when faced with such an act, would be able to come together to seek answers, not disintegrate into violence and looting masquerading as protests.

We would like to think that the police officer would get a fair shake and that there would be justice for the young man involved.

That's what we would like to think.

But listening to what is happening in Missouri should make us all think. We should be looking at what we can do here to lay the groundwork so that there won't be a similar response if there is ever an incident like this here.

And that takes communication -- and a community that is willing to discuss its realities honestly and openly.

It means that police and residents need to listen to and to respect each other. It means officials must be cautious about how they keep the community safe and that residents understand the danger involved in that task.

It takes opening a dialogue before we ever have to use it -- and setting a standard for how we as a community respond to moments that challenge how we interact with each other.

There will be a resolution to the Ferguson case. The truth will be told -- and if there was wrongdoing, there will be consequences.

But there should be consequences, too, for the looters, the thieves and those who are there for violence and greed, not justice.

It is a standard that we have to set now, before we need it.

It is how you keep a community whole even in the most trying of circumstances.

And it would be worth the investment.

Published in Editorials on August 18, 2014 10:46 AM