Michael Brown Anniversary Celebrates Victimization

The last several nights a few people in Ferguson, Missouri have rioted, looted and burned the city as a tribute to Michael Brown. The Black Lives Matter movement, has made him a martyr for their cause. The founders of this movement would have us believe that Michael Brown was gunned down by a calculating, callous and racist Officer Daryn Wilson while Brown's hands were raised as he called out, "don't shoot!"  Three autopsies, including one paid for by Mr. Brown's family, and a Grand Jury established the the incredulity of this scenario.

 While Mr. Brown's death is a grievous loss for his family, and while there are police officers who pull their gun's as an act of racial animus, the police

are often the scapegoats for those who wish to deny the breakdown of the African American culture, and by black politicians and clergy who exploit the deaths for their own power and fame. Leaders of this country especially those in the Obama administration have purveyed a suspicious attitude toward police and white authority. 

Consider the President's comments that "police acted stupidly" after the arrest of Cambridge Professor Henry Lois Gates, or the statement "if I had a son, he would look like Trevon." Remember that Attorney General Eric Holder advised he could only look at the shooting of Michael Brown from the perspective of a black man. What about the mayor of Baltimore and the city attorney's calling on police "stand down," and saying that they had heard the calls of looters for "justice." Have those actions resulted in the improvement of black lives, have they resulted in more just arrests; have they stemmed the tied the of violence and racism? When we see civilians standing between police and rioters shielding the police from violence we recognize how convoluted our society has become. 

Have those actions resulted in the improvement of black lives, have they resulted in more just arrests; have they stemmed the tied the of violence and racism?

This past weekend an Indianapolis Metropolitan Policeman shot and killed Andre Green, a 15-year old black man who was suspected of carjacking. Al Sharpton is no where to be seen, since this does not appear to be an incident that can be used as a tool to create a victim mentality to garner black democratic constituents. The parents and community have publicly assembled to express their grief and an investigation is being conducted . There has been no violence. Justice is being sought for both the victim and the police officer. When one compares the events surrounding the anniversary of Michael Brown's death with the public reaction to Andre Green it becomes obvious that what is being memorialized in Ferguson is victimization.

Those who protest a police shooting before knowing the facts as in the cases of the police action toward Henry Lois Gates, Trevon Martin and Michael Brown, Eric Gardner or Freddie Gray are celebrating their victimization. They are devaluing their lives rather than showing how they matter. When police are asked to ignore destruction of property, when they are expected to use restraint because of some one's race their is no virtue in that. Rather than showing that "Black Lives Matter," these celebrants are denigrating African Americans, showing we do not really believe civility is possible in black communities. 

 Although there are plenty of examples of improper policing and even of racist brutalization.  Black Lives Matter when, despite the racial component, the justice system preserve equal justice under the law. Equal justice and opportunity was what Dr. Martin Luther King gave his life to acquire. It is equal justice under the law we celebrate every January when we memorialize his birth. Michael Brown broke the law, robbed a store and assaulted a police officer. Is he a role model for any cause; is he really the person black leaders want to raise to their young men to emulate as a paragon of virtue and justice? Really?

After 9-ll many of us attached emblems of NYPD or NYFD to our cars and clothing to honor the sacrifices first responders make so that we live in a society where everyone receives equal justice under the law. Black Lives Matter when justice prevails and police act virtuously. It is  effective competent policing that preserves a culture where African Americans can not only matter, but can excel. The death of Michael Brown despite how tragic was justified. Daryn Wilson like so many other policeman is the one who deserves our encomiums.

If Michael Brown's life and death teaches a lesson, it is that the preservation of justice and the rule of law is no easy task. Some of the protesters at last weekend's memorial put a police hat on a roasted pig and carved the name "Daryn Wilson" in the side. The injustice in Ferguson was not the death of Michael Brown it was the vilification of Daryn Wilson and with him the millions of men and women who wear that uniform. I have an African American friend who is a Marion County sheriff. Recently

The injustice in Ferguson was not the death of Michael Brown it was the vilification of Daryn Wilson and with him the millions of men and women who wear that uniform.

while walking through a local retail store in uniform people raised both hand in the hands up don't shoot pose as he performed his duty. The condition of life in black communities will continue to decline as long as victimization is glorified, and the law vilified. 

But alas police work has never been easy. My maternal Great Grandfather, James Alan Haymen, was a respected policeman in Tampa in the early decades of the twentieth century. He was one of the first 

policeman to drive a patrol car. He was known for faithfully and equitably applying the law.  

His billy club hangs in my office as a reminder to me that integrity and citizenship is built on virtue and character. In his obituary published in a Tampa paper in February of 1941 part of a  eulogy that he had delivered for a fellow officer who had fallen in the line of duty was recorded. He said:

You're a Policeman

by James A. Hayman

"When hours seem long and the going tough,

When the pay seems small and the criminals rough

 just square your shoulders and call their bluff

let them be the one's to call "enough."

-- You're a Policeman."

"When the public scoffs and the papers rave,

and blame you alone for a new crime wave,

they'll yell quick enough when their lives to save,

for deep in their hearts they count you brave

-- You're a Policeman."

"When politics steps in and ties your hands,

with ward-heeler tactics and raw demands,

Do your best despite these bands,

they'll go their way while the force still stands,

--You're a Policeman."

"When you leave at last this world of sin, 

and seek like mortals  paradise to win,

Saint Peter I trust will o'erlook every sin,

and say, "Well done my boy. Come right in."

-- You're a Policeman."

When I see a memorial to Michael Brown, and the limitations placed on Police in Ferguson and during recent riots in Baltimore and other places, I am convinced that to those who diminish the value of black lives are those who exploit disenfranchised black youth, leaving them without jobs, education or self respect to them black lives don't matter.  Most policeman are not near the threat to black Americans, as are those who celebrate their victimization.