Excellent blog Daddy. This has been widely reported, and maybe seeing from a distance helps, but it seems pretty obvious that for democracy to be viable the majority have to feel they have a stake. A sense that "we're all in this together".

But on the racial issue, I don't see how the citizens of Ferguson, and probably many other parts of the US, can feel that when two thirds, or thereabouts, are "black" [i assume this means "African American"?] yet they are governed and policed by an overwhelmingly "white" [i assume this means Northern European ethnic?] minority group of citizens - they simply cannot be considered to be representative of the people they govern and police. It is not representative democracy.

You put it very well - the US has to address this, and urgently.
 

Being from the south, there's lots of opinions. Myself, I can only offer prayers and support for both parties and for the citizens that are enduring all of this aftermath. It's a tragedy that will continue to be addressed over and over. That being said, I have to support the judicial system, but I also have sympathy for the loved ones of the victims.

Zombie, I didn't get into racism because that is a subtext that permeates everything and cynicism abounds about it and because of it.  The truth is that bias does exist and for lots of different reason, some which will never change.  

JoAnn there are lots of opinions here too.  I have lots of conflicting opinions as well.  As a parent I can't imagine having to deal with the loss of a child in such a manner as happened to Michael Brown.  His parents cannot be in a good place.  

As someone who has served on jury duty, I too support the judicial system. 

the Rule of Law must prevail. But that doesn't preclude laws and judicial processes being part of ongoing public discussion and being continually reformed. In fact, law reform, and judicial process reform, have been essential elements in Britain's story For example, England too once had the Grand Jury system, in fact the US's system evolved from this. But it was abandoned in favour of prosecution being decided for serious cases like this by what is now called the Crown Prosecution Service on a "is there a case to answer?" basis, with the testing of evidence and testimony being the exclusive function of trial by jury.

As for the "r" word I prefer the "d" word because, whatever the reasons, if elected representatives and policing do not adequately reflect that society then they are in a state of failure. And if that remains unaddressed the future does not augur well

I basically grew up less than 10 minutes away, and I really don't think the area was surprised that this happened. There are like 15 cities that meet right in that area, each with a different class, government, and background. It is strange to be able to sit on one side of the line and crime is non-existant, and walk a single city block and there is a recordable murder rate. I cannot speculate on the event itself, as it would be just that, speculation. I do feel heartbroken to see my old stomping grounds being burned to the ground, however. It is an upsetting situation for all parties involved and the U.S. itself.