Last week the Justice Department, under Attorney General Eric Holder’s supervision, released its report on the shooting of Michael Brown by Darren Wilson of the Ferguson Police Department. The report stated that there is “no evidence” that Wilson did anything illegal and that the “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot” myth that has been perpetrated by Wilson’s critics…
John Dietrich: Click Here For Your Opportunity To Thank A Cop
The pot was already boiling on Friday, December 19th, 2014 when 2 straight months of demonstrations against police were gripping the national spotlight. One video showed a protester sucker punching a police officer in the face as the officer was protecting the protesters’ right to peacefully march (incredible irony, no?). Another photo went viral of…
John Dorso: Feds Should Stop Meddling In Local Law Enforcement Matters
That President Obama and his AG Eric Holder are adding to the racial tensions in this country is a point some may argue with. What isn’t being discussed is the insertion of the Federal government into issues that are best dealt with at the local and state level. The undermining of our state judicial systems…
Matt Evans: What If It Isn't Racism?
Racism is on everyone’s mind lately. This seems to be a result of a few high profile altercations between white law enforcement and black civilians. National examples include the Ferguson shooting, the NYPD choking, and the killing of the kid with the toy gun. Closer to home, we have the case of the black student…
The North Dakota Legislature Should Fund Body Cameras For Cops
Lawmakers are in Bismarck this week for their organizational session. Between the swearing-in and training they’re also working on the bills that will be considered during the regular session next year. Drafts are being circulated for amendment and sponsorship. Here’s one idea that some lawmaker should take up, if they haven’t already: Funding to pay…
Rod St. Aubyn: Were The Ferguson Riots Necessary?
I am sure you are just as tired as I am of all the media coverage of the Ferguson riots and the grand jury decision. But I feel that there is the need for one more perspective to think about. In full disclosure, I want everyone to know that I have a son residing in…
The Ferguson Riot Is A Premeditated Crime Against The 1st Amendment
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that last night a grand jury declined to indict a Ferguson police officer for the shooting death of Michael Brown. After weeks of build-up, protesters reacted as many predicted. With violence. Looting. Property damage. Assault. I don’t care to share my opinion of the grand jury’s…
Matt Evans: In Ferguson, Body Cameras Would Have Been Cheaper Than Riots
Conjecture: putting tamper-proof cameras on every officer and every patrol car would have cost significantly less than burning down an entire neighborhood while an overwhelming military force harassed and roughed up the wrong people. Twice. I’m not sure there’s ANY amount of evidence that could have convinced the folks who are angry right now not…
Rod St. Aubyn: How Can We Hold The Media Accountable For Bias?
During the recent protest in Ferguson, Missouri, I was struck by what I thought was media bias on the TV coverage. With all the protesters on TV, weren’t there any Ferguson residents that disagreed with the protesters, the looting, and the outlandish statements made by some. I have to believe that there were others that…
From The Left: Can We Have An Adult Conversation On Race?
As the situation in Ferguson, MO, has continued to simmer; it appears we have again fallen into the discussion of race in our country. Now I want to make something very clear, I don’t know what happened with Darren Wilson that led him to shoot an unarmed Michael Brown and honestly, I am not interested…