Federal civil rights charges unlikely against police officer in Ferguson shooting

[blackspade]

161. That is a grand question...

And not one that is simple to address.

What we have is a systemic issue with the justice system. One that rewards maintaining an inherently biased and oppressive process, no matter who is running it. Like any system, new members are indoctrinated into its functions and those that rock the boat, as it were, are penalized and driven out. Note that this is not exclusive to the justice system, but corporate, and various governmental systems as well.

As for a grand revolution, I am old enough, and, by career, knowledgeable enough to know that there are no 'grand revolutions.' Revolutions are messy and often have unintended consequences. Small systemic revolutions within our existing social frameworks, on the other hand, are eminently doable. Education should be the best way to achieve this, but unfortunately the Reagan administration started that ball rolling off a cliff, so politically brave leadership both at the local and Federal level are needed to repair what should be an excellent example of Western jurisprudence. But that takes courage which is sorely lacking. So, it is falling to demonstrators and activists to lead the charge for change. Unfortunately some of these groups are not the ones that you want leading.

As for the fundamentals as you call them, I have no issue with them. What I have issue with is the unfair application of the laws that make up the system. When laws are applied in a draconian way to minorities and the poor and in a lenient way to those in power, it is not the fundamentals that are at fault and needing of change, it is the people who are applying that need to be changed.

Hopefully that clarifies my position to you.

My questions to you:
How would you change the system to eliminate the obvious racial and class biases that exist within it?
Do the administrators of the system have a duty to make these changes?
If not who?