Violence in Ferguson overshadows protests

On Monday, a state of emergency was declared in St. Louis County as protests marking a year since the fatal shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., turned violent.

I’m sorry that Michael Brown lost his life and his parents lost their son. However, if Brown had complied with the officer, he would be eating and breathing today.

Judy Canup

If people lived near Ferguson, they would understand the need to act on certain biases or stereotypes. For the health and safety of my kids, I have no problem with that.

Ward W Morris

Many of us stereotype and profile people, which is OK as individuals. If I see young men or women who look a certain way, I make assumptions regardless of color. However, it is not OK for law enforcement agencies to do so. I’m a college-educated, successful black man. Is it OK for police to profile me in my own neighborhood because I might look out of place? No, it is not.

Rick Baker

These protests that turn violent are useless! Too many thugs are just causing trouble for the sake of trouble! They don’t care about Brown; they just want a reason to shoot at the police.

Now, don’t get me wrong. There are real cases with evidence showing how out of control some cops are, but that doesn’t mean all cops are bad.

Rick Neal

Sure, black lives matter. All lives matter. But you have to make your own life matter.

No matter what color you are, if you live the life of a thug, then someday you will pay the price. You can’t blame the police for protecting themselves and citizens.

Sharon Brooksbank