I don't know if I have the words.

[cali]

There have been quite a few posts on how the Grand Jury results are proof that the system worked, that the facts support Wilson and that DUers just don't want to face it. There are smug posts about the nasty protesters.

Even if you believe that the system worked, can't you grasp why black people and (and quite a few whites and others) have no faith in the system. The prosecutor, for instance, had no business being the conductor of this investigation and the GJ process. That in and of itself was more than enough to delegitimize the process even before it began.

http://www.newsweek.com/ferguson-prosecutor-robert-p-mccullochs-long-history-siding-police-267357

And then there is both the current context and the historical one within which all this happened. Young black men are many, many times more likely to be killed by police than their white counterparts. Black people of all ages are more likely to draw suspicion. The history of racism in this country isn't history. It's a series of non-stop waves that relentlessly pounds people. Racism may be more sophisticated in its guises now than it was a few decades ago, but it's widespread and pernicious.

I guess what I'm finding so hard about "the system worked" posts I've seen, is the lack of understanding and compassion; the careless relegation of history and context to the trash heap.

[cilla4progress]

1. I agree, Cali

Do you know what the standard of proof for the GJ is? I know it's preliminary to a full-out trial, but can you give a brief rundown of how it fits into our normal jury process?

[cali]

2. A Grand Jury (as I understand it, and I'm surely no expert)

is tasked simply with determining if there is enough evidence to support a criminal charge being brought.

[el_bryanto]

3. Everybody is at a different stage of evolution

And emotions are running high today surrounding this issue. Some people don't want to believe that we live in an inherently corrupt system. I don't want to believe that - despite all the evidence that convinces me otherwise, I'd like to believe that most people are trying to do the right thing. When you add in unexamined white privilege that many have, it creates a bad situation.

I do think that arguing and challenging those posts is a better solution than hiding then, but then again perhaps that's just my desire to believe that the people who make those kinds of posts are trying to do the right thing and not cynically manipulating the system to protect their own position.

Bryant

[H2O Man]

4. Exactly right.

Recommended.

A prosecutor has the ability to take a case before another grand jury, after one fails to indict, if she/he believes it is necessary. I find it curious this prosecutor was in such a hurry to release so much information after this grand jury failed to indict. Certainly, the community could (and definitely should) be actively engaged in registering voters -- to elect a responsible prosecutor, etc -- making the release of the information appear to be placing a stumbling block in place to make that more difficult in the future.

[azmom]

5. If the system worked, then the system is rigged

Against people of color. This case needed to go to trial.

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

6. So are you saying there are non liberals on Democratic Underground?

people who jump to the defense of a cop especially if the victim is a minority, really! On democratic underground...that doesn't sound right to me

[cali]

8. I'm not speaking in terms of liberals or non-liberals.

my op seems to have flown well above your head. Do you deny that there is considerable racism still extant in this country? Do you deny that black people are treated differently than whites by law enforcement (in general) and the legal system?

why are you trying to make this about liberals?

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

9. you're misreading me I am saying opposite

of people who have been systematically institutionally oppressed not instantly jump to the defense of a cop

[cali]

12. ah, sorry. I think I understand what you're saying now.

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

13. I'm using my phone and the voice recognition on this is crap

just bought my wife a new Apple 6 and the voice recognition on that is perfect

[H2O Man]

11. I think that

the intent was to say that there are some folks here who do not believe in democratic principles, and who are attempting to stir the pot .....and exposing themselves while doing so.

[Lars39]

7. The system did work in Furgeson...for the racists.

Police don't have to actually live in the town, they issue warrants like they're free ice cream coupons so that people are afraid to vote for fear of being arrested. Grand jury with mostly whites, prosecuter and probably judge all pro-cop and anti-citizen. Now we find out this past election that they only supplied a fraction of the ballots needed.

I want to prevent the next Mike Brown, but the system left in place by the federal government will soon produce another one.

Those in power in Furgeson have exploited every single loophole and law that they can to retain power and they won't voluntarily give that power up.

[LittleBlue]

10. I don't know why people were so eager for a trial

This would have been the shortest, most one-sided trial in history. Wilson would have walked without even having to testify.

The moment that one witness said Brown charged Wilson, the trial is over. That's reasonable doubt. No bullet wounds to the back, no forensics to back it up. No video. A trial would have been farcical.

What exactly was the prosecutor supposed to present at trial as evidence of Wilson's guilt? The entire case would rest on conflicting testimony. People are jumping on the DA, but it was pretty clear he knew he had nothing to take to trial. Which is why he didn't push for one.

[Avalux]

14. Thank you.

I am struggling with words as well...yours are good.

Not only was the entire GJ process illegitimate, but the prosecutor's speech was degrading and....it was like rubbing salt in a wound....painting Brown as the perpetrator. Delivered well after dark and knowing the response it would have. I was infuriated by it, I can't even imagine what the people of and in Ferguson are feeling.

But I guess for some people, it's more neat and tidy to be dismissive and insist the system worked than be empathetic and understanding. Then they can forget about it and continue being good little sheep, instead of working to change a system that was never intended to work for minorities.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

15. A system that condones torture, war crimes, and looting by bankers, gives the lie to

"Equal Justice under the law".

I'd be a lot more convinced if the black kid tried and convicted of looting a TV if his cell was shared by a banker who looted millions and a CIA torturer (aka a "patriot under a lot of pressure&quot .

[sadoldgirl]

16. Yes, there is a lot of racism in this country

and it is possible that Wilson is of such a group. And, yes again, a lot of young black kids
are treated badly by the law; but

I think if the kid had been white, yellow or any other color, the system would have
done the same thing.

I get the impression that we live under a new rule: At all costs protect the police.

And that is deplorable in itself.

[cali]

17. no. this case is distinctly about race

[sadoldgirl]

19. It may well have been for Wilson,

though I fear that this is very difficult to prove.

But the reaction to protect the officer seems to be a natural development now.

[Gothmog]

18. The system failed last night

I am very upset with the way that the prosecutor handled this matter and the results of this faux investigation. I do not believe that the system worked