Obama Calls On Ferguson Protesters To Remain Peaceful

TPM ^ | 11/24/2014 | By CAITLIN MACNEAL

[SeekAndFind]

President Obama on Monday called on protesters to react peacefully to the St. Louis County grand jury's decision not to indict Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson in the shooting of Michael Brown -- even as TV networks showed a split screen of the president's speech with police firing tear gas at protestors.

Surreal split screen: Obama calls for restraint as tear gas is deployed by police in Ferguson. pic.twitter.com/Kak3tt78Cx

— Vexy Vox (@Vexyvox) November 25, 2014

Obama said that it's "an understandable reaction" for some to be angry with the decision, but he urged people to respect the wishes of Michael Brown's family and refrain from violence.

"Michael Brown's parents have lost more than anyone, we should be honoring their wishes," he said.

He said that the Ferguson community "must accept" the grand jury's decision.

"First and foremost we are a nation built on the rule of law," he said.

Obama reminded protesters that the police have a "tough job."

"Our police officers put their lives on the line for us every single day,” he said. But Obama also said that there are “broader challenges that we face as a nation.”

“We need to recognize that this is not just an issue for Ferguson. This is an issue for America,” he said.

Obama said that "deep distrust exists" between police and minority communities, and that communities need to work with the police to eliminate concerns about discrimination.

He concluded his statement by asking again that protesters not react with violence or vandalism.

“To those in Ferguson, there are ways of channeling your concern constructively,” he said.

Obama said that he had reached out to law enforcement in the Ferguson area, but when asked he said he did not yet have plans to visit the community.

[FreeAtlanta]

64% “he’s a racist killer”

Who? Obama?

[piytar]

Feral urban animals remain peaceful? Yeah, right.

[Pining_4_TX]

Good point.

[TsonicTsunami08]

Really ? Is that what the President did in his speech tonight ? I beleive you and I, or whoever makes this claim have watched two different presentations.

[VanDeKoik]

Aint nobody got time fo dat, Obama.

[arthurus]

Obama, with a wink, Calls On Ferguson Protesters To Remain Peaceful

[tflabo]

Domestic terrorists. No really.

[madameguinot]

Were the flat screen TVS tuned in to his speech in those burning stores?

[jocon307]

If this schmuck hadn’t already lost the last shred of credibility he ever had perhaps people might listen to him.

How great is it going to be going through the next 2 years with a pres. who is just going through the motions, to no effect?

[Tilted Irish Kilt]

Too late ! They are "staying the course", as you instructed them !

The looting, injuries , and fire bombs are on your shoulders !!

[Frank_2001]

Hey Barry STFU, you’ve done enough damage already!

[Kenny Bunk]

As the gay Indonesian counsels his homies with a wink and a nod, I am disgustingly reminded of the Scumbag Mayor Tom Bradley telling the rioters of LA to:

"Take to the streets. Show your feelings. But keep the peace."

I also remember how badly George Herbert Walker Bush wimp-assed that one and further guaranteed the Clinton Presidency. The Mombasa MF is avoiding that particular miscue by, like Tom Bradley, standing clearly on the side of the rioters.

BTW, I hear the police are taking long-range rifle fire tonight in Ferguson. How will Reggie's boyfriend handle that?

[Nachum]

Nothing says "Happy Holidays" like a nice warm fire.

 

[Forty-Niner]

Who in his right mind listens to Obama anymore? He’s lied so many times that people pay no attention to him anymore.

To be safe just do the opposite of what he says!

[hotsteppa]

“First and foremost we are a nation built on the rule of law,” he said.

Did he say that with a straight face?

[lightman]

They listened good. /s

[doorgunner69]

"The evil bastard wanted this."

Truer words seldom spoken.

He was itching for this, to get his "Base' all sweated and lathered up to hate on the white Republicans gonna keep them down.

Watch him milk this as the few conservative congress critters try to slow his tyranny down. They only doin' because he be black, so be ready fo' mo' rioting............

[Netz]

What Obama said: Show restraint, no violence...

What Obama wanted to say: Burn whitey!! Loot! Kill! Attack the cops!

[taterjay]

Obama, “Show restraint, no violence.”

Compare that to Obama, “If you like your plan you can keep it.”

[CatOwner]

Obama Calls On Ferguson Protesters To Remain Sleep Peacefully

Fixed