...There seems no reason to treat Ferguson as if it were an actual neighborhood rather than what it's become, namely, just another place where civilization goes to die. The current residents have amply demonstrated their "sense of hope and sense of purpose." There's compelling evidence outsiders won't impose another. As with any natural sinkhole, wishing it were some other way is futile. Ferguson's fate seems decided. Businesses which escaped the looting and arson will also be abandoned, never to return. The remaining law-abiding, productive citizens will flee with them. The tax base will collapse. Schools will teach it's all someone...