Did you think that because the U.S. contributes so much to keeping the United Nations afloat we would be protected from unwarranted scrutiny over accusations of police brutality and torture? Our money won’t help our image when our own people draw the world into the evolving racial mythology of the Ferguson conflict. The hype traveled all the way to Geneva. Michael Brown’s parents were front and center before the UN Committee Against Torture before the grand jury decision was even handed down.
Observations in a report just issued by the UN Committee Against Torture gave nods to Obama poster children like LGBTs and detained immigrants, but it also included remarks about law enforcement and race in America. To be fair, without putting its own boots on U.S. soil to investigate the committee can only respond to what it hears, which includes the same distortions and disinformation we are being subjected to. With the Democratic Party about to give up its remaining congressional foothold in January, what better way to keep its agenda in the spotlight than getting the word out about how bad things are for people of color unlucky enough to live in the U.S.?
What’s the difference between the disinformation campaign that is passing its own judgments and broadcasting them to the world and the judicial system that was tasked with delivering a fair verdict in Ferguson? Disinformation and hype swept justice and fairness off the table. We will never know whether the truth lies in the judgment made by activists or the grand jury decision, but we do know that statements being made by members of our government are irresponsible and unjustified.
Disinformation, sweeping assertions, and global anti-Americanism?
Responding to the grand jury announcement, the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus made this statement:
This decision seems to underscore an unwritten rule that Black lives hold no value; that you may kill Black men in this country without consequences or repercussions.¹
Another member of the House, Illinois Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, claimed:
While Officer Wilson has not been indicted for this shooting, Michael Brown’s death has shined a light on the troubling law enforcement practices and militarization of police forces in Ferguson, and other communities around the country.²
This came from New York Congressman Hakeem Jeffries:
From Ferguson to Brooklyn, the zip codes may be different but the issue of police officers shooting young, unarmed African-American men without justification is exactly the same. Throughout this country, we need a dramatic change in the manner that law enforcement authorities engage communities of color.³
“In this country,” “throughout this country,” and “around the country”? Violence by police against people of color has become a nationwide scourge for politicians and the media, but we aren’t seeing a deluge of reports to back up what we’re hearing. At what point do these damning claims become disinformation and anti-American propaganda? When they go global?
Disinformation on Ferguson is a good strategy for Democrats
Like Obama trying to rally the people to rage against Congress when Republicans won’t play ball, the Democratic Party has a good one on its hands and members are going to make sure everyone knows it. They will exploit the state of U.S. race relations with no regard for the damage the disinformation they spread will do to how America is viewed not only by our people, but by the world. Their spending agenda for disadvantaged communities is already in jeopardy. Police brutality sweetens the pot (see: Racist Police Killings and Jobs: the Liberal Connection).
What about the UN report? Does it matter? For the support and other assistance taxpayers hand over to an impotent organization that blusters loudly and accomplishes little, we expect to have our views at least heard. Government and special interest mouthpieces got their word out first. If they want to try the Michael Brown verdict on the world stage, that’s their prerogative. Since the UN doesn’t have a reputation for successfully dealing with anything, in lieu of taking back our money, going home, and leaving the world to fend for itself, we can ignore the report and blame our people for the disinformation and bad press.
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