Anticipated Decision of Jury Calls for State of Emergency in Missouri

         As of Monday, November 17th, Missouri declared itself in a "state of emergency". Given the events that have occurred over the past few months, there is no question that controversy and conflict are rampant. Months ago, a white police officer in the town of Ferguson (Darren Wilson) shot and killed African American teenager Michael Brown (who was unarmed at the time of the shooting.) The incident stirred Americans as protests regarding unfair racial targeting and violence ensued in not only the state of Missouri but all across the nation. Ferguson police attempted to put an end to the protests, however, their efforts proved to be in direct violation of the First Amendment of the Constitution. 

        After months of consistent protesting and debate, the grand jury has stated that a decision on the case is expected to be reached by Mid-November. However, in the mean time, Mo. Governor Jay Nixon has called upon the Missouri National Guard in order to reinforce the state of emergency in anticipation of the inevitable rising tension as the decision dates nears...a rather militaristic approach to conflict resolution in my opinion; many protestors share the same feelings, expressing their disdain for the military-like method of law enforcement. Is crowd control with large rifles and military vehicles truly necessary to stop rowdy protestors? Governor Nixon insists that the aid of the National Guard is simply part of a "contingency plan" stating that it was "simply the next step in continuing efforts to plan and be prepared for any contingency, and that means making sure these resources are in place in advance of any announcement." So basically, Gov. Nixon's plan was simply a preempted strike in anticipation of state-wide uproar when the jury releases their decision; he also insists that the order was merely to protect the "dual pillars" or the endurance of public safety and the protestors rights to voice their opinions. 
          Even though many experts believe that the jury will choose not to indict Wilson (which would inevitably lead to violent outbreaks and protests), Nixon insists that the National Guard will play a secondary role in the law enforcement process by merely aiding local police officers so that they can instead focus on the protection of constitutional rights as well as smaller local issues. It's only a matter of time before a verdict is reached. Will justice be served to officer Wilson, or will the jury choose not to indict? This decision is said to be reached very soon.

Article and photos: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/18/us/missouri-governor-calls-out-national-guard-ahead-of-grand-jury-decision.html?ref=politics&_r=0