For Immediate Release: For more information contact:
Aug. 18, 2014 Rep. Clem Smith at (573) 751-4468
STATEMENT
Deployment of National Guard troops to Ferguson unwarranted
“The deployment of the Missouri National Guard to Ferguson is an ill-advised escalation that could serve to make an already tense situation worse. As law enforcement officials themselves have said, the overwhelming majority of protestors are peaceful and law abiding, with a just a handful of troublemakers responsible for the problems that have occurred. It’s hard to believe the actions of a few troublemakers warrant the use of military might.
“Addressing the grievances of those in our community who have been victims of police brutality, racial profiling, employment discrimination and institutional racism is the only way to bring calm to the area. Treating Ferguson as an occupied territory by placing tanks and armed soldiers on its streets is a huge leap in the opposite direction and will only further the distrust of government in my community.”
State Rep. Clem Smith
D-Velda Village Hills
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