Fergusons

After nearly two weeks, the outrage in Ferguson appears to be taking new forms, and becoming less openly confrontational. But the shooting of Michael Brown — along with a number of similar, troubling, fatal incidents in which a police officer’s overreaction ended in a black man’s death — have started a nationwide conversation about race, class and the nature of American law enforcement. Here are a few discussions that are emerging as America takes a step back: 1. Ferguson is part of a long history of racial discrimination 2. A militarized police force is a scary thing 3. Do we talk about race or do we talk about class? 4. Ferguson shows that “small,” close-to-home government isn’t necessarily best 5. Is the press under attack? 6. Is it time for the next civil rights movement?