A tough call for Obama...

[kentuck]

He has done his best to stay away from issues dealing with race. But this matter in Ferguson may be inescapable?

This may require a Federal response?

In my opinion, the President should order all the present National Guard and police forces to withdraw immediately from their present positions. Instead, they should be re-positioned in front of businesses to prevent looting or burning but not in a confrontational manner. Let the people assemble and march and shout all they want. The only job for the National Guard should be to protect private property.

The President is always very cautious in all his decisions. However, he may not be able to wait for AG Holder to report back to him? He may be required to make a presidential decision on this matter, sooner rather than later. This could define his presidency?

[leftstreet]

1. What would be 'tough' about your suggestion?

Instead, they should be re-positioned in front of businesses to prevent looting or burning but not in a confrontational manner. Let the people assemble and march and shout all they want. The only job for the National Guard should be to protect private property.

Sounds like a no-brainer to me

[kentuck]

2. Tough for him.

Because it is about race.

[leftstreet]

3. It's about public safety

Your suggestion, which is good, is about public safety

[kentuck]

4. It is, but...

the President is black and a big part of this country views him thru that lense. He needs to do what is right. Protect the people before the jack-booted thugs. Order them to be withdrawn from their confrontational positions.

[leftstreet]

6. This is how the country sees (saw?) Obama

[MikeW]

5. you realize

That the president has no authority to tell a local PD to do anything right?

GD there are an awful LOT of people on DU that have NO IDEA what powers the President has and does not have.

[kentuck]

7. No, I did not realize that?

I thought the President could order the National Guard to follow his orders over the Governor's, since he is the Commander-in-Chief, per the Constitution.

[Horse with no Name]

8. LOL you would be correct

Just ask Governor Faubus

[MikeW]

9. he can not order local PD to do anything