Socialist Party Statement on the Ferguson Grand Jury Ruling

By Socialist Party of Texas Socialist Party Statement on the Ferguson Grand Jury Ruling

The mask is off. We have seen behind the curtain. American Imperialism has
come home to roost, and it is wearing a badge.

The grand jury decision in the case of Darren Wilson — the officer who shot
Michael Brown, an unarmed 18-year-old African American man six times — is
another tragically clear indication that the people of the United States are
the targets of a brutally racist and oppressive system that has multiple
definitions of “justice” dependent on one’s class position. Racism, police
brutality, and oppression have received pardons. Again.

The deaths of Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Trayvon Martin are tragedies, but
not isolated incidents. Such deaths have become disturbingly frequent in an
era of increasing police militarization, decreased police accountability, and
continued racial profiling.

Police departments have reacted with increasing force in response to protests
stemming from public outrage caused by the deaths of these men, and many
others. Across the country, many police officers have demonstrated their
willingness to harm innocent civilians with impunity. These are not mere
accidents, but rather the predictable result of aggressive ‘shoot first, ask
questions later’ policies that allow police officers to use lethal force with
little consequence.

The Socialist Party USA stands in solidarity with the family of Michael Brown.
We denounce Jay Nixon and call for his removal from office, and for Darren
Wilson to be held accountable for his criminal acts.

We stand by those who have taken to the street to demand justice for these men
and all the victims of police brutality and systemic racism. We support non-
violent efforts to confront the growing police state in the US and condemn the
constant harassment and brutality that communities of color and working-class
people face.

The people have received their marching orders. Together, we can and will
fight for the changes that deliver equality, peace, and justice for all.
Nothing short of universal equality, peace, and justice is acceptable.

Passed by the Socialist Party USA National Committee 11-24-2014

Source: Socialist Party Statement on the Ferguson Grand Jury Ruling