Reader: Ferguson Rallies Are an Excuse to Skip Class, Miss Work, Terrorize People

Our coverage of the #HandsUpWalkOut rallies at CU Boulder and CSU, one of many demonstrations nationwide prompted by a Ferguson, Missouri grand jury's decision not to indict Officer Darren Wilson, who shot and killed unarmed teenager Michael Brown earlier this year, spurred a gusher of impassioned commentary by readers on...

By Michael Roberts

December 3, 2014

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Our coverage of the #HandsUpWalkOut rallies at CU Boulder and CSU, one of many demonstrations nationwide prompted by a Ferguson, Missouri grand jury's decision not to indict Officer Darren Wilson, who shot and killed unarmed teenager Michael Brown earlier this year, spurred a gusher of impassioned commentary by readers on all sides of the issue. Here's an example from someone who questions the need for the protests.

Kristi Adducci writes:

I don't understand the protest -- Wilson was cleared by a jury of his peers that included 3 black people. It's all an excuse to cause a scene...skip class, miss work, terrorize people......

Send your story tips to the author, Michael Roberts.

For more memorable takes, visit our Comment of the Day archive.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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