President Obama took a [planned] break from his Martha’s Vineyard holiday to address the situation in Iraq and Ferguson, Missouri. The Commander-in-Chief said he discussed the crisis with Missouri Governor Nixon and Attorney General Eric Holder (who’s headed to Ferguson to fly the federal flag). Obama said he “understands the passion and anger over the death of Michael Brown” and condemned people “carrying guns” during protests. He called for color-blindness and unity: “In too many communities, people of color are left behind and are seen as objects of fear.” As for police militarization . . .
The President called for a bi-partisan review of federal programs that give police military equipment, mentioning radios and Hazmat suits (but not fully-automatic rifles or MRAPs). The President said that the line between police and military should not be blurred. So there.
In his last answer, Obama said “I have to be very careful about not pre-judging these events . . . It’s hard for me to address a specific case beyond making sure that it’s conducted in a way . . . that ends up with a fair and just outcome.” He went on to say “There are young black man who commit crime . . . If they commit a crime they need to be prosecuted for public safety.” But the president warned against “disparities in treatment” in the criminal justice system.