An Urgent Letter to Hillary Clinton: Tell America Your Views on Darren Wilson, Race and Ferguson.

You're a liberal. With all due respect, please act like one. Liberals take a stand on social causes during a crisis, not long after a crisis has subsided and emotions have softened. Liberals alienate people with their views on race and justice, and when needed, even anger some people within their ranks as well.
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Dear Mrs. Hillary Clinton,

America needs your true sentiments, emotions, and thoughts pertaining to one of the most polarizing and controversial issues of this generation.

Your words are needed now, not 19 days from now, which was the length of time it took you to make a statement on Michael Brown's death and the Ferguson protests in August. Respected Morehouse College professor and CNN commentator Marc Lamont Hill shared his view of this overdue commentary, as did Al Sharpton and other leaders in the African-American community.

This is just my opinion and I don't speak on behalf of anyone else, but for a community that consistently votes over 90% Democrat during presidential elections, the least you owe these Americans is honest, timely, and genuine commentary on issues affecting blacks across the country.

Loyalty should be a two-way street.

I am not African-American, but I see that Ferguson is an open wound in the hearts of millions in the U.S., and your voice could help heal this grief.

Furthermore, Ferguson and the rest of America in 2014 should be at a different place than it is today. According to the Wall Street Journal, blacks face longer prison sentences in our country than whites for the same crimes. According to the NAACP, race is a huge factor in American justice:

African Americans now constitute nearly 1 million of the total 2.3 million incarcerated population

African Americans are incarcerated at nearly six times the rate of whites

Together, African American and Hispanics comprised 58% of all prisoners in 2008, even though African Americans and Hispanics make up approximately one quarter of the US population

According to Unlocking America, if African American and Hispanics were incarcerated at the same rates of whites, today's prison and jail populations would decline by approximately 50%

One in six black men had been incarcerated as of 2001. If current trends continue, one in three black males born today can expect to spend time in prison during his lifetime

1 in 100 African American women are in prison

Nationwide, African-Americans represent 26% of juvenile arrests, 44% of youth who are detained, 46% of the youth who are judicially waived to criminal court, and 58% of the youth admitted to state prisons (Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice).

Combine these numbers with the fact that 27% of African-Americans live in poverty, in addition to the startling figure of 39% of black children in America living in poverty as well. Our nation needs some important discussion, especially from a leader in the Democratic Party, on how poverty, crime, and other social disparities correlate to the events of Ferguson.

Therefore, what are your thoughts?

What are your thoughts, Mrs. Clinton, on the violence and riots in Ferguson? How do you think statistics highlighting racial disparities correlate to Darren Wilson's acquittal?

Most importantly, do you think Darren Wilson's acquittal exemplifies justice in America? Do you think the NAACP's statistics play a factor in Wilson's acquittal?

Sincerity is a rare commodity in this day and age; an era where words are calibrated to the precision of a Swiss watch, and sentiments are the product of carefully planned statements and not genuine emotion.

What is in your heart, Mrs. Clinton? What does your heart say about Ferguson, the riots, the flames, the ruined businesses, and the racial issues surrounding Michael Brown's death, and Darren Wilson's actions on that fateful day?

Please take a bold stance, one way or the other, or simply take any stance at all, before 19 days.

Your heart and compassion is required during this pivotal moment in our nation's history. Your words, during this upheaval and not after the flames have cooled down, could perhaps heal a great deal of pain and sadness within the hearts of all Americans.

Your presence in American politics is of global significance, especially since you could eventually become the first female president of the United States of America.

We could all use the voice of a women who has accomplished great things and serves as an inspiration to men and women across the country and throughout the world.

Millions of Americans love you and respect what you have accomplished as First Lady, New York Senator, and Secretary of State. This affection is tied to a great amount of loyalty, and if so many people are loyal to you, I'd say this devotion should be reciprocated in the form of honest dialogue about Ferguson as soon as possible.

Sadly, an American city is today engulfed in flames. A grieving family has been denied a chance at justice and the opportunity to solve the mystery of their teenage son's death. Our great nation is debating the acquittal of a police officer who shot an unarmed citizen.

While Rand Paul has already visited Ferguson, you have not, and may I humbly suggest you visit sooner, rather than later. Visit when this American town unfortunately is still hot from flames and anger, not when things subside. This alone will show infinitely more caring and respect to the emotions of its citizens than a message three weeks from now.

Must I have to look toward a Republican who address issues of criminal justice, racial disparities in Ferguson and militarized police, when the front-runner for the Democratic nomination distances herself from the madness in Missouri?

What emotions do you feel pertaining to the horror taking place today in Ferguson?

Be specific, discuss the NAACP statistics, and be willing to have both liberals and conservatives critique your position on Darren Wilson's acquittal.

Sure, you might alienate some swing voters, or anger some people, or feed into the right wing hysteria that you and President Clinton have had to ensure for decades, but honesty and a bold position will speak volumes.

You're a liberal. With all due respect, please act like one. Liberals take a stand on social causes during a crisis, not long after a crisis has subsided and emotions have softened. Liberals alienate people with their views on race and justice, and when needed, even anger some people within their ranks as well.

I wish you the best in 2016, even though I might be voting for someone else. Please don't let others courageously address controversial topics that should be the concern of our Democratic nominee in 2016.

Your Twitter page doesn't say anything about Ferguson as of 11/25/2014, nor does your Facebook page. Your webpage goes to a contact form. Let's hope on at least one of those social media outlets, a heartfelt statement about Ferguson will soon be seen by all Americans, especially people grieving from the pain and anguish of this tragedy.

Hopefully, your statement will take a stand or a bold position, instead of a tepid and lukewarm sentiment that appeases all sides. "We can do better" than that kind of response to something so important.

A statement on Ferguson, before 19 days, would be greatly appreciated by millions of Americans who could use your voice and compassion in a time of turbulence and heartache.

We need your global voice, leadership, heart, courage and viewpoint regarding the tragedy taking place at this moment in Ferguson. Others have already voiced their views, now it is your turn.

This message is from an American citizen; not a liberal, conservative, libertarian, or independent, just an American interested in your thoughts on Ferguson.

Sincerely,

An American longing to hear your viewpoint during the crisis, not when it's politically safe to express a viewpoint.

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