Libertarian, Liberal Lawmakers Share Concerns About Police Tactics in Ferguson
As many Americans turned to Twitter TWTR +2.67% to follow the chaos unfolding in Ferguson, Mo., some members of Congress — currently on August recess — tiptoed onto social media to weigh in as well.
The reactions came from across the political spectrum, with many calling for peaceful protests but also expressing serious concerns over the tactics used by police. The confrontations between police and protesters came after the weekend shooting of unarmed teenager Michael Brown.
Rep. Justin Amash (R., Mich.), a conservative with libertarian leanings, was one of the first to tweet, calling the reports from Ferguson “frightening” and asking “Is this a war zone or a US city?” He said the government was escalating tensions with use of military equipment and tactics.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.) tweeted: “This is America, not a war zone. The people of #Ferguson just want answers. We all want answers.”
Sen. Cory Booker (D., N.J.), an avid user of social media, tweeted a photo of people holding a sign that read, “Peaceful protest is a right.”
Missouri Sens. Roy Blunt (R.) and Claire McCaskill (D.) also used Twitter to assure constituents they were working to resolve the situation. Mr. Blunt said he was “staying in contact w/ local, state & federal officials & urge everyone to please be safe in #Ferguson,” while Ms. McCaskill saying she was “continuing to work the phones to de escalate the tense and unacceptable situation in Ferguson.”
https://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2014/08/14/conservative-liberal-lawmakers-share-concerns-about-police-tactics-in-ferguson/?mod=WSJ_hpp_sections_news
