Governor Jay Nixon Has No Choice....

Here's some breaking news, Governor Jay Nixon of Missouri has declared a state of emergency. An hour ago he told the press, "People need to feel safe and to achieve those goals, we need to be prepared." But is this the real reason behind his actions?

From a Homeland Security perspective, Mr. Nixon has no choice but to do this and the people's safety is just ONE of the many reasons why. You see, if Mr. Nixon doesn't act quick enough when it comes to preparation for the highly publicized verdict (should the grand jury decide not to criminally charge Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown), then he can be criticized for NOT handling things smoothly and with safety as a priority. The state can be civilly liable too.

ABC News reported that an FBI bulletin sent to police forces across the United States warned that the grand jury's decision "will likely" lead to some violence. An FBI spokesman declined to comment on the report. Schools are also on alert. The state of emergency status is to free up resources and funds to prepare for the worst while hoping for the best. While I am sitting here writing this, the news commentators are stating that violence is going to happen either way, which is almost feeding on the energy of what is happening in Missouri right now. Some people are even stating the added resources via Nixon's decision to call a state of emergency are wasteful.

Again, from a Homeland Security perspective- the Governor has no choice but to be prepared and to help protect everyone within the city. People's emotions can get heated and that blocks their decision making. I know that regardless of what the verdict is, people are going to be upset and given the incidents over the summer- violence is a very real possibility. So no, I don't agree with people stating this is over-zealous or a waste of resources. I believe it is better to be over prepared and not have to take action vs. not being prepared and having civilians take a bad situation and make it worse- causing the loss of life.

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett