Ferguson and the Founders' goal

The confrontation between Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson and Michael Brown that left Brown shot to death and Wilson facing possible criminal indictment has all the makings of a modern American tragedy.

A black teenager from a neighborhood distrusting of the police is shot to death by a white officer who is on alert for trouble in a rough part of town.

Ferguson became ground-zero for what President Obama called 'a deep distrust' that exists between law enforcement and communities of color in 'too many parts of this country.' Outsiders descended on Ferguson, anxious for a platform to air their own grievances, real and manufactured.

America joins in by choosing sides. Brown is seen as either a victim or a thug. Wilson is viewed as an officer exercising appropriate force or a murderer. It's difficult to find common ground when emotions are running white-hot.

There is well-meaning talk about having a dialog about the issues that contributed to the tragedy. You hear the word 'healing' a lot, and there's some hope. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Gov. Jay Nixon has appointed a special commission 'which will be charged with investigating the underlying causes of Michael Brown's death. The commission has strong voices, some of whom have been leaders in the protests since Aug. 9. That's measurable progress.'

The split screen Monday night showing President Obama appealing for calm while the rioting was getting underway was unfortunate. He had the right message, that we are a nation of laws. 'We need to accept that this decision was the grand jury's to make,' the President said.

'There are Americans who agree with it, and there are Americans who are deeply upset, even angry,' continued Obama. 'It's an understandable reaction. But I join Michael's parents in asking anyone who protests this decision to do so peacefully.'

No words, not even from Brown's parents and the President of the United States, could deter the hooligans who burned and looted. There is no justification-none-for smashing windows, setting fires and stealing. Ferguson needs reconciliation, not riots.

We have a tendency in this country to highlight, and even dramatize our imperfections. As a free and open society, we put our struggles and failures on full display.

That's often painful, but it can be instructive, if we keep our aim on forming 'a more perfect union.' Perhaps even a tragedy like Ferguson can somehow be turned into progress toward the Founders' goal.