William Murchison: “The case of Ferguson is unquestionably tragic. Shall I note another tragic element? The collapse of the black family, as foretold by Pat Moynihan half a century ago: mothers and babies left to fend for themselves by fathers not overburdened with moral sensibilities, but largely deprived of the pride and the self-restraint historically taught in the family structure. A possible counter-move on society’s part? The revival of moral and religious witness in society at large: the deliberate affirmation – in schools, at home, in entertainment, everywhere – of moral truth as a social good to be grasped and held tight to young chests, for embedding in the heart. But, no; white liberals grow nervous at the notion of exalting universal norms over the intuitions of individuals whose free choice in lifestyles must be affirmed. Until they end up on Action Central News. ‘Rioters protesting a grand jury action attacked police cars and burned and looted stores in the neighborhood where a white policeman, contending his life was in danger, shot and killed a black teenage gunman.’ A good conversational starter, you might say – if we ever decided truly to converse.”