US President Barack Obama faces an administrative dilemma in the aftermath of the racially charged tension that gripped the town of Ferguson, following the shooting of African-American teenager Michael Brown by a white police officer.
The president must invest wisely in his powers, with the responsibility that his profile assigns him.
He mustn’t, however, be seen to be playing rounds of golf while the country looks on sceptically. Such actions send out distorted messages to Americans.
Certain sections of America may have unrealistic expectations from the president, in the aftermath of the tragedy in Ferguson, but it is important for Obama not to be rhetorically reckless — as he has been before in incidents that involve the burning question of race.
Obama has ordered a fair and thorough investigation. He has offered his condolences, called for calm and decried the violence. Given the information void that currently emanates from Ferguson, he simply cannot blatantly wave an undefinable African-American agenda.
What Obama must do, however, is bridge the racial divide that still splits America. By employing the effective tool of affirmative action to redress the injustices caused against people of colour and women, he can work towards establishing a level playing field for all. The story of Ferguson could afford Obama a great opportunity to be the president every American wants him to be.