And since people on both sides seemed to have decided the case before the testimony was heard , the verdict was bound to be disturbing no matter how it tilted . NEW : ` ` A race problem in America is sadly alive and well , '' radio host Ben Ferguson says . The racial factor propelled it into a national tragedy . Without the race issue , it would have been merely a local tragedy . Despite the frustration on one side of the verdict , Ferguson approved of the judge 's decision .
NEW : ` ` A race problem in America is sadly alive and well , '' radio host Ben Ferguson says . The racial factor propelled it into a national tragedy . Without the race issue , it would have been merely a local tragedy . Despite the frustration on one side of the verdict , Ferguson approved of the judge 's decision .