Van Jones: Charles Barkley’s Comments Were ‘Inflammatory,’ ‘Irresponsible’ and ‘Dangerous’

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

http://www.theroot.com/articles/culture/2014/12/van_jones_charles_barkley_s_comments_were_inflammatory_irresponsible_and.html

Civil rights activist Van Jones blasted former NBA star Charles Barkley on CNN Tuesday night for comments he made regarding the Ferguson, Mo., grand jury decision, including the statement that black communities would be the “wild, Wild West” without cops.

“The true story came out from the grand jury testimony,” Barkley said. “We have to be really careful with the cops, man, because if it wasn’t for the cops, we would be living in the wild, Wild West in our neighborhoods,” he continued. “We can’t pick out certain incidentals that don’t go our way and act like the cops are all bad.”

However, Jones, who co-founded ColorOfChange.org, was having none of that. “Barkley really went far beyond just saying that he agreed or disagreed with that actual grand jury,” Jones told Don Lemon. “He said a lot of things that I just thought were really inflammatory, and I think the worst of it was his contention that somehow African Americans who were concerned about this case are just somehow anti-cop. That is very dangerous.

“I think African Americans want better policing, not no policing. I think African Americans shouldn’t have to choose between no policing or street violence, or police violence or no policing,” he continued. “Why can’t we have a conversation about improving policing so that our community can do better? I thought him going after African Americans who were concerned about this, as if we have no standing at all, was very, very irresponsible.”

[Teddy B 17,251]

It amazes me how anyone, no matter their color, gets vilified for siding with law enforcement. It all kinda boils down to "not being black enough", doesn't it? It's like B_J said, there can be no discussion regarding race relations until people approach the issue with complete honesty.

Every time one of these incidents happens, it makes the divide between the races wider and I find myself caring less and less about wanting to improve anything.

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

It amazes me how anyone, no matter their color, gets vilified for siding with law enforcement. It all kinda boils down to "not being black enough", doesn't it? It's like B_J said, there can be no discussion regarding race relations until people approach the issue with complete honesty.

Every time one of these incidents happens, it makes the divide between the races wider and I find myself caring less and less about wanting to improve anything.

Somewhat.

If I had to have an issue with any of this, I'd say why are we talking to Charles Barkley? Why don't you go to Ferguson and talk to folks who are living there? Dealing with the cops on a daily basis, seeing how they interact with the people? I have no ill will against them, and I've had my fair share of douche bags in my days. But I know they're trying to do a job. And it's like any other job with complaints, if something isn't working properly, you get it fixed. Because getting shot for reaching for a wallet isn't acceptable. Being shot 7 times, then handcuffed and left to bleed out in the street isn't acceptable. Being shot for smoking in your own driveway isn't acceptable Being choked to death and the EMT doesn't even try to revive you isn't acceptable. You've got good cops and bad cops, just like people. But being black shouldn't mean I have to have the benefit of the doubt flat out removed because some criminal and I share the same skin gene.

If the conversation is going to be had, these things are just as important as the crime rate.

[Teddy B 17,251]

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Edited December 3, 2014 by Teddy B

[spookyturtle 9,465]

It amazes me how anyone, no matter their color, gets vilified for siding with law enforcement. It all kinda boils down to "not being black enough", doesn't it? It's like B_J said, there can be no discussion regarding race relations until people approach the issue with complete honesty.

Every time one of these incidents happens, it makes the divide between the races wider and I find myself caring less and less about wanting to improve anything.

And buring the town doesn't do much for the cause either. Even more so since it's been done twice.

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

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I'm going to need for you to put words in your responses.

[Karee 4,189]

Every time one of these incidents happens, it makes the divide between the races wider and I find myself caring less and less about wanting to improve anything.

Yep same here. It's a bunch of feigned outrage over nothing. Charles Barkley nailed it and hit it out of the park.

[lostinblue 1,989]

Yep same here. It's a bunch of feigned outrage over nothing. Charles Barkley nailed it and hit it out of the park.

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

Yep same here. It's a bunch of feigned outrage over nothing. Charles Barkley nailed it and hit it out of the park.

Actually he didn't , but you're entitled to your opinion

[LibCampFireClub 635]

Yep same here. It's a bunch of feigned outrage over nothing. Charles Barkley nailed it and hit it out of the park.

[Karee 4,189]

Actually he didn't , but you're entitled to your opinion

I can understand why some black folks don't like what he said. He talks about personal responsibility and there being consequences for your actions. That goes against everything these race hustlers stand for. They believe in no personal responsibility and blaming race for everything that doesn't go you way.

I hope more people like Barkley speak out. Then maybe we can move forward on this issue.

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

I can understand why some black folks don't like what he said. He talks about personal responsibility and there being consequences for your actions. That goes against everything these race hustlers stand for. They believe in no personal responsibility and blaming race for everything that doesn't go you way.

I hope more people like Barkley speak out. Then maybe we can move forward on this issue.

No, you hope more people blame black people.

It's amazing that when it comes to race, we look towards Charles Barkley or any black person who blames a black person for their problems. Don't mind that a black kid gets killed playing with a toy gun, that's his fault. But a serial shooter can shoot kill folks and be taken into custody with no problems, if you're white. Talking on the phone in Wal-mart with a toy gun will get you killed as a black man, but walking down the street with a real one strapped to your body, no worries, if you're white.

[Karee 4,189]

No, you hope more people blame black people.

Don't put f*cking words in my mouth. I never said any such thing.

It's amazing that when it comes to race, we look towards Charles Barkley or any black person who blames a black person for their problems. Don't mind that a black kid gets killed playing with a toy gun, that's his fault. But a serial shooter can shoot kill folks and be taken into custody with no problems, if you're white. Talking on the phone in Wal-mart with a toy gun will get you killed as a black man, but walking down the street with a real one strapped to your body, no worries, if you're white.

It's not about blame. It's about accepting responsibility for your your actions. Try to assault a cop and take is gun? If you end up dead, that's on you.

Did the serial shooter fire at the police? Did he try take their weapon?

About 12:45 am, police apprehended Holmes^[7] behind the cinema, next to his car, without resistance. He was initially mistaken as another police officer because of the tactical clothing he was wearing

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_Aurora_shooting

You can bet if he would've swung around and pointed any of those weapons at the cops, he'd be as dead Micheal Brown, as he should be.

Based on your posts here, ALL you see is race. You are unable or unwilling to look at facts.

[LibCampFireClub 635]

Don't put f*cking words in my mouth. I never said any such thing.

It's not about blame. It's about accepting responsibility for your your actions. Try to assault a cop and take is gun? If you end up dead, that's on you.

Did the serial shooter fire at the police? Did he try take their weapon?

You can bet if he would've swung around and pointed any of those weapons at the cops, he'd be as dead Micheal Brown, as he should be.

Based on your posts here, ALL you see is race. You are unable or unwilling to look at facts.

You absolutely nailed it.

[decocker 7,198]

It amazes me how anyone, no matter their color, gets vilified for siding with law enforcement. It all kinda boils down to "not being black enough", doesn't it? It's like B_J said, there can be no discussion regarding race relations until people approach the issue with complete honesty.

Every time one of these incidents happens, it makes the divide between the races wider and I find myself caring less and less about wanting to improve anything.

i personally don't think it's about being black enough. i think when it comes to someone like charles barkley, who is famous and wealthy, folks disconnect from what he has to say because his personal reality is not the same as the people he's directing his comments to.

everybody knows that if you have money, more often than not, you can get out of trouble if you happen to find yourself in some. so people hear charles barkley go on about personal responsibility or whatever - well personal responsibility is quite different for someone who is poor and stuck in life.

Edited December 4, 2014 by val erie