NBA Analyst Charles Barkley is extremely opinionated. Barkley pulls no punches in conversation, even in sensitive areas regarding race relations in the United States. Following the Grand Jury ruling in Ferguson, Barkley is once again upsetting people as he opines.
In a recent interview, the Hall of Famer stated that he agreed with the grand jury’s decision not to prosecute officer Darren Wilson.
Barkley has some valid points. There are some that are taking advantage of the protests for personal gain. And after living through the 92 riots in LA, I’ve never understood the point in destroying the neighborhood you have to live in. Self reflection is always a good thing, looking at what we as a culture – American, not just black – can do to improve.
But, there are larger issues in Ferguson and as a nation. The unbalanced ratio of white cops in a largely black community, the lack of training for officers being provided with weapons of war, and why unarmed black men are dying at the hands of police. Due process is a right to the innocent and guilty.