Posted on 02/18/2018 10:05:55 AM PST by boycott
NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley has never been shy about discussing social issues or concerns within the black community.
And during an interview with ESPN, Barkley talked about efforts he is making to improve life for some in the black community.
The comments came on the heels of opinions shared by NBA superstars LeBron James and Kevin Durant.
James said that Trump "doesn't give a f--- about the people" while Durant said, "And I feel like our team, as a country, is not run by a great coach."
Barkley also chimed in on Trump in the ESPN interview.
"I'm not a fan of the president," he said. "I don't talk bad about the president because he is the president of the United States. But I'm not a fan. I think he's divisive. I think he's very divisive."
Barkley commended another NBA Hall of Famer, David Robinson, as well as James for their efforts in the black community.
Then Barkley discussed his own ideas Friday on First Take in the interview with ESPN's Stephen A. Smith.
"I'm working on a new initiative in Alabama - you know, Stephen A., I don't know any black plumbers, any black electricians, any black car mechanics," Barkley said. "So I'm going back to Alabama over the summer and I'm going to partner with a vocational school to get more black plumbers, electricians."
(Excerpt) Read more at al.com ...
I certainly don't agree with much these guys say but they're leaders in the black community. They're looked up to by black youths. I also believe LeBron is a pretty good family man. I don't know a lot about Durant but I've got no problems hearing his views on helping the black community.
All three men are critical of Trump but that shouldn't matter. We should try to work together in areas where we agree.
I'll add that I don't believe it should be limited to just blacks but, if these three guys were participants, I believe it would would make more of a positive difference.
If Trump extended the offer, they would look bad rejecting his offer. Yeah, I know something like this could politically backfire but Trump seems to manage those things pretty well.
You do realize if Trump (or Forbes etc.) would plan to bring more white workers to wherever - it’s PURE RACISM & COLONIALISM.
Is Charles still picking up hookers on the streets these days?
The federal government should not be involved in training plumbers of any color.
Great, now we’ll get to see more black butt cracks.
At least he’s going the right direction, even if he’s just PO’d at Trump.
Whatever it takes.
A birdbrain like Kaepernick has millions that he could use to set up foundations to provide investment in trade schools, small scale loans and venture capital and direct investment in facilities to enable small businesses run by black people. Of course, once they do, they have to explain why a similar initiative for poor whites would not be considered discriminatory...but we’ll leave them to figure that one out on their own.
if they do a good job who cares
We do offer grants and loans for students to study urban development, African studies, Black History for 4 to 9 years at a much higher cost at major universities. Why not encourage and support trades where people can get real jobs?
if they do a good job who cares
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It helps if they have experience and training in the field.
Like it or not, blacks are here to stay. May as well try to find common ground where we can work toward the common good.
I don’t know what to do.
I already have zero interest or knowledge of the NBA. I can’t ignore it anymore than I do already.
I am with you on that. But I like the idea of steering more into areas of where they can have success to provide for their families.
No one cares what color they are. Can they do the job? Why are black people fixated on skin color?
Blacks used to dominate the masonry labor market with many blacks owing their own business and employing other blacks. Then the illegal aliens moved in and cheap contractors hired them for cash under the table, often at far lower wages than the black masons were priced out of the market.
there are vocational programs at schools all over Alabama. There is nothing stopping them from taking advantage of the opportunities.
The point is that if we can steer black youths into having a real career, there is a greater chance they can provide for their families. If they do that, there’s a greater chance of them being tax paying citizens, good members of the community, and not committing crimes.
there are vocational programs at schools all over Alabama. There is nothing stopping them from taking advantage of the opportunities.
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Yeah, but I see nothing wrong with black leaders wanting to steer young people in that direction. I don’t believe I suggested anything other than that.
They will never give up being victims. It's what allows them to not hold themselves accountable.
"I'm not a fan of the president," he said. "I don't talk bad about the president because he is the president of the United States. But I'm not a fan. I think he's divisive. I think he's very divisive."
"I don't talk bad about the president..." and then he proceeds to talk bad about the president.
Sounds like a good cause for you. Let me know how that works out...
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