C.D. - Eric Garner and the Sense of Urgency for Respect, Reflection & Readiness

On Wednesday, the Grand Jury in Staten Island, NY, ruled not to indict the NYC policeman, involved in the death of Eric Garner, presumably by a chokehold. 

Right after the grand jury decision for Ferguson Officer Wilson, the decision came as a shock, as this scenario wa captured live on film. 

As expected, the reaction was swift and scathing, many seeing this as another indication on how black males aer targeted and harassed by law enforcement and legal system.

Comments came from the president of the U.S. and the Mayor of New York, raising concerns of breaches and distrust between the black community and law enforcement. 

The comments of Charles Barkley, regarding the riots in Ferguson, should be considered in overviewing black community issues. 

Of course, there are those who argue that the results would be different, had Michael Brown or Eric Garner been white. 

But the question that we need to tackle, especially black men, what posthumous lessons have Michael Brown and Eric Garner taught us?

Are black men too sensitive or confrontative with police, especially if they’re white?

Can the same be said about white police officers when dealing with black men? 

What do we teach or men-children and men, about personal security in general?

Have we become too lax and complacent?

Some say that this is a verification of the War on Black Men – Maybe yes, maybe no, but either way, it’s high time that we NOT CONTINUE TO ASSIST IN WAGING IT