Vehicles for reparations

Raleigh (NC) News and Observer ^ | May 27, 2002 | William Raspberry

[lepton]

Just exactly how many slaves did the U.S. Government own?

That depends on how you define "U.S. Government." Some military units had slaves which were associated with the posts, not with individual owners.

[Destructor]

"My ancestors from the first African to land in SC all the way to my parents got a raw deal but I don't want reparations. Money can't repay their hardtimes and it would further ruin race relations in this country. Knowing my co-workers I'm pretty sure they'd resent knowing that I got a $2000 check from their taxes. Reparations is a really bad idea. It will push the races apart in a time when being American should be the most important thing."

Your point of view is refreshing. Let me offer you mine. I had one ancestor (a wealthy German immigrant) that owned a cotton plantation and slaves. The rest of my ancestors were poor farmers that owned no slaves. The Civil War divided my family almost down the middle. A little over half fought for the South to defend their homeland. The rest fought for the North, because Slavery was against their convictions as Christians.

The point being that not all Southern Whites owned slaves and profited from Slavery. Most of the men that fought for the South did so out of patriotism, and a sense of duty to their own State of residence. Whether they wore blue, or gray they were all heroic for defending their homeland.

I agree with you that the over-riding concern should be that race relations remain in tact. If the Reparations movement ever succeeds it will be a huge setback to race relations in the United States. It could be anywhere from a 40 to 60 year setback.

[Republicus2001]

One problem with his proposal would involve choosing which foundations

why not the Rainbow foundation?

[Republicus2001]

Helter Skelter

[rmmcdaniell]

I propose that we at least consider the case. Work to define the argument and frame the debate so IF this subject gains traction with the citizens as a worthy cause, at least we will not be crushed. But, more likely, the liberals will be crushed in the end.

Frankly, I strongly believe that if Reparations were paid, there is a real possibility that it would destroy the genuinely racist liberal coalition and eventually the black voting block that exists today.

NO NO NO NO NO NO. Why would you want Republicans to consider this issue at all? This is wrong and we should have the guts to oppose this no matter what names we are called. If the Republican party doesn't oppose this why even have our own party. There would truely be no diference between us and the Rats!! Paying reperation would only emolden the left to destroy more of whats left of this country.

[There's millions of'em]

"Why would you want Republicans to consider this issue at all? ."

Because I believe the outcome (if paid directly to individuals, NOT entities) would weaken the liberals for a long time.

[mafree]

Thanks for the ping.

Raspberry's proposal would never fly with the reparations crowd.